Tag Positioning via Access Network Inventory in Passive IoT

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Solution Overview

Problem

In scenarios where wireless communication systems are combined with passive Internet of Things (pIoT), tags cannot be positioned, making it impossible to track and monitor them.

Innovation Solution

A positioning method and apparatus that involve a communication apparatus, such as a Tag Management Function (TMF) network element, obtaining positioning information and sending a first inventory request to an access network device to request the inventory and positioning of tags, using the obtained location information to position the tags or the apparatus they are attached to.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If RFID technology is used for non-contact communication in passive IoT, then tags can communicate with devices, but tags cannot be positioned and tracked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidpositioning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an access network device as an intermediary between the tag and the positioning system. The access network device receives signals from the tag, performs positioning calculations, and provides location information to the tag management function, enabling positioning without requiring the tag itself to have positioning capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning methods with wireless signal-based positioning. By using signal strength measurements and mathematical models, the system determines tag location without physical tracking mechanisms, enabling positioning in wireless communication environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If access network device integrates inventory capability, then central management is achieved, but positioning function is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentral management capabilityVSAvoidpositioning function

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The access network device is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides inventory capability for central management while simultaneously enabling positioning through signal reception and processing. This multi-functional design allows the same device to serve both management and positioning purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the positioning function from the inventory function by introducing a dedicated positioning module within the access network device. This modular approach allows the inventory capability to remain for central management while the positioning module handles location determination independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250175934A1Positioning method and apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

This application discloses a positioning method and an apparatus. The method includes obtaining positioning information, where the positioning information includes information about at least one tag, sending a first inventory request to a first access network device, where the first inventory request requests to inventory the at least one tag, where the first inventory request comprises the information about the at least one tag, and where the first access network device provides a service for the at least one tag, and obtaining location information of the at least one tag, or a first apparatus on which the at least one tag is disposed.