RFID Tag Localization System for Indoor Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing localization systems in mobile office environments face challenges such as high setup and maintenance costs, and the inability to function accurately indoors due to low GPS signal strength, making them unsuitable for building-based applications.

Innovation Solution

A flexible localization system utilizing mobile position data transmitters with position detection devices and radio tags, such as RFID, for wireless transmission and storage of position data, allowing for high accuracy and easy expansion with minimal effort, and incorporating encryption for data security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS-based localization system is used, then localization precision is improved, but usability indoors deteriorates due to low signal strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalization precisionVSAvoidusability indoors
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the localization system into multiple independent components: GPS receivers for outdoor positioning, cameras for visual landmark recognition, and radio tags distributed throughout the building. Each component operates independently in its optimal environment, with the radio tag system specifically addressing indoor localization where GPS fails.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces radio tags as intermediary objects distributed throughout the building interior. These tags serve as mediators between the mobile device and the indoor environment, enabling localization without direct GPS signal access. The tags store position information that can be retrieved by mobile devices passing nearby.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional localization systems are deployed, then localization functionality is achieved, but setup and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalization functionalityVSAvoidsetup and maintenance costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive radio tags that can be produced at low cost and distributed widely throughout the building. These tags are simple devices with minimal maintenance requirements, replacing expensive traditional localization infrastructure. The tags can be easily replaced or repositioned if needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service localization where mobile devices autonomously determine their position by reading radio tags without requiring manual configuration or complex setup. The tags automatically store and provide position information, eliminating the need for expensive centralized localization servers or complex infrastructure management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If radio tags are sparsely distributed, then system complexity is reduced, but localization accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidlocalization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent allows flexible adjustment of radio tag distribution density based on specific application requirements. Tags can be spaced farther apart in low-accuracy applications, reducing system complexity and cost. In high-accuracy requirements, tags can be distributed more densely. The system adapts to different parameter settings without fundamental redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The system provides accurate and cost-effective localization with minimal setup effort, enabling both two-dimensional and three-dimensional positioning, and is fault-tolerant with dense radio tag distribution, ensuring reliable position determination even in complex environments.

Implementation Method 1

The position can be detected here, for example, by entering a room or desk number on the position detection device, or in a radio-based manner, for example by means of mobile communications, GPS, wireless LAN or Bluetooth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGPS signal detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The mobile position data transmitter also has a radio tag writing device for wireless transmission of the derived position data with a write signal for writing radio tags

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID wireless transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The localization system also has a radio tag reading device for retrieving and outputting the localization information stored by at least one radio tag located in the retrieval range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID signal retrieval: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP1886527B1Localization system and localization method and mobile position data transmitter
Publication Date: 2011.03.30 UNIFY GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1886527B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1886527B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4C
  • EP1886527B1 patent drawingFigure 4D~5

AI summary

The localization system according to the invention has a mobile position data transmitter (PS) having a position-detecting device (PD) for detecting a position of the position data transmitter (PS) and for deriving position data (POSD) from the position detected. The position data transmitter (PS) also has a radio tag writing device (RW) for wirelessly emitting the derived position data (PSOD) with a write signal for writing to radio tags (RFID). The localization system also has radio tags (RFID) which are to be spatially distributed and each have a memory (MEM) for storing an item of localization information (LI) which is taken from the position data (POSD) received with the write signal. A radio tag reading device (RR) is used to retrieve and output the stored read information (LI) from the radio tags (RFID) that are situated in the retrieval range.