Roving Agent Passive RFID Tracking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking systems for non-bulk resources and components in large, unpredictable scenarios face challenges due to the inefficiency and inaccuracy of traditional manual methods and the limitations of both passive and active RFID technologies, including short communication ranges and high costs, which hinder precise and real-time location determination.
Innovation Solution
A passive tracking system utilizing battery-less RFID tags and a roving agent equipped with a GPS and RFID transmitter/receiver, employing pseudo-range free localization algorithms and machine learning to accurately determine the location of moved items by analyzing signal strength and positional data, ensuring accurate tracking within short communication ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If passive RFID tags are used for tracking, then cost is reduced and interoperability is improved, but communication range is limited to short distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a roving agent as an intermediary device that actively moves through the environment to bring the RFID reader into proximity with passive tags. This mediator enables long-range tracking by sequentially approaching multiple tags rather than requiring all tags to be within simultaneous range of a stationary reader.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static RFID readers to a dynamic roving agent that moves through the environment. This dynamic approach allows the reader to sequentially access tags across large areas, effectively extending the system's operational range beyond the limited communication distance of passive tags.
2Length of stationary object
If active RFID tags are used for tracking, then communication range is extended, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The roving agent serves as an active intermediary that compensates for the short range of passive tags by physically moving to establish communication. This eliminates the need for expensive active tags while maintaining the ability to track items at extended ranges through sequential detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the roving agent's own movement and positioning capabilities to overcome the limitations of passive tags. Rather than requiring the tags themselves to have extended range capabilities, the system self-adjusts by bringing the reader to the tag.
3Device complexity
If manual tracking methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but time consumption and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking with an automated electronic system. The roving agent automatically navigates and detects tags using RFID technology, eliminating manual labor while keeping the overall system relatively simple through the use of off-the-shelf components and straightforward localization algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the collection of RFID signal strength measurements and GPS position data from the roving agent. This feedback is processed through localization algorithms that continuously update tag position estimates, enabling automated tracking without manual intervention.
4Measurement precision
If infrastructure-based tracking systems are deployed, then location accuracy is improved, but deployment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking functionality from fixed infrastructure and consolidates it into a mobile roving agent. This eliminates the need for deploying extensive networks of stationary readers, antennas, and associated infrastructure, while maintaining location accuracy through the agent's movement and pseudorange-free localization algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The roving agent serves multiple functions: it acts as an RFID reader, a GPS receiver, and a mobile computing platform all in one device. This multi-functionality replaces the need for specialized infrastructure components, simplifying the system while maintaining tracking capabilities.
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 precise, cost-effective, and real-time location updates of tagged items, reducing errors and costs, while being adaptable to dynamic environments without the need for infrastructure, ensuring efficient tracking and location accuracy even in challenging conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The passive RFID tags make use of the magnetic energy of the incoming signal from the receiver to power a signal back to the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an automated and mobile identification and localization system and method for tracking both the final (stationary) and intermediate (transient) location of non-bulk resources and components are disclosed.