Sensorized Surface RFID Magnetic Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID-based object localization systems are imprecise and costly due to mutual interference and non-uniformity in signal measurement, requiring multiple antennas and sensitive systems, especially in confined or large spaces, and hybrid solutions struggle to accurately track multiple objects simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A sensorized surface with a grid of magnetic sensors and RFID antennas that uses RFID tags for identification and magnetic sensors for position detection, combined with control electronics for real-time data management and interpolation algorithms to accurately track multiple objects' positions and movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple RFID antennas are used for triangulation to improve position detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic sensors as an intermediary element between the RFID system and the object being tracked. Instead of relying solely on complex RFID antenna triangulation, the system uses magnetic sensors attached to the object that directly interact with RFID readers, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining or improving position detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely electromagnetic RFID triangulation system with a hybrid approach that incorporates magnetic field interactions. Magnetic sensors on the object create a more direct and reliable detection mechanism compared to signal strength-based triangulation, reducing the need for multiple complex antennas and receivers.
2Reliability
If at least 3 different antennas are employed for reliable reading, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic sensors serve as intermediaries that attach directly to the object, enabling reliable detection with fewer RFID antennas. The magnetic field interaction provides additional reliability information that complements RFID signal data, allowing the system to achieve reliable tracking with reduced infrastructure complexity.
3Ease of operation
If RFID signal strength is used to determine proximity, then position estimation is obtained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to mutual interference and non-uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic sensors act as intermediaries that provide a more stable and interference-resistant measurement mechanism. The magnetic field interactions between sensors on the object and readers in the system are less susceptible to mutual interference and environmental non-uniformities compared to RFID signal strength, thereby improving position estimation accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid solutions with magnetic sensors and RFID are used, then identification capability is improved, but ability to discriminate and track multiple objects simultaneously deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the identification and tracking functions by assigning unique RFID tags to each object and using magnetic sensor patterns for position detection. This segmentation allows the system to independently identify and track multiple objects simultaneously, overcoming the limitation of previous hybrid solutions that could only handle single-object tracking.
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
This hybrid system provides accurate, cost-effective, and efficient localization and tracking of RFID-tagged objects, overcoming the limitations of single-technology solutions by integrating RFID and magnetic sensing with advanced data processing.
Implementation Method 1
The sensorized surface houses a grid of magnetic sensors, placed in fixed and predetermined positions... The localizable objects or elements, are also provided, in addition to a unique identifier RFID Tag, with a suitable magnet, adapted to interact with the above-mentioned grid of sensors
Implementation Method 2
The acronym RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) refers to a technology for the identification and/or automatic storage of information relating to objects, animals or people, based on the ability to store data by specific electronic 'labels', called 'Tags' (or transponders), and on the their ability to reply to the remote interrogation by means of special fixed or portable equipment, called 'readers' (or interrogators). This identification is made using radio frequency signals
Data Source
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AI summary
Object of the present invention is a system for detecting the spatial position and tracking the movement of one or more objects provided with RFID Tags, said objects possibly being positionable on a suitable limited surface, which constitutes the test space. Such objective is achieved realizing a suitable sensorized test surface, on which elements provided with RFID identifier and magnetic marker can be positioned, possibly moved and monitored. Said surface houses a single RFID antenna dimensioned and positioned in such a way as to cover the entire area of interest, and able to read the tags of possible objects, coupled with a series of magnetic sensors, which are positioned in such a way as to ensure the coverage of the test area and whose measuring ranges may also be different according to the peculiarities of the areas of interest (overall area, precision of detection required, presence of particular areas of interest, etc.) and are partially overlapped. The localizable objects or elements are also provided, in addition to a unique identifier, or RFID Tag, with a suitable magnetic marker, adapted to interact with the above-mentioned grid of sensors. The analysis of the tagged objects, thus, occurs in two steps: the identification of the elements is carried out by means of RFID techniques and, particularly, through the interaction between the Tag and the antenna, while the position and movement detection of the tagged elements is carried out by the proximity detection (with interpolation techniques) of the magnet placed on the traceable object and by means of magnetic sensors positioned on the surface.