Vehicle Direction Determination Using RFID Tag Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining direction information for guiding a vehicle to a predetermined position are limited by reliance on satellite signals, object detection, weather conditions, and accuracy issues, especially for vehicles with one steerable axle.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a system of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and receivers to determine direction information by detecting and processing signals from multiple RFID tags mounted on a vehicle, allowing for accurate orientation and positioning independent of weather conditions and object detection, with signal strength analysis for robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite signals are used to determine vehicle position and direction, then global positioning can be achieved, but the method is restricted inside structures like parking decks due to unavailability of satellite signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RFID tags and receivers as intermediary elements to enable position and direction determination in environments where satellite signals are unavailable. The RFID system acts as a local mediator that provides positioning functionality independent of satellite signals, allowing the vehicle navigation system to operate reliably both indoors and outdoors.
2Measurement precision
If radar or ultrasonic sensors are used to detect surrounding area, then direction information can be determined, but the method is restricted to structures having elevated objects like other cars or posts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radar and ultrasonic sensors with RFID tags and receivers as intermediary elements for determining vehicle position and direction. The RFID system does not rely on detecting elevated objects but instead uses radio frequency signals between tags mounted on the vehicle and receivers in the environment, enabling operation in open areas without requiring specific structural features.
3Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used to detect markings on the surface, then acoustic signals or graphical representations can be generated, but the sensors are susceptible to weather conditions as optical reflections caused by rain or snow may impact detection reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical sensors that detect visual markings with RFID tags and receivers that use radio frequency electromagnetic fields. This replacement eliminates susceptibility to optical reflections caused by rain or snow, as RFID signals operate in the radio frequency spectrum and are not affected by visible light conditions or weather-related optical interference.
4Measurement precision
If triangulation of radio signals is used to determine vehicle position, then position can be determined, but the accuracy of direction information is limited for vehicles with one steerable axle at the front because the orientation of the vehicle is unknown from the position itself
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the direction determination into two independent components: position determination through triangulation of radio signals, and orientation determination through detection of which specific RFID tags are received. By separating these functions and using RFID tag reception patterns to determine vehicle orientation, the system recovers the orientation information that would otherwise be lost in pure triangulation methods.
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
Provides highly reliable and accurate direction information for guiding vehicles, improving navigation by accounting for vehicle orientation and using low-cost RFID technology for efficient positioning and orientation determination.
Implementation Method 1
A method and device using a system of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and receivers to determine direction information by detecting and processing signals from multiple RFID tags mounted on a vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a method for determining direction information for guiding a vehicle (100) to a predetermined position depending on the reception of a first predetermined radio signal comprising - detecting a second predetermined radio signal at a first receiver (121), - detecting the first predetermined radio signal at a second receiver (122), and determining the direction information depending on the reception of the first predetermined radio signal at the second receiver (122), in particular independent of the reception of the second predetermined radio signal, when the second predetermined radio signal is detected at the first receiver (121). The invention concerns a respective device as well.