Wireless Switch GPS-Integrated RFID Locationing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless switching systems are inadequate for accurately determining the location of assets and objects within an environment, relying on expensive and impractical solutions such as smart tags and GPS-enabled devices.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a GPS system with a wireless switch that communicates GPS data and RFID tag data to determine the location of RFID tags, utilizing existing RFID infrastructure and protocols like IEEE 802.11 for locationing and presence detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-enabled devices and smart tags are used for locationing, then locationing accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RFID tags as inexpensive copies or substitutes for expensive GPS-enabled devices and smart tags. Instead of requiring each object to have its own GPS receiver, the system uses RFID tags that can be read by fixed RFID readers positioned throughout the environment, achieving locationing functionality at a fraction of the cost of GPS solutions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fixed RFID readers as intermediary devices positioned at known locations throughout the environment. These readers act as mediators between the RFID tags on objects and the locationing system, enabling indirect location determination through signal strength measurement rather than direct GPS positioning
2Adaptability or versatility
If GPS-enabled devices are deployed for locationing, then locationing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the GPS receiver functionality from the tracked objects and places it in fixed infrastructure (RFID readers with known locations). This removes the complexity of GPS-enabled devices from mobile objects while maintaining locationing capability through the fixed reader network
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing RFID tags and readers that are already deployed in the environment, leveraging existing infrastructure rather than requiring new specialized devices. The locationing capability emerges from the interaction between existing RFID components and the wireless switch, without adding complexity to the tracked objects
3Measurement precision
If existing RFID infrastructure is modified for locationing, then locationing accuracy is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wireless switch multi-functional by integrating both RFID reader functionality and locationing processing capabilities. This allows the same device to perform both traditional RFID operations and locationing functions without requiring separate systems or modifying existing RFID infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines RFID reading, GPS data reception, and locationing processing into a single integrated system at the wireless switch. This merging eliminates the need to modify existing RFID tags or readers while achieving accurate locationing through the combination of RFID signal strength data and GPS location data from fixed readers
Data Source
AI summary
A locationing system for use in a wireless network generally includes a wireless switch and a global positioning system (GPS) located proximate to or integrated into the wireless switch such that it communicates GPS data to the wireless switch. At least one access port (AP) is coupled to the wireless switch. At least one RFID reader (mobile and/or fixed) is configured to communicate with the access port, and the RFID reader is configured to read an RFID tag and communicate RFID tag data to the wireless switch. The wireless switch is configured to determine the location of the RFID tag utilizing the GPS data and the RFID tag data.