Associative object tracking systems and methods
Inventors
DeAngelis, Douglas J. • Evansen, Edward G. • Reilly, Gerard M.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9795830-B2
Publication Date
2017-10-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems and methods track a first object when continuous tracking information for the first object is not available. The systems and methods detect when the tracking information for the first object is not available. A last time of a last determined location of the first object is determined and a second object closest to the last determined location at the last time is determined. The location of the first object is associated with a location of the second object if tracking information for the first object is not available.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an associative tracking apparatus and system for tracking a first object when tracking information for the first object is not reliable or not available. A tracking reliability monitor determines when the tracking information for the first object is not reliable, and the apparatus switches to an associative mode. In that mode, a proximity detector identifies a second object that is closest to the first object based on proximity, and an associative tracker associates the location of the first object with the location of the second object.
When the first object tracking information is not reliable, the apparatus outputs location information for the second object as location information for the first object based upon the association of the first object with the second object. In one described approach, the proximity detector stores a most recently determined location of the first object when the tracking information is reliable, and that stored location is used to identify the closest second object when unreliability occurs. In related embodiments, proximity is sensed through a short range radio signal transmitted from the first object, or through detection of a magnetic field generated by the first object.
The invention further includes mechanisms for continuity of association and resolution of incorrect associations when tracking for a first object is missing. Association of the location of the first object may be transferred from a location determined from the tracking information for the second object to a location determined from tracking information for a third object when the first object tracking information is not available, using a proximity indication received with the tracking information. The document also describes automatically associating tracking tags with objects by determining object identity from image and/or RFID tag ID, determining a tracking ID from a radio signal from the tracking tag, and associating the tracking tag ID with the object ID in a database.
Claims Coverage
The provided content includes multiple independent claims covering reliability-driven associative tracking, proximity-sensing-based tracking when first-object tracking is not available, transferable association across objects, and automated tag-to-object assignment using image and wireless/RFID identification. The independent claims collectively define at least five distinct inventive feature sets.
Reliability-driven associative tracking with closest object proximity
A tracking reliability monitor determines when the tracking information for the first object is not reliable; a proximity detector identifies the second object as closest to the first object; an associative tracker associates a location of the first object with a location of the second object; and an output generator outputs location information for the second object as location information for the first object.
Proximity detector using stored most recently determined first-object location
The proximity detector stores a most recently determined location of the first object when tracking information is reliable, and uses that stored location to identify the second object as closest to the first object when tracking information becomes not reliable.
Proximity sensing via short range radio signal and association when first-object tracking is not available
Sensing proximity of the first object to the second object through sensing, at the second object, presence of a short range radio signal transmitted from the first object; transmitting an indication of the sensed proximity with the tracking information for the second object; detecting when tracking information for the first object is not available; and associating the location of the first object with a location determined from the tracking information.
Proximity sensing via magnetic field detection and association when first-object tracking is not available
Sensing proximity of the first object to the second object through detection of a magnetic field generated by the first object at the second object; transmitting an indication of the sensed proximity with the tracking information for the second object; detecting when tracking information for the first object is not available; and associating the location of the first object with a location determined from the tracking information.
Proximity sensing and transferable association across second and third objects
Sensing proximity of the first object to the second object; transmitting an indication of the sensed proximity with the tracking information for the second object; detecting when tracking information for the first object is not available; associating the location of the first object with a location determined from the tracking information; and transferring association of the location of the first object from the location of the second object to a location of a third object determined from tracking information for the third object when proximity indications are received with the second-object and third-object tracking information.
System with proximity signal generator, proximity sensor, and reliability-driven association
A generator generates a proximity signal relative to the first object; a sensor attached to the second object detects the proximity signal; a transmitter attached to the second object transmits tracking information for the second object and an indication of proximity of the first object to the second object; a tracking apparatus receives the tracking information and the indication of proximity; a tracking reliability monitor determines when tracking information for the first object is not reliable; and an associative tracker associates a location of the first object with a location of the second object.
Magnet on first object and magnetic-field/proximity indication transmitted with second-object tracking information
A magnet attached to the first object; a sensor attached to the second object detects a magnetic field generated by the magnet; and a transmitter attached to the second object transmits tracking information for the second object and an indication of proximity of the first object to the second object.
Automated association of tracking tag ID to object ID using image and RFID
Determining an object identity from one or both of an image of the object captured within the detection area and an RFID tag ID read within the detection area from an RFID tag attached to the object; determining a tracking ID of the tracking tag from a radio signal received from the tracking tag; and associating the tracking tag ID with the object ID in a database.
Automated assignment of tracking tag to object using wireless signal and camera-based object ID
A receiver receives a wireless signal from the tracking tag; an assignment device determines a tracking tag identity based upon the wireless signal, determines an object ID when the object is positioned within a detection area, and associates the tracking tag ID with the object ID within a database; and a camera takes an image of the object within the detection area, wherein the assignment device determines the object ID based upon the image.
Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage centers on using a tracking reliability monitor to identify when first-object tracking is not reliable and then associating first-object location with a closest second object via proximity detection and output generation, using proximity sensing at a second object to transmit proximity indications with second-object tracking information and associate first-object location when first-object tracking is not available, transferring association across second and third objects, and automatically assigning and associating tracking tag identities to object identities using wireless/RFID signals and camera/image-based object identification.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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