RFID Localization via Laser Scanner and Phase Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID systems face challenges in accurately identifying and localizing objects, especially in industrial environments, due to the large detection region of passive transponders, which leads to ambiguities and errors in object association, particularly when multiple transponders are present or objects are freely movable.
Innovation Solution
A combined system using a position determination device, such as a laser scanner, and an RFID reading device to simultaneously determine transponder positions and associate objects with transponders, employing phase measurements and probability grids for precise localization and identification, allowing for high positional accuracy even with multiple transponders on freely movable objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If passive transponders are used for RFID identification, then the unit price is low and mass market requirements are met, but the detection region is large which causes ambiguities in object localization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection technologies (RFID, laser scanner, camera) into a hybrid system. The RFID reader provides identification while laser scanners and cameras provide precise spatial localization, compensating for the large detection region of passive transponders without increasing their cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate detection devices (laser scanners, cameras) that act as mediators between the RFID transponders and the localization system. These intermediaries provide the precise spatial information that the RFID system alone cannot deliver, resolving the contradiction between using inexpensive transponders and achieving accurate localization.
2Quantity of substance
If the detection range of RFID antenna is increased to cover multiple objects, then more objects can be detected simultaneously, but the spatial resolution and localization accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection and localization functions across multiple devices. While the RFID antenna maintains its large detection range for detecting multiple objects, the localization function is segmented into multiple laser scanners and cameras that provide fine-grained spatial resolution for each detected object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to the detection system by incorporating laser scanners and cameras that provide three-dimensional positioning information. This allows the system to maintain a large detection volume while achieving high spatial resolution through multi-dimensional coordinate data from multiple sensors.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple transponders are present on a single object (e.g., packages on a pallet), then the identification capacity is increased, but it becomes impossible to determine which transponder belongs to which object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges identification data from RFID transponders with spatial position data from laser scanners and cameras. By combining these different information sources, the system can determine which transponder corresponds to which object based on their spatial relationships, even when multiple transponders are present on a single object.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the position determination device to resolve ambiguities in transponder-object association. The spatial position information feeds back into the identification process, allowing the system to correctly associate transponders with their corresponding objects based on location data.
4Adaptability or versatility
If objects are freely movable rather than on a conveyor belt, then the system flexibility is increased, but the localization precision and object-transponder association become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection system that can handle both conveyor belt applications and freely movable objects. The combination of RFID readers, laser scanners, and cameras provides multi-functional capability to track objects regardless of their movement pattern, maintaining precision in both constrained and unconstrained scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different object movement scenarios. For freely movable objects, the position determination device continuously tracks changing positions and trajectories, adjusting the localization calculations in real-time to maintain precision despite the lack of constrained movement paths.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables accurate identification and localization of objects with high spatial resolution, capable of handling multiple transponders on objects like pallets, and satisfies real-time demands in industrial environments, improving the precision and reliability of object tracking and association.
Implementation Method 1
a position determination device, such as a laser scanner
Implementation Method 2
employing phase measurements and probability grids for precise localization
Implementation Method 3
the transponder is excited to radiate the stored information by electromagnetic radiation of the reading device
Implementation Method 4
passive transponders are read out using the backscatter process
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (10) for identifying and localizing objects (22) is provided having a position determination device (14) for determining object positions and having an RFID reading device (12) for receiving an RFID signal from an RFID transponder (24) and for reading RFID information from the RFID signal. The apparatus (10) has an RFID localization device (18) for determining transponder positions with the aid of the RFID signal and has an association device (20) which is configured to associate objects (22) and RFID transponders (24) with one another with reference to the object positions and the transponder positions.