Wearable Tag Location Tracking With Zone-Based Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack efficient methods for identifying and locating items or personnel within facilities, such as badges or equipment, which hinders effective management and optimization of facility operations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors at known locations within a facility, a processor, and tags with unique identifiers that broadcast signals to determine location, associate with zones on a virtual map, and authorize access to equipment based on authorized operators, using Bluetooth and RFID technology for tracking and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual tracking methods are used for badges and equipment, then system complexity is reduced, but location identification efficiency and real-time monitoring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal RFID tags that can be attached to various items including badges, equipment, and tools. These multi-functional tags serve multiple purposes: identification, location tracking, and access control authorization, eliminating the need for separate manual tracking systems for different item types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with automated RFID sensing systems. Sensors automatically detect and track tagged items without human intervention, substituting the mechanical manual process with an automated electromagnetic field-based detection system that provides real-time location information.
2Measurement precision
If automated sensor systems are deployed for real-time tracking, then location monitoring precision improves, but energy consumption and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tags broadcast their unique identifiers at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic transmission approach maintains accurate location tracking precision while significantly reducing the energy consumption compared to continuous broadcasting, as the tags can enter low-power states between transmission cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive RFID tags harvest energy from the electromagnetic field generated by the sensors to power their identification broadcast. This self-service energy harvesting mechanism allows the tags to operate without internal batteries, eliminating the need for external power sources and reducing overall system energy consumption while maintaining tracking precision.
3Reliability
If comprehensive access control authorization is implemented, then facility security improves, but processing time for authorization requests increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads authorized operator information into the sensors and establishes authorization rules in advance. When a tagged item enters a restricted zone, the sensor immediately compares the tag's unique identifier against the pre-loaded authorization database, enabling rapid security verification without time-consuming real-time database queries or manual approval processes.
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
Enables precise location tracking and authorization of personnel and equipment, optimizing facility operations by improving efficiency and safety through automated access control and real-time monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the tag comprises a power supply and a radio frequency transmitter, wherein the radio frequency transmitter is configured to broadcast the unique identifier
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of identifying wearable tags or other items within a facility. The location of the identifiable item can be calculated by the system and used to improve the efficiency of the facility or to dispatch emergency help or maintenance to the location of the badge.