Multi-Interface Tape Node for Low-Power Fine Asset Locationing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID tag locationing is inaccurate and power-consuming, leading to inefficiencies in asset loading and delivery processes, while Bluetooth-based locationing has low resolution, and existing battery-powered RFID readers have limited operational lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered multi-communication-interface tape node that activates only in response to specific events, combining RFID and Bluetooth for improved location accuracy and power management, allowing easy deployment without hard wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID readers are used for asset locationing, then location accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID reader operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when events are detected through the low-power Bluetooth interface. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining location accuracy when needed while significantly reducing average power consumption through idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
A battery-powered tape node with both Bluetooth and RFID interfaces acts as an intermediary between the low-power Bluetooth system and the high-precision RFID system. The tape node uses Bluetooth for event detection and power management, then activates RFID only when necessary for accurate location verification.
2Reliability
If RFID readers operate continuously to provide real-time location tracking, then location monitoring reliability is improved, but battery lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic activation of the RFID reader triggered by Bluetooth-based event detection. This maintains monitoring reliability for critical events (loading/unloading) while extending battery lifespan by keeping the RFID reader inactive during non-event periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The Bluetooth interface provides continuous feedback about asset presence and movement events, which triggers RFID activation only when needed. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable monitoring of critical operations while avoiding unnecessary RFID power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If Bluetooth is used for asset locationing, then power consumption is reduced, but location resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges Bluetooth and RFID technologies in a hybrid architecture where Bluetooth provides low-power operation and general location tracking, while RFID provides high-resolution location verification. Both systems work together to achieve both low power consumption and high location resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The tape node serves as an intermediary that combines Bluetooth and RFID capabilities, using Bluetooth for power-efficient operation and RFID for precise location measurement. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve both low power consumption and high location resolution simultaneously.
4Measurement precision
If conventional RFID systems are deployed without event-triggered activation, then location accuracy is maintained, but system complexity and power management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on detected events. The RFID reader transitions between idle and active states based on Bluetooth-triggered events, making the system adaptive and flexible. This dynamic approach maintains location accuracy when needed while simplifying power management through automated state transitions.
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
Enhances locationing accuracy and efficiency by activating wireless readers only when needed, conserving power and reducing errors in asset loading and unloading processes.
Implementation Method 1
controlling an RFID reader to receive an RFID signal from an RFID tag using one of the at least one cargo area RFID antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-communication-interface system methods implement fine locationing while conserving battery power. A first wireless-communication interface of a first multi-communication-interface tape node located at a first location in an area detect a first wireless signal from a second tape node at a first time. A first receiver of a second wireless-communication interface of the first multi-communication-interface tape node is activated in response to detecting the first wireless signal and used to receive a first response signal from a first wireless tag in response to an interrogation signal. The first receiver is deactivated to conserve power within an internal battery of the at least one second multi-communication-interface tape node and a location of the first wireless tag at the first time is determined as the first location.