Wireless Object Tracking With Guided Light Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking and locating packages in large facilities are inefficient, prone to errors, and lack real-time accuracy, often relying on user input and having limited usable range, leading to delays and increased risk of loss.
Innovation Solution
An object locating system utilizing wireless devices associated with light emitting devices and controllers to determine the position and orientation of objects, aligning the light emitting devices with the objects for precise illumination, eliminating the need for user input and enhancing real-time tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual scanning and user input methods are used to track packages, then the system can locate packages, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The package itself performs the identification function through its embedded transponder, eliminating the need for manual scanning by operators. The transponder automatically responds to queries from readers, enabling the package to 'identify itself' and its location to be automatically updated in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical scanning process is replaced with an automated electromagnetic field-based detection system. Readers using electromagnetic or optical fields automatically detect transponders on packages, eliminating the need for physical contact or line-of-sight scanning by human operators.
2Reliability
If manual scanning is used to update package locations, then the system can track packages, but the risk of error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The package's transponder automatically provides identification and location information when queried, eliminating human input errors. The system reliably captures accurate data directly from the source (the package itself) without intermediate manual transcription steps.
3Reliability
If barcode scanning on documents is used instead of on packages, then the system can track packages, but the risk of document misplacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The package carries its own identification capability through the embedded transponder, making it self-sufficient for tracking purposes. Operators no longer need to handle separate documents or labels, as the package itself provides all necessary identification information.
4Measurement precision
If bay and door layout constraints are used for location data, then the system can store location information, but the accuracy is limited to facility measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional bay/door location data to three-dimensional spatial coordinates. Readers determine the precise x, y, z position of packages within the facility, enabling accurate location tracking independent of facility layout constraints and allowing navigation to specific coordinates.
5Loss of time
If current tracking systems are used, then packages can be located, but real-time tracking and navigation guidance are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously queries transponders and receives real-time location updates, maintaining current position information in the database. This feedback loop enables the system to provide up-to-date package locations and generate dynamic navigation directions to moving targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs multiple functions: tracking package locations, providing real-time updates, generating navigation directions, and guiding operators to packages. This multi-functionality is achieved through the integrated reader-transponder-database system that handles all these tasks through a unified architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An object locating system includes a first wireless device associated with a light emitting device, a second wireless device associated with an object, and a controller configured to perform operations. The operations include receiving an object identifier. The operations include determining a position of the light emitting device based on a first signal associated with the first wireless device. The operations further include determining a location of the object based on a second signal associated with the second wireless device. The operations include calculating an orientation offset and a distance to the object with respect to the position of the light emitting device. The operations also include determining whether the second wireless device is visible to the light emitting device based on the second signal. The operations include determining a first angle and a second angle based on the orientation offset and the distance to the object. The operations also include controlling one or more alignment devices based on the first angle and the second angle to align the light emitting device with the object.