RFID Presence Sensor Network for Cost-Effective Area Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing presence detection methods, such as video monitoring, are costly and inefficient, especially in large areas, and may infringe on customer privacy, while traditional presence sensors are expensive and not easily deployable in all locations.
Innovation Solution
A presence sensor network utilizing RFID tags to detect presence by emitting a resonant frequency signal and determining which tags are occluded by people, allowing for cost-effective and widespread deployment, with data processed to generate presence displays and alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional presence sensors are used, then presence detection accuracy is improved, but deployment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring area into multiple zones with RFID tags distributed throughout, replacing a single complex sensor system with multiple simple tags. Each tag independently detects presence in its local zone, and the system aggregates these simple signals to achieve comprehensive presence detection across the entire area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive RFID tags instead of expensive traditional presence sensors. These simple tags can be deployed widely at low cost, and the system achieves reliable presence detection through the collective data from multiple affordable tags rather than relying on a few costly sensors.
2Area of stationary object
If video monitoring is deployed to cover large areas, then presence detection coverage is improved, but cost and privacy concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential presence detection function from complex video monitoring systems. Instead of using cameras that capture visual information and require processing, the system uses RFID tags that simply detect and transmit presence signals, removing the unnecessary complexity of video capture, storage, and analysis while maintaining presence detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical-mechanical video monitoring system with an electromagnetic field-based RFID detection system. RFID tags use electromagnetic fields to detect presence without requiring visual capture, eliminating the need for cameras, lenses, and complex image processing while providing automated presence detection.
3Reliability
If more presence sensors are deployed to cover all locations, then detection reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes RFID tags universal by using them for multiple purposes: presence detection, location tracking, and occupancy monitoring. The same simple tags that detect presence can also provide location information and track movement patterns, eliminating the need for separate specialized sensors for each function and reducing the total number of devices required.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective presence detection in various locations without the need for extensive video monitoring, providing alerts and presence data to users while respecting privacy, and allowing remote monitoring of areas.
Implementation Method 1
RFID tags can provide an inexpensive and effective presence sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for detecting presence using a presence sensor network. In some embodiments, a computer executing a presence service generates a user interface for display at a user device. The user interface can include a control that, when selected, generates room data defining a monitored location. The computer can obtain sensor identifier data that identifies a presence sensor located at the monitored location and a location of the presence sensor at the monitored location. The computer can provide the user interface to the user device to obtain the room data and obtain the room data. The computer also can store the room data and the sensor identifier data.