RFID Robotic Interface Alignment for Precise Pose Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robotic systems face challenges with costly and complex camera systems for alignment, especially in space applications, and are affected by lunar dust, while RFID systems are not optimally utilized for precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
A system using a plurality of directional RFID scanners and RFID tags arranged in a triangular configuration to define a plane, allowing for precise alignment of a robotic manipulator with an object by triangulation and signal intensity measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera systems are used for robotic alignment, then alignment capability is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical camera systems with electromagnetic RFID scanning systems. RFID scanners use electromagnetic fields to detect tagged targets, eliminating the need for complex optical components, lenses, and image processing hardware while achieving comparable or superior alignment precision through signal-based spatial triangulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses RFID tags that create electromagnetic signal patterns as substitutes for physical visual targets. The tags emit or reflect electromagnetic signals that scanners detect to determine spatial position, effectively creating an informational copy of the target's location without requiring physical visual markers or camera fields of view
2Measurement precision
If camera systems are used for robotic alignment, then alignment capability is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes power-intensive camera systems with low-power RFID scanning electronics. RFID scanners consume minimal power by using electromagnetic field detection rather than continuous illumination sources, sensor arrays, and real-time image processing required by camera systems, enabling extended operation in battery-powered robotic applications
3Ease of operation
If conventional RFID systems are used, then object identification is achieved, but alignment precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the RFID system into specialized components: multiple directional scanners positioned at different orientations and multiple tagged targets placed at known spatial locations. This segmentation enables triangulation by comparing signal strengths and arrival times across different scanner-target pairs, transforming a simple identification system into a precision spatial measurement system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-point RFID identification to three-dimensional spatial alignment by introducing directional scanners that measure signal characteristics from multiple angles. The system uses signal strength gradients and time-of-flight differences across multiple scanners to calculate precise three-dimensional positions, adding spatial dimensionality to traditional RFID functionality
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
Provides accurate and cost-effective alignment without the complexity of camera systems, overcoming noise and improving precision through increased sampling and signal differentiation.
Implementation Method 1
The alignment device includes a plurality of directional radio frequency identification (RFID) scanners. The plurality of RFID tags including at least three RFID tags spaced in a triangular configuration to define a plane. The plurality of RFID scanners read a return signal from the plurality of RFID tag to identify the plurality of RFID tag based on a unique returned RFID bit stream. The alignment device may measure an intensity of the return signal from the plurality of RFID tag.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a system and method for alignment of a robotic interface. The system includes an alignment device operable to connect to a robotic manipulator for moving the alignment device. The alignment device facilitates relative pose for positioning of the robotic manipulator with respect to an object. The alignment device includes a plurality of directional radio frequency identification (RFID) scanners. The object includes a target having a plurality of RFID tags including at least three RFID tags spaced in a triangular configuration to define a plane.