RFID Tag Position Estimation via Multi-Point Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless tag communication devices struggle to efficiently locate RFID tags, particularly for operators unfamiliar with the operation, as they only provide direction estimates without specifying the tag's position.
Innovation Solution
A wireless tag communication device equipped with a communication unit, position detection sensor, memory, and processor that estimates the RFID tag's position by storing and analyzing reading results obtained at multiple positions, allowing for the display of a guidance screen indicating the estimated position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the wireless tag communication device only reports the direction in which the RFID tag exists, then the device complexity is reduced, but the search efficiency and positioning accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional direction reporting to two-dimensional position estimation by utilizing multiple antennas and signal processing techniques. The system estimates the RFID tag's position coordinates (x, y) based on signal strength differences across multiple antennas, enabling precise location display on the guidance screen rather than merely indicating direction.
2Device complexity
If the operator manually changes the antenna position and orientation to locate the RFID tag, then the device complexity is reduced, but the search time and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the wireless tag communication device automatically estimates and displays the RFID tag's position without requiring manual antenna adjustment. The system autonomously processes signals from multiple antennas, calculates position coordinates, and presents guidance information on the display, freeing the operator from manual positioning tasks.
3Ease of operation
If the wireless tag communication device provides only directional guidance, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the measurement precision of tag position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the device's functionality by enabling it to perform both direction indication and precise position measurement simultaneously. The multiple antennas serve dual purposes: they detect signal strength for directionality while also providing spatial information for position calculation, allowing the system to deliver comprehensive location data without additional hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a wireless tag communication device and a wireless tag communication method capable of specifying a location where an RFID tag exists. According to one embodiment, a wireless tag communication device includes a communication device, a position detection sensor, a memory, and a processor. The communication device communicates with a wireless tag that is a target. The position detection sensor detects information indicating a self position of the wireless tag communication device. The memory stores the self position, which is specified based on detection information from the position detection sensor, in association with a reading result obtained by reading the wireless tag by the communication device. The processor estimates a position of the wireless tag when three or more consecutive reading results of the wireless tag at a predetermined interval are obtained, the three or more consecutive reading results of the wireless tag being stored in the memory.