Wireless Tag Direction Sensing for Object Identification in Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies struggle to accurately identify and locate objects in images using wireless tags, particularly on mobile devices, due to limitations in antenna size and multipath propagation, which affect directionality and signal interference.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing at least two sensors to estimate the direction of wireless tags based on time or phase differences in received signals, allowing for real-time identification and positioning of tagged objects within an image, without requiring external transmitter/receiver units, and integrating this information into the image display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If RFID tags are used for object identification in images, then object identification capability is improved, but accurate determination of object location within the image deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject identification capabilityVSAvoidobject location determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines RFID technology with image processing technology into an integrated system. The RFID reader captures wireless signals from tags while the image processing unit simultaneously processes visual data, merging two separate identification methods into a unified approach that achieves both object identification and precise location determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing unit that correlates RFID signal data with image pixel information. This intermediary component matches the spatial position of detected RFID tags with corresponding locations in the captured image, enabling accurate object location determination through intermediate data correlation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If external transmitters and receivers are used for RFID tagging, then wireless signal transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless signal transmission capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transmitter and receiver functions into a single integrated RFID reader unit that can both send interrogation signals and receive responses. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external transmitters and receivers, reducing system complexity while maintaining full wireless communication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID reader is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both transmitter and receiver, and additionally integrating image processing capabilities. This universal device performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity and improving portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If image processing is performed to identify objects, then visual recognition capability is improved, but real-time processing speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual recognition accuracyVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining regions of interest in the image before full processing occurs. The system first identifies potential object locations using RFID tag positions as guides, then performs detailed image processing only in these predetermined areas, significantly reducing overall processing time while maintaining recognition accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by applying different processing intensities to different regions of the image. Areas containing RFID tags receive focused processing attention, while other regions undergo minimal or no processing. This selective approach maintains visual recognition capability for tagged objects while improving overall processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 real-time, interactive image generation on mobile devices, providing accurate identification and location of tagged objects, enhancing personalization and interactivity in image sharing, and overcoming limitations of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

A direction to a wireless tag may be estimated based on a detected time difference of signals received by at least two sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime difference of arrival: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

estimating at least one direction of each of the wireless tags responding to the at least one interrogation signal based on a phase difference in the detected wireless signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase difference: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP3879473B1Device, system and method for identification of object in an image, and a transponder
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 ID TAG TECH GRP
  • EP3879473B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2(b)
  • EP3879473B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3879473B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A device and method for identification of at least one object in an image registered with an image registration device, wherein each of the at least one object is provided with a wireless tag, the device comprising at least one sensor for registering a wireless signal from the wireless tag and for registering at least one direction to the wireless tag. The wireless signal comprises information for identification of the object.