RFID Tag Identification via Motion and Spatial Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Forklift-mounted and mobile RFID systems face difficulties in accurately determining which tagged items are loaded and which are not, due to extraneous tag reads that are difficult to filter out using current technology, leading to inaccuracies and the need for complex and expensive antenna schemes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of motion and spatial identification technology to determine if an RFID tag is part of a forklift load by using volume sensors to define a load space and motion sensors to detect the movement of the RFID reader and tags, allowing for accurate differentiation between loaded and extraneous tags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If software filtering based on pick lists and hysteresis is used to eliminate extraneous tag detection, then accuracy of load identification is improved, but system complexity and requirement for backend modifications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based filtering mechanisms with a physical sensor system that uses motion detection and spatial positioning to automatically distinguish loaded tags from extraneous tags. The sensor system detects motion of the forklift and load, and uses spatial relationships to determine which tags are actually on the load, eliminating the need for complex software filtering and backend modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces motion sensors and spatial identification technology as intermediary elements between the RFID reader and the tag identification process. These sensors act as mediators that provide additional information about the physical state and position of tags, enabling more accurate identification without requiring complex software processing or backend system changes.
2Measurement precision
If complex antenna schemes are used to restrict reading to tags within a well-defined load area, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex antenna schemes with a simpler RFID reader combined with motion and spatial sensors. Instead of using multiple antennas with specific radiation patterns to define the load area, the system uses sensors to detect the motion and spatial position of tags relative to the forklift, achieving the same goal of identifying loaded tags with a simpler hardware configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for tag identification from purely RFID signal characteristics to include motion parameters and spatial position parameters. By incorporating sensor data about the forklift's motion and the tag's position relative to the forklift, the system can accurately identify loaded tags without requiring complex antenna radiation patterns or spatial filtering.
3Reliability
If complex antenna schemes are used to define load space for reading, then reliability of load identification is improved, but manufacturing and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive and complex antenna systems with a more manufacturable and easier to install sensor-based solution. The system uses standard RFID readers combined with motion and spatial sensors that are simpler to manufacture and install than complex antenna schemes, while achieving the same reliability in load identification through sensor-based spatial and motion analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of using motion or spatial identification technology with a mobile RFID reader to detect whether an RFID tag is part of a forklift load or other ambulatory space such as a shopping cart receptacle, includes determining whether a tag is within a defined space and/or whether a tag is in motion relative to a mobile RFID reader. The system and method determines whether a particular RFID tag is part of a forklift load/space, has been added to or removed, is an extraneous tag, etc.