CN1233327A - 物品跟踪系统 - Google Patents

物品跟踪系统 Download PDF

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CN1233327A
CN1233327A CN97198804A CN97198804A CN1233327A CN 1233327 A CN1233327 A CN 1233327A CN 97198804 A CN97198804 A CN 97198804A CN 97198804 A CN97198804 A CN 97198804A CN 1233327 A CN1233327 A CN 1233327A
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mark
signal
antenna
cell controller
frequency
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科林·兰佐
凯内尔姆·麦金尼
杰伊·韦布
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PinPoint Corp
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/87Combinations of radar systems, e.g. primary radar and secondary radar
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/0723Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips the record carrier comprising an arrangement for non-contact communication, e.g. wireless communication circuits on transponder cards, non-contact smart cards or RFIDs
    • G06K19/0724Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips the record carrier comprising an arrangement for non-contact communication, e.g. wireless communication circuits on transponder cards, non-contact smart cards or RFIDs the arrangement being a circuit for communicating at a plurality of frequencies, e.g. for managing time multiplexed communication over at least two antennas of different types
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/74Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems
    • G01S13/82Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems wherein continuous-type signals are transmitted
    • G01S13/84Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems wherein continuous-type signals are transmitted for distance determination by phase measurement
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/87Combinations of radar systems, e.g. primary radar and secondary radar
    • G01S13/878Combination of several spaced transmitters or receivers of known location for determining the position of a transponder or a reflector
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K17/00Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/0008General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/10009Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves
    • G06K7/10019Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves resolving collision on the communication channels between simultaneously or concurrently interrogated record carriers.
    • G06K7/10029Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves resolving collision on the communication channels between simultaneously or concurrently interrogated record carriers. the collision being resolved in the time domain, e.g. using binary tree search or RFID responses allocated to a random time slot
    • G06K7/10059Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves resolving collision on the communication channels between simultaneously or concurrently interrogated record carriers. the collision being resolved in the time domain, e.g. using binary tree search or RFID responses allocated to a random time slot transponder driven
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/10009Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves
    • G06K7/10316Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves using at least one antenna particularly designed for interrogating the wireless record carriers
    • G06K7/10356Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves using at least one antenna particularly designed for interrogating the wireless record carriers using a plurality of antennas, e.g. configurations including means to resolve interference between the plurality of antennas
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07CTIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/20Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass
    • G07C9/28Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence

Abstract

用于跟踪移动标记的系统。带有多重天线组件的单元控制器产生由这些标记所接收的载波信号。标记移动载波信号的频率,在其上调制一识别码,并在随机化间隔发送所得的标记信号。天线接收和处理应答,并通过近似法和三角测量来确定标记的存在。通过测量往返信号时间来计算标记距天线的距离。单元控制器从天线发送数据到一主计算机。此主计算机收集数据并将它们解析为位置估算。在一数据仓库例如SQL服务器中将数据归挡。

Description

物品跟踪系统
本发明是关于射频识别(RFID)系统,而具体说是关于一被设计来对物品和人员在他们运动通过建筑物时作连续跟踪的RFID系统。
RFID产品一般具有三个部件:(1)一标记(被识别的物品);(2)一询问器(检测一标记的存在的装置);和(3)一系统(通常包括有电缆系统,计算机,和将标记与询问器连系一齐形成一有用措施的软件)。RFID产品通常被设计来对标记在几个固定的或手持询问器的范围内通过时检测它们。
RFID系统常常被用作为对条形编码的高端置换技术。RFID和相关系统包括有无源RFID系统,有源RFID系统,红外ID系统,和电子物品监视(EAS)系统。
一无源RFID系统中的标记不具有机载电源。在这样的系统中询问器为标记发送工作功率。这样的系统通常具有一米或以下的检测范围,虽然已达到稍许长的范围。一般这些系统在125KHz射频带内工作。
大部分无源RFID系统如下这样工作。询问器为给标记提供功率而发射电磁场。此标记中的一线圈被此电磁场供给能量,使得标记的电路被“唤醒”。标记利用这一能量发回一识别信号给此询问器。
虽然大多数无源RFID系统是只读的(亦即,这样的系统中的标记通过从它们的存贮器读取信息和将此信息送回询问器来应答一询问),而在一些无源RFID系统中所用的标记具有能从询问器接收信息和指令的有限的能力,例如在灵巧卡(电子货币)中的读/写能力和工业应用中的“电子表述”。
无源RFID标记已连同访问控制,灵巧卡,车辆识别(AUI),废料管理,物品跟踪,动物识别,制造控制,资料处理,和各种其他目的一起被采用。
任何RFID系统的一个基本设计目标是用于使从标记发射的弱信号能自由询问器所发射的强得多的信号中区分开。为实现这一点的一些策略包括:
频率移动。标记中的电路接收来自询问器的载波,将此信号变换到另一频率,和发送被调制的应答到该第二频率上;
半双工运用。标记被询问器充电。当询问器的充电电路断开时,标记利用所存贮的能量作出应答;
被调制的反向散射。标记调制其天线有效截面来对询问器标明自己;和
延迟的转发。表面声波(SAW)装置在一延迟后转发询问器的载波。标记的识别通过延迟应答中的时间变化来指示。
有源RFID系统需要由电池供电的标记。电池使得能具有3至100米的较长的检测范围。这些系统能以比无源RFID系统更高的准确度定位标记,一般在400、900、或2440MHz频带内工作。有源标记倾向于能利用标记与询问器的“符号交换”来使得在一询问器的范围内能有多重标记,从而使各个标记依次发送其信号。有源RFID系统中标记与询问器间的通信一般也较之采用无源标记要快。
大部分有源RFID标记按照通信协议在被轮询到时对询问器作出应答。某些有源RFID标记自发地以予定间隔作“凋瞅声”(发射)信号。如果一标记处于询问器的范围内此标记的啁啾声信号即由此询问器检测到。
红外系统(IRID)虽然不是RFID系统也是尽力检测和识别移动标记的位置。典型的IRID系统包括有以随机化间隔发出其啁啾声识别信号的标记。被安置于顶板中的红外读取器检测这些发射并将它们报告给主机。由标记到读取器的发射速率一般为约600波特。标记中的运动检测器使得标记能在运动中更频繁地发射。标记通常约为骨牌的大小。
EAS系统被用于零售环境中的防偷窃行为。EAS标记相当不可靠,价钱很便宜,和能力有限。尽管它们跟踪移动的标记,通常不把它们看作为RFID产品,因为EAS标记不加编码,不能互相区别。
一用于跟踪移动标记的系统包括有带有生成由标记接收的载波信号的多重天线组件。标记通过以随机化间隔发送识别码来进行应答,这些代码被调制在载波信号上。被布置在例如顶板中的天线组件接收应答并将它送到一单元控制器,后者对它们进行处理并使用它们通过近似和三角测量技术来计算标记位置。一标记距一特定天线组件的距离通过测量往返信号时间来计算。单元控制器将从所接收信号推导得的处理数据发送给一主计算机。此主计算机收集数据和将它们分解为位置估量。主计算机将数据归档进一数据仓库,例如-SQL服务器。
本发明的条件优点如下述。
本发明的优点之一是它被设计成在覆盖完整的设施的同时保持与标记的恒定的通信。此系统即使在出现严峻的多径效应时也能识别和计算标记的位置。
本发明的另一优点是它们采用低功耗需求的标记,使得被加以电源的标记的持续时间接近标记电池自身的持续时间。而且,在标记不用时可进入一低功率模式,从而进一步节省能量。
本发明的另一优点是它能加以定标。少量的宽距离隔开的天线组件可用来大致地确定一设施内的标记的位置。如果要求较准确的标记定位则可以容易地将辅助天线组件加到系统。而且也可以对系统加入新的标记而无需对系统作任何重新组构。
本发明的另一优点是它缓和因标记信号冲突所带来的问题。因为标记自发地唤醒和随机地发出“啁啾声”信号,不大可能会有多重标记同时发射信号。而且,在某些环境中此系统能予测何时发生标记信号冲突而能作相应地应答。
本发明的另一优点是标记能同时应答多重单元控制器。
本发明的其他特征和优点从以下的说明及权利要求将会清楚理解。
图1表明按照本发明构成的系统的概貌;
图2表明一多层建筑中所用的数个单元控制器;
图3为按照本发明的标记RF设计的方框图;
图4为标记的替代实施例的方框图;
图5A一5G为一信号在通过系统的不同阶段时的图形;
图6为单元控制器RF设计的方框图;
图7为一单元控制器有源天线组件的方框图;
图8为一调制器RF设计的方框图;
图9为一单元控制器电缆扩充器组件的方框图;
图10为一单元控制器方框图;
图11说明自一系列相关提取标记数据;
图12A-C为标记数据报的图示;
图13表示一结合有一延迟元件的标记;和
图14表示接收并行运行的链的数个单元控制器。
参看图1,一物品跟踪系统100包含如下的通用部件;
标记:廉价的小型射频应答标记101a-c被附连到被跟踪的人或物体上。标记101a-c周期地“唤醒”和“作啁啾声”(发送)一射频编码的唯一识别码(UID)。标记101a-c被设计成使它们的范围为在一通常的室内环境下的15-30m,此范围主要受限于必须保持标记电池的寿命和标记101a及标记电池应是很小很薄的要求;
单元控制器:单元控制器102a-c检测标记101a-c的啁啾声信号并计算这些标记101a-c到连接于单元控制器102a-c的有源天线组件104a-d的距离。各天线组件最好具有一发射天线和一接收天线。图1中,为了简明而省略了连接到单元控制器102b和102c的天线组件。单元控制器102a一般被包含在一外壳中并被安装在悬垂顶板的后面。此单元控制器102a可通过普通的墙壁插头之类接收电能。单元控制器102a分别通过同轴电缆103a-d连接到天线组件104a-d,它们覆盖室内设施110的一区域。一标记101a发射的标记信号107由一或多个天线组件104a-d接收,并被单元控制器102a中的芯片例如数字信号处理(DSP)芯片处理。由此处理所得的信息被用于标识发射标记101a和此标记101a与例如每一个接收天线组件104a-d之间的距离;
主计算机:单元控制器102a-c与主计算机105进行数据通信,后者从前者收集数据和可用的信息并将数据归档入一开放格式数据库,例如SQL服务器;和
用户应用程序:在一优选选择中,客户机工作站102a-c通过一网络例如LAN115与主计算机105通信。在每一客户机工作站102a-c上运行的客户机应用程序可以对终端用户有用的方式访问SQL服务器并提供数据。
标记101a不生成其自己的射频信号。而是由一天线组件例如天线组件104a连续地以第一频率例如2440MHz发射一直接序列扩展频谱询问器信号106。标记106a接收此信号106,将其UID代码调制到此信号106上,并立即以例如5780MHz发送一频移信号107回到例如天线104a。然后即可通过单元控制器102a由考虑到线路和电子器件中固定和已知的延迟而从往返传送时间来确定从天线组件104a到标记101a间的距离。单元控制器102a可在天线组件104a-d之间快速转换以取得由标记101a至每一天线组件104a-d(它们接收返回信号107)的距离,并通过三角测量技术自该信息确定标记的位置。
系统100被设计成是可以定标的,能对已有的单元控制器102a-c增加单元控制器和对已有天线组件104a-d增加天线组件来改善确定标记位置的精确度。图2表示如何在一大的多层建筑110中应用一批单元控制器102a-c。如图2所示,多重单元控制器102a-c馈送数据到一单个主计算机105,一般通过TCP/IP通信网络。对于系统操作并不需要利用TCP/IP,而可采用各种的数据协议和传输机制。例如,如果无法利用一局域网,则对主机的连接可以通过RS485,RS232,RS422,动力线路调制解调器,或专用电话线路来实现。另一方面也可以利用专为在这样的电缆上应用而设计的专用调制解调器。
每一单元控制器102a-c可被分别安装来覆盖一独立楼层130a-c,确切的配置可由系统管理人员修改。一层130a,带有其一批天线组件104a-d的单元控制器102a被安装在天花板140a上。其余层130b-c采用同样的设备配置。天线组件104a-d被设计来提供向下和水平方向良好的增益而向上增益很低,这样就使得能通过观察哪一天线组件104a-d从标记101a接收到最强信号来确定一标记101a的垂直位置(即楼层)。从结构上说,地平面位于各个天线的后面,以向下反射信号。然后粗略地通过观察哪一天线组件104a-d从标记101a接收一强信号来确定标记101a的水平位置。标记101a相对于天线组件104a的水平位置可通过根据询问信号106和标记信号107的传送的组合时间估定由标记101a至各天线组件104a-d的距离来较精确地确定。由一单元控制器102a及其天线组件104a-d构成的各“单元”覆盖数千平方英尺的楼层空间。各单元独立工作,使得能加入更多单元而不致影响现有单元的运行性能。
如果用户希望以“地带”来定位标记,则可在每一地带安装一天线。希望跟踪在门厅移动的一或多个标记101a-c的用户,可沿门厅130a-c每20米左右安装天线组件104a-d,和通过测量从标记101a至这些天线组件104a-d的距离来计算标记101a的直线位置。希望对一标记101a的位置作三角测量的用户必须安装足够的天线组件以使得标记101a将能处在至少三个天线组件的范围内。一典型的安装将以每平方英尺相对低成本覆盖带有一“地带”和“门厅”区域的组合的一完整设施110,并随时间来以足够的天线组件更新一定的区域以对标记位置作三角测量。标记RF设计
参看图3,标记RF电路300在标记接收天线301处接收信号106并在标记发射天线312处发射标记信号107。标记RF电路300的功能是通过频率转换来转发输入的扩展频谱信号106。标记RF电路300的第二功能是在微处理器308的控制下将标记数据调制到被发射的标记信号107上。在标记信号107上发射的信息包括在本发明一优选实施例中的标记的序号,数据报标题,和标记数据309例如由一运动指示符或一低功率指示符推导得的。
输入信号106最好为在2440MHz频带中的由单元控制器102作二相或直角相位调制的直接序列扩展频谱信号。信号106由标记接收天线301接收,它收集信号106并将它馈送进标记RF电路300。
在信号106由标记接收天线301接收后,一RX(接收)带通滤波器302保证标记仅接收2440MHz ISM频带中的信号,而拒绝雷达信号、电子新闻报导信号等等。在一实施例中,滤波器302被实现作为嵌入在电路板中的蚀刻的耦合的带状线滤波器。然后信号106被放大器303放大来保证所接收信号能在一混频器304中加以混合而不致恶化信噪比(SNR)。
混频器304将载波频率从2440MHz转换或转移到5780MHz。带有中央频率2440MHz的输入信号与一具有中央频率3340MHz的锁相振荡器(PLO)305的输出混合。这导致连同一差频和由带通滤波器306去除的各种谐波和次谐波的一总和频率5780。在一实施例中,PLO305由一锁相环(PLL)芯片组成,具有三个输入:(1)自一压控振荡器(VCO)的采样输出;(2)自一10MHz振荡器的基准音调;和(3)到一微处理器308的频率编程接口。这产生一具有在3340MHz标记LO频率处良好的相位噪声的纯音调。在一替代实施例中,PLO305输出一1670MHz音调,随后它被加倍来得到所希望的3340MHz结果。
标记RF电路300的下一元件是一二相调制器307,它在微处理器308的控制下可以传送不改变的5780MHz信号,或者将信号的相位改变180°。调制器307被实现为一馈给一180°混合电路的单极双掷RF开关801,如图8所示。可采用数种调制形式,包括通-断键控(OOK)调制,二进制相移键控(BPSK)调制,多重相移键控(MPK)调制,和正交放大(QAM)调制。BPSK是一优选调制形式。由调制器307的输出被馈给放大器310,然后通过发射器带通滤波器311滤波,且滤波器311的输出作为标记信号107从发射天线312发射。由于放大器310在高频下工作,它消耗相当大功率,因而无需这一放大器310的替代实施例(例如图4中所示的)将是较佳的。需要一实现成为一5极滤波器的Tx滤波器311来保证标记与FCC部分15要求相符。
图3中所示的标记RF电路300是用来以一可行的且自身说明性的实施例解释标记101a-c的通用功能。本技术领域的熟练人员将能将多重功能组合进单一的元件以便能节省功耗和充分利用可行部分的优点,或者以定制的ASIC来实现同样的功能。图4表明一替代实施例400,它完成如图3中所示的同样的基本功能,但仅用较少的组成部件和较低的功率。图4所示电路400与图3所示电路300之间的主要差别在于图4中的调制器404被置于混频器406之前以便减少组成部件数(例如省除放大器310)和节省能量。
代替混频器304(图3)或延时元件1505(图13),也可按其他方法采用其他的传送鉴别器来转换。例如,一标记如标记101a可利用反向散射、通过混频来变换频率、通过取谐波来变换频率、通过取次谐波来变换频率、或通过信号延迟(例如通过一SAW装置)来转发。
图4中示未出,但对标记RF电路期望的是对PLO407和微处理器405中的时钟定时两者采用一共用的晶体基准。准确定时是系统的重要的(如果不是关键的话)特性,使得单元控制器102a-c能予测一标记101a将发射标记信号107的时刻。在PLO407和微处理器405时钟定时中采用同一晶体基准使得单元控制器102a能通过测量所接收信号中的相移来准确地标定信号源(如后面将说明的),并相应地同步其时钟定时。
图4中未表示,但对某些应用期望的是一其中发射天线409和接收电线401被组合成一单一的元件的实施例,它利用具有单一天线结构的双工器。
标记101a-c被加以电源的方式取决于应用程序。(注意,图3和图4省去了标记电源)。一般,标记101a将是电池供电的,而RF级则在微处理器405的控制下接通和断开电源。在一优选实施例中,微处理器405进入一低功率状态,在此它仅只是等待直至标记101a被再次提高功率(power up)的时刻。另一替换实施例中,所有标记电路400在利用作为定时源的电路400中的RC时间常数的模拟控制下周期地接通和断开。
采用图3或4的标记RF电路300或400,如果标记101a是在单元控制器102a-c中的两个的范围内,且这些单元控制器发送带有低相关特性的伪噪声,则此标记101a将正确地同时转发此两信号。
标记101a-c要求一毫秒数量级的时间周期来充电和放电。通常在这些短暂周期内,标记101a-c将不会稳定到足够使用,但仍然会通过发射天线409发射RF进射频信道。对于高性能的应用,此时射频频宽受到限制,可增加一微处理器控制的开关到标记的发射链来消除这样的乱真发射。
图3和4中所示的标记RF电路300、400可结合不同的频率对被使用。上述的通用方案对任何二个允许的FCC扩展频谱段均适用。例如,以下组合在FCC规定部分15.247下对于无许可射频是允许的:
被转换到2440MHz的915MHz;
被转换到5780MHz的915MHz;
被转换到915MHz的2440MHz;
被转换到915MHz的5780MHz;
被转换到2440MHz的5780MHz。
但无需扩展频谱工作;可以利用两个许可的窄频带。但在2440和5780MHz频带中的扩展频谱工作被假定用于本讨论的其余部分。带有时间延迟的标记
图3和4中所示标记RF电路300、400采用频分多重访问,亦即,标记电路300、400接收并发射不同频率的信号。替代实施例1500采用时分多重访问,如图13中所示。为说明的目的,假定图13中所示标记电路1500在接收天线1501处取一频率如915MHz的信号作为输入,并在一微秒的延时后以同样频率通过发射天线1508发射此同一信号。假定一单元控制器例如单元控制器102a每2微秒发射脉冲串的询问信号106。一标记例如标记101a通过接收天线1501取此信号作为输入。然后此信号通过元件1502~1504,如图3和4。然后一延时元件1505被用来延时一微秒。此信号然后通过一发射带通滤波器1507并由发射天线发射。一SAW装置可被用作为延时元件1505。在此延迟期间,单元控制器停止发送,且在此环境中的询问信号106的反射逐渐下降到一最低水平。这种半双工方案允许单一频率工作,虽然此时的带宽要低于采用全双工频移方案时的带宽,如在频率变化标记中那样,基于延迟的标记能通过180°相移来调制应答信号。在其他方面,图13a所示的标记设计1500与图3和4中所示的那些类似。单元控制器RF设计
图6表示一单元控制器102a的射频级。一天线组件例如天线组件104的结构如图7中所示。共同地,单元控制器102a及其远程天线组件104a~d将一基带方波输入调制在一2440MHz载波上,对此所得的2440MHz信号进行滤波来适应FCC传送请求,通过一经选择的天线组件发射该经滤波的2440MHz信号,通过同一天线组件接收一返回的5780Mhz标记应答,提取此被解调制基带信号的I(同相)和Q(正交)分量,和为随后的处理而对结果进行数字化。
图10表示单元控制器数字子系统650的主要组成。总之,数字子系统650提供一基带输入信号601,并在数毫微秒之后接收来自一标记102a的经过解调的应答107。如上面指出的,微处理器1001可通过下面这些行为来改变射频系统的工况:(a)修改基带输入信号601;(b)修改芯片速率,伪噪声序列长,和/或伪噪声序列码;(c)在一窄范围内,修改射频发射器1002的发射频率610和射频接收器1003的接收频率;(d)修改射频发射器1002的发射增益和射频接收器1003的接收增益;和(e)转换天线组件104a~d。
来自标记102a的经解调的应答107被无线电接收机1003分成为I(同相)和Q(正交)分量,并被数字化器636数字化。一整数DSP处理器1004例如TMS320C54压缩数字化器436的输出,以高速度进行相关操作。如果在发射方采用二进制相移键控(BPSK)调制,I和Q信道即被分别相关并加以组合。对正交相移键控(QPSK)调制,各信道必须被相关两次,各序列相关一次。来自整数DSP1004的相关数据由一微处理器1001例如一Pentium处理器进行处理。为降低成本和较高的运行性能,可以采用功耗较低的X86处理器和一浮点DSP处理器例如一TMS320C30。微处理器1001与主计算机105之间的通信利用一TCP/IP协议完成,最好用Ethernet(以太网)。
输入到发射链的数据是作为伪噪声扩展序列的基带输入信号601。序列的长度和在序列中被编码的代码由一单元控制器微处理器1001设置,并可根据信号处理要求被改变。一般为31或127位的序列,分别给予约15dB和20dB的压缩增益。2440MHz和5780MHz频带可支持一40MHz基带输入信号601,而单元控制器102a被设计来使得可能利用这一完全的带宽。
图5A-5G表示在通过单元处理器RF电路600的各不同级时的询问信号106。图5A表示一输入到调制器500的方波基带输入。图5A表示一输入到调制器500的方在带输入。图5B表示被数字地相关的这一基带输入510。图5C表示通过中心频率为2440MHz时一频谱分析仪观察的调制器602的输出。图5D表示中心频率为5780MHz时标记信号107的频谱分析仪观察图。图5E表示来自标记107的解调应答,被分成为其I(同相)545和Q(正交)540分量。图5F表示经数字相关的I和Q分量550。图5G表示组合I和Q分量的被相关的波形的二阶导数的负值560。
调制器602(图6)将基带输入601调制到2440MHz的载波上。有各种调制形式可用,是本技术领域的熟练人员公知的。对于BPSK调制,调制器602被实现作为一馈给一180°混合组合器803的单极双掷RF开关801,如图8所示。调制器602最好实现作为一QPSK调制器,它与BPSK调制器相同其中一信道自另一信道偏移90°,各信道由带有可接收的互相关特性的不同基带序列驱动。更高次的调制也是可能的。由调制器602作的调制导致延伸数百MHz的旁瓣,这必须加以滤除以符合FCC要求。2440MHz频带具有一邻近频带,它带来非常强的滤波需求,对此最好采用在此说明性实施例中应用一将宽通带与严密的阻带相组合的SAW滤波器607。较宽的通带支持基带输入信号60中较快的修整速率,但较窄的通带提供利用较宽的频率分集的范围以避免干扰源和/或支持先进的信号处理技术的机会。调制器602必须以与可行的IF滤波器607同样的频率,通常在200至400MHz范围,工作。SAW IF滤波器607之前需要一前置放大器606,且滤波器的输出必须由放大器608放大。
发射IF振荡器605象单元控制器电路600中的所有其他RF振荡器那样,被锁相到10MHz晶振源603,它通过一滤波器和分离器网络604分配到每一振荡器。此10MHz源603必须在这些标记上的这些10MHz源的数KHz之内以避免过量的基带相移。
IF滤波器607(来自放大器608)的输出然后被混频器609与一锁相振荡器(PLQ)611的输出混频并被变换到载波频率2440MHz。PLO611的频率可在微处理器控制610下在窄范围内加以修改,以便提供所需的频率分集以避免干扰源和/或用于各种先进的信号处理技术。可用的频率分集程度关系到IF滤波器607的技术细节,较窄的滤波器允许修整速率较低但具有更大的频率灵活性。图6中未表示一通常需要用来从混频器609的输出中去除不希望的谐波和不同频率的滤波器。
在混频器609之后为提升信号106的功率电平的驱动器放大器612,以便能沿着电缆103a将信号106驱动到远程的天线组件104a,并为一带通滤波器413缓存混频器609的输出。RF带通滤波器613被用来去除混频器609的不符合FCC的输出。定向耦合器616提供一端口以在信号106被发射往远程天线组件例如天线组件104a~d之前对之加以检查。
在微处理器控制615下的一衰减器614使信号处理软件能在当知道标记101a~d在附近时降低输出功率。这在知道附近的标记被单元控制器过驱动时,和/或信号处理软件需要标记在一更加线性的范围内运行的情况中是有用的。
然后信号被馈送进一双工器618,它将发射信号106和接收信号107组合到一单根导线上。此双工器618为一高通/低通滤波器组合619a,它将接收信号107相对发射方衰减和将发射信号106相对接收方衰减。因为存在有Tx和Rx带通滤波器613和624,所以此双工器618的技术要求可不太严格。
图6中所示的单元控制器RF级600每次支持一远程天线组件104a~d。为了由同一单元控制器支持多个天线,此系统需要一使微处理器控制620能迅速地由一天线转换到下一个的开关619。开关619取RF并将其传送给n个电缆之一,其中n例如是8或16。开关619还对所选择线路提供DC功率。RF信号经过隔直电容(未图示)耦合进电缆,而DC功率则经过隔断RF的RF扼流器耦合到电缆。这样,DC和RF一起通过单根的同轴电缆行进到所选天线。
天线中DC的上升时间在100微秒范围内,受限于天线中电路的有效电阻和特性以及运行所需的电容。为使天线转换时间在微秒范围内,加到天线的DC功率是在RF被接通前被预加载的。
参看图7,在天线系统700中,组合的DC和RF信号通过一同轴电缆例如来自单元控制器102a的电缆103a到达。一偏置三通701将RF信号710从DC信号712分离。DC信号712被送到Tx/Rx功率控制逻辑702,在最简单的实施例中它为一去除线路噪声和提供纯净5伏电源的滤波器。来自偏置三通701的RF输出710被供给双工器715,它与单元控制器102a中的双工器618相同。然后RF输出710被放大器703放大到FCC所允许的功率电平,并被滤波器704滤波以去除线路和放大器噪声以与FCC规定相适应。然后将所得信号送往发射天线705。
在此实施例中发射天线705和接收天线706为插接阵列,提供垂直方向的降低的能量和水平方向的扩充能量,以便使得能量不致浪费在地板和天花板中,并使得向上辐射的能量最小。来自标记101a的5780MHZ的应答107由滤波器707滤波,由放大器708放大,并发送回电缆103a到达单元控制器102a。
此系统被设计成使用标准长度例如20米的电缆103a~d。电缆扩充器组件900连接两段电缆并支持一扩充的电缆长度。参看图9,组件900的元件利用来自电缆103的DC电源910驱动提供足够增益来驱动下一段电缆的低噪声放大器903、904。偏置三通906、907将DC电源910与RF信号分开,且双工器908、909工作以将发送信号106从接收信号107分开。
参看图6,从天线组件104a返回到单元控制器102a的信号通过开关元件621、619和双工器618到单元控制器接收RF链622。信号通过前置放大器623和带通滤波器624的组合,其确定的配置随选择部件而定。在微处理器控制626下被数字控制的接收衰减器625被用来避免当知道标记101a在附近时使接收链饱和。这对避免丢失所接收信号107的I与Q分量之间的关系、对恰当地相关和其他信号处理均是必须的。
然后信号进入I-Q零IF解调器电路627-633。如前面指出的,微处理器RX频率控制635必须与其在发射链中的对应者作串联设置。所得信号如图5E中所示举例,被馈送到数字化器636(图10)准备进行数字信号处理。
上述实施例是根据单元控制器在给定时间仅能从一天线发射和接收的假设而加以简化的。通过选取相互独立的发送和接收天线能够获得提高的性能。单元控制器中的软件确定哪一天线组件从标记接收最佳信号。例如,如一特定标记例如101a靠近一天线例如天线104a,则天线104将从标记101a接收强信号。单元控制器102a然后从天线104a发射一信号例如信号106,和依次在天线104b、104c和104d接收被转发的应答107。这可能使得,与在如果从每一个天线组件104b~d独立地发射信号106和接收信号107时天线104b~d所接收到的信号相比较,天线104b~d可接收更强的信号。
图14中所示设计1600提供多个并行运行的接收链1610a~1610n。每一接收链1610a~1610n均包括有被表示为DSP例如整数DSP1620的IQ解调器、数字化器、和相关元件。在独立的卡上实现各接收链提供可定标性。对同样的发射信号采用多重接收天线组件使得单元控制器信号处理软件能利用空间处理技术来杜绝多径效应。这些技术利用这样的事实,即因受多径效应而恶化的应答在各天线将具有不同的特征。位检测
在理想的环境中,可从所接收的标记信号107推导得一简单的三角相关峰值,如图5B所示。引入进射频链中的畸变,特别是由室内多径效应所引起的畸变导致一畸变的但仍是截然不同的相关峰值,其函数如图5中所示。为作位检测,要点在于可靠地检测表明标记的工作的一系列相关的存在。图11表示如何从一系列相关中提取标记数据。图111中所示1110图形的左半部中,标记发射“零”。这是通过将标记的调制器307设置成通过不改变的询问器信号106来实现的。当将所接收的标记信号107与所发射的伪噪声序列相关时,得到基本相同的相关峰值。这里图示出三个这样的峰值1120a~c。在第四个相关1120d的时间中,标记倒转调制器的相位180°,表明为“1”,如图菜1110中所示。由于调制是在一位的中间被改变,所以第四相关数据峰值1120d遭到破坏,而最好省略掉。第五和第六相关峰值1120e~f清楚地反映180°相移。
伪噪声序列可在单元控制器的微处理器控制下加以改变。当初次检测到一标记的存在时,也须应用一相对短的序列,如图11中所示。一旦标记的位定时被确定,就可能使用较长的序列用于改善的SNR,它有助于测定距离。
图11中未表明的一要考虑的重要情况是所接收信号的同相(I)和正交(Q)分量间的均衡将随时间偏移。这是因为单元控制器102a和标记101a中的10MHz源通常将相差数KMz。这一因素可通过邻接相关之间的相位差来校准,可通过注明所接收信号的同相(I)和/或正交(Q)分量中的变化在基带上加以检测。如前面指出的,与此相同的校准处理可被用于参考单元控制器对标记时钟进行校准,允许精确地预测标记发啁啾声信号的时间,而无需精确地测量标记位转变的定时。单元控制器和标记之间的交互作用
各标记均为始终不了解外界的独立单元。各标记均具有一在此标记在被制造时与此标记相关连的唯一的识别码(UID)。标记周期地唤醒,经过一短的时间期间将任何2440MHz输入信号106变换成5780MHz输出信号107,而同时将其UID及其他数据调制到它作啁啾声(发射)的输出的信号107上。此标记不与其他标记通信。此标记不对询问信号作明确地应答,而仅仅转发2440MHz频带中的任一输入信号106,它可能包括有或不包括有来自附近的单元控制器天线组件104a的伪噪声序列。这种方案大大简化标记101a的设计和制造。
在某些时段,二或更多标记将同时转发。在许多情况下,二标记之一将返回一比另一标记更强的信号,而在这样一冲突中将丢失某些数据。为避免在一重复模式中发生冲突,标记在随机化次数“唤醒”并以啁啾声发UID,这可根据结合有标记的UID的伪随机数发生器计算(通过标记和单元控制器)。例如,对一约每5秒发啁啾声的标记,此标记生成0.0与2.0之间的伪随机数,并它们加到4.0秒的最小延迟时间,结果得到一在4.0与6.0秒间均匀分布的一系列延迟时间。
有可能利用到伪随机数发生器的模拟输入例如自一内部时钟的输入或一RC电路的延迟来超时地改变籽(seed),但纯粹数字方案更有利于使单元控制器102a能准确地预测一已知标记发啁啾声时间。一典型的伪随机数发生器具有形式:
N=rand(籽)                式1
所得N被用作为此伪随机数序列中下一伪随机数的籽。在采用这一类的伪随机数发生器时,有可能二个标记将利用相同籽,使得它们的标记信号重复冲突。而且,因标志时钟中的很小差异,所有对标记将最终在某些时间内会漂移通过这一同步的状态。为避免这些情况,可取的是如中面指出的将各标记的UID结合进用于该标记的延迟时间,导致用于各标记的不同的伪随机序列,这就是:
Delay(延迟)=f(N,UID)                   式2。
这样一函数的一简单示例是:
N=Xor(Delay,Bit Rotate(UID,AND(N,11112))式3
参看式3,有可能通过计算N=Xor(Delay,Bit Rotate(UID,AND(N,11112)),自UID,Delay和And(N,1112)重构籽。
参看图12a,标记数据报1400的一实施例包含一使单元控制器能检测标记的存在的标题1401,后随一识别符前同步1402,再后为标记的UID1403。标题1401可以是零长度的。识别符前同步1402可被实现例如作为一有效性检查如循环冗余检验(CRC)。只要有足够简单的延迟功能和高时钟稳定性,单元控制器就能通过记录一系列数据报1400的啁啾声信号的定时来推导出标记的啁啾声序列。
参看图12b,在标记数据报1410的另一实施例中,标记加有Delay(延迟)信息1414,从而使单元控制器能予测数据报1410的标记的下一和随后的啁啾声的发射时间。在式3的示例中,这一信息包括有数据:Delay和AND(N,1112)。
参看图12c,在标记数据报1420的另一实施例中,采用较之图12a和12b的数据报1400、1410中更短的标题,使得单元控制器不保证有足够时间在标记数据报1420中所含有的UID1423被发射之前检测标记的存在。附连到数据报1420是下一次发啁啾声的发射延迟1425,使单元控制器能予测标记将下一次作啁啾声发出它的数据报1420的时间,即使此单元控制器没有足够时间来从最先接收的数据报1420的啁啾声识别该标记的身份。然后单元控制器能予测此下一啁啾声并在该时间确定该标记的身份。一旦此标记被识别,单元控制器可复制标记的伪随机数发生器来计算由标记作的全部未来啁啾声的时间。在图12c的标记数据报1420中,一系列的专用同步位1424被插在UID1423与延迟信息1425之间来可靠地确定何时UID1423结束;在这种情况下,UID1423必须被定义为使其不包括同步序列或其逆反。
图12a、12b和12c包括有使一标记能发射数据到单元控制器的任选数据段1404、1415、1426。这些段1404、1415、1426可包括有来自标记内部例如来自一运动检测器或一低功率指示器,或者来自一附着到标记的外部装置的数据,例如在标记被附着到个人时用于医学遥测的新陈代谢信息。
有关此标记UID的识别符前同步置于标记UID之前。这一识别符前同步使得单元控制器能迅速证实一标记将如所期望的发出啁啾声,而无需译码标记的完全UID。这使单元控制器能从事其他操作,例如与其他天线邻近的不同标记通信。此识别符前同步1402、1412、1422和标记UID1403、1413、1423被作外部设置,并如果适宜的话可被定义以包括纠错位。
标记的UID可被硬编码成标记(例如作为序列号)。标记可根据它们的UID被分组,而不同的组可与不同的单元控制器相关连。各单元控制器含有关于哪些标记处在与此单元控制器相关连的组中的信息(自另一源接收的)。当一单元控制器接收到一标记信号时,此单元控制器能从此标信号提取UID信息来确定此标记信号是否通过与此单元控制器相关连的组中的一标记被发送的。
在图12a~c的标记数据报1400、1410、1420中,延迟信息字段1414、1425和数据报段1404、1415、1426也可包括有纠错位。为简化处理,数据可被降少到半字节流。为确定对一特定的半字节发送什么值,标记可在一包含有例如8位的代表此半字节加纠错信息的值的表中查找该半字节的值。单一单元控制器可处理图12a~c中所示所有三种类型的数据报1400、1410、1420。数据报类型的选取决定于对一特定标记的应用要求。
一单元控制器检测一标记的存在所需的时间量取决于单元控制器设计的特性。例如,为转换天线的100微秒的时间在当单元控制器在16个天线间循环时是很有效的。为了保证在一标记的标记信号第一次被单元控制器收到时此标记就会被识别,标记数据报标题必须足够长来给单元控制器以时间来试验其所有的天线。如果性能要求在每秒100个标记的范围内,则此标题中可容许额外的2或3毫秒。但对于更高的性能要求,或者在标记功率消耗必须最小时,就必须改善单元控制器的性能或者必须采用图12c中所示类型的标记数据报1420。
通过预测自一特定标记发射的时间,单元控制器能以被编排的方从多个天线收集标记信息,以便通过利用天线和/或频率分集来更好地计算标记位置。如果一标记准确地在其被予期应答时进行应答,单元控制器就不必为了合理地确定正在由一正确的标记接收信号而检测标记数据报中发射的每一位。一严格准时到达的正确识别符前同步几乎肯定是来自所预期的标记。这给单元控制器提供了能试验多个能或不能与此标记通信的天线的机会。
如果需要跟踪标记数据报发送之间的标记,可将该标记组构成能更频繁地进行较短的发射。例如,如果将一标记组构来平均每10秒以啁啾声发送其数据报,它也就可能被组构以更频繁地例如每半秒发射更加短的代码。这一较短代码可以短到一位长,且发射仅需数微秒。这样,即使这样每秒作数百次发射也仅耗费通信信道很小的百分数。单元控制器可预测每一这样发射的准确定时,从而根据发射时间将各信号与始发标记相匹配。纠错码可被配置得使自一标记的长啁啾声信号一般不会受到来自其他标记的快速啁啾声信号的破坏。单元控制器具有预报大部分这样的冲突的数据。
当一标记最初进入一单元控制器的范围时,不同标记的数据报发射间的冲突将以无法预测的方式发生。由新近进入此区域的标记作的发射,或由自发增加其发射速率(例如响应于一运动检测器或“应急按钮”)的标记作的发射,不能被单元控制器102a预测,而可能引起数据恶化。但是一旦标记被识别,先前的冲突可被模型化而废弃有问题的数据。另一方面,如果来自二标记的信号相冲突,单元控制器可选择一天线使得此天线从一标记接收的信号将比此天线从另一标记接收的信号强。
在一更先进的标记设计中,单元控制器具有用于在单元控制器了解到标记在工作中的时间期间发送信息和指令到标记的装置。这样的指令可包括有要传给连接到此标记的装置的命令。此单元控制器能下载这样的信息,最简单的是通过通一断键控,或者对较先进的标记通过翻转伪噪声位序列来指明1或0。通常,下行链路(下载)途径由标记成本和特征要求所驱动,较高的位下行链路发射速率需要消耗较大功率的较昂贵的接收器。这样,单一的单元控制器可同时支持只读标记,读/写标记,和高速读/写标记,单元控制器根据一特定标记中所被支持的特征来适应其工况。
从标记向单元控制器的发射的定时取决于被加标记的物品。可将库存和设备设置得能作相对很少地发射,例如每分钟一次。对于例如在安全设施中的人员上的标记将需要较频繁地发射。对于标记的读/写方案,发射定时可根据来自单元控制器的命令被修正。
替换的标记设计使得能根据环境因素来变动发射时间。例如,可将自动检测器安置在一标记中以便当标记在运动中时降少发射之间的时间。作为另一例,当标识已被窜改时标记即较频繁地并以较高功率发射。作为另一举例,一标记可以结合一稍加修改的电子物品监视(EAS)装置,它可促使标记在处于一标准EAS检测器的范围内时更频繁地发射其UID。较通常地,如果一标记被附着到另一电子装置,发射间隔可在该装置的控制下加以修改。标记电源
标记101a~c为增加其轻便性和正常运行时间而发射低RF功率水平。另外,标记信号发射107被设计为仅仅数毫秒的持续时间。因此,即使一标记每数秒即转发其UID,仔细的标记设计也能使标记的电池寿命达到接近于电池自身的贮藏寿命。对于更低的功率应用,运动检测器可被结合进标记以便使得例如发射能在标记为静止时较不频繁。
对于某些情况,可通过在一附属机构中装以电池来实现电池更换。例如,将可重复应用的标记电子器件附连到一易于处理的病人的手镯上,将电池包括在此手镯内。作为另一例,可将电池装进ID手镯的箍中。更通常地,电池可被结合进一有源RFID标记的便宜的易于处理的部分中,电子器件则可在其他较昂贵的部分中。
如果标记被附着的物品是电源本身,此标记将接进该电源。这种方案在当标记能被设计进设备自身(例如一手持计算机)中,或在设备和电源很大(例如一铲车)时的情况中是最实用的。较大的电源允许更长的标记范围。估算标记位置
标记信号107在一作为以下的总和的时刻被接收到:(1)发送了询问信号106的单元控制器102a中由于其电路和去到和来自其天线组件104a~c的接线所引起的已知的固定的延迟;(2)天线组件104和标记101a中固定的时间延迟;和(3)询问器信号106和标记信号107行进通过空中所需时间。
因为(1)和(2)是固定的,现在可将注意力转向(3),询问器信号106和标记信号107通过空中行进时间。通过单元控制器102a被调制在2440MHz载波信号106上的伪噪声序列的持续时间必须大于信号106和标记信号107的组合行进时间。用于相关一伪噪声序列的技术在本技术领域内是公知的。在不存在多径效应时,单元控制器102a可从所接收的标记信号107推导一简单的三角相关峰值,如图5B中所示。但在大多数室内环境中,实际接收的标记信号看起来更象图5D~5G中所示那样。室内的射频信号易受多径效应影响,这是由于来自各种表面例如白色墙壁、荧光灯、文件柜、升降机轴、钢梁等等的反射作用所引起的。当一标记101a发射标记信号107时,直接的标记信号107和所反射的信号的总和在单元控制器天线组件104处被接收。为从这样的信息提取相关峰值可采用各种措施,特定的措施根据可用的信号质量、处理功率和所需的性能而被选择。
一40MHz芯片速率导致具有上升时间为25毫微秒的相关峰值,对应于一约25英尺的上升时间距离。由于标记位置是利用往返行程时间被计算的,因此单个芯片的准确度使得标记距离能被计算在约在12英尺之内,而无须作任何预先的信号处理。
一标记的近似位置可通过指明相关的信噪比超过一预定水平的时刻来被计算。通过试验少量不同的载频并选择一最早升高的载频能改善准确度,这样的频率分集由图4~6中所示的射频系统支持。这种方案对系统的信噪比是敏感的。
替换的方案是寻求相关函数的峰值。为改善结果,通过取互相关函数的二阶导数的逆反并求得其峰值的位置来测量信号延迟,如图5G中所示。
为最大准确度,可采用这一领域中所公知的MUSIC算法,对其已有0.01芯片范围中准确性的报导。MUSIC要求由这里揭示的图6中所示的射频系统所支持的频率分集。此方法是基于延迟轮廓(profile)数据向量的伪噪声相关矩阵的本征向量空间的分解。在各明显不同的频率提供信息以求解附加的多径分量时,需要频率分集。对于主要上是静止的标记,可收集需要的数据并完成计算作为背景过程。对于库存应用,可将运动检测器结合进标记,而后在每当它们的位置需加重新计算时通知单元控制器。
在足够的数据收集时间、天线分集、频率分集或处理功率不可行的情况中,可利用各种探试技术来计算标记位置,即使存在有严重的多径效应。可利用本技术领域内众所周知的技术来估算对需要时可加应用的各天线的测位。
在许多环境中,虽然在计算标记位置中不要求精确的准确度,但计算相对于一层或隔板的标记位置仍然是重要的。一建筑物中逐层的鉴别可通过在天花板中安装向下辐射的天线(或在地板中安装向上辐射的天线)来实现,如图2中所示。同样,对水平隔板作侧向安装的天线可确定相对于这些隔板的位置。对多径效应不太敏感的相对窄的束宽天线可指向门道等。
单元控制器天线104a可安装在靠近一计算机屏幕,覆盖面对应于此屏幕的视角。然后可配置软件来自动地组构用于范围内的人员的操作系统,或者为安全目的根据谁在或不在此范围内而使屏幕空白。类似的概念可结合复印机、缩微胶片读取器、保密设备等等被应用。
一单个天线组件可包括有布置成一三角形三个独立天线。通过使用返回信号的同相(I)和正交(Q)分量作相差比较可确定一标记的角度的指示。在高频实施例中,例如2.45千兆赫茨,这样的天线可相互在数英寸之内而十分有效。
探试技术可用来分析相关轮廓来估算相关开始时间,亦即,相关峰值开始能由“噪声”基线区分开的时间。频率分集能提供各种取样,而能选取其中最好的。通过将相关峰值与一精心探试求得的典型的相关轮廓的汇集之一进行图形匹配可实现完善估算。为校准目的,可将标记布置在已知的固定位置,而通经这些位置近旁的标记将多半会展现类似的相关轮廓。这样的固定标记也可被用来检测干扰源的存在(有意或无意发射干扰信号的目标)并提供用于试验各种反干扰技术的实时测试台。
天线分集是用于改善标记位置计算的准确度的最重要的工具。如果要求低准确度,可将天线布置成只有一个或二个天线处于给定标记的范围内。在这一情况下作三角测量的数据不够,而仅有足够的信息来检测任一时刻标记的存在和估算此标记距一或二天线的距离。从为此目的设计的且为本技术领域熟悉人士所公知的天线的信号强度可以估算标记的近似方位,并指明这样的方位趋向于反射所接收到的最强的信号,它可能包括有相当多的多径分量。相反,对于要求高准确性的区域,例如可在入口处安装相对窄的束宽天线的一分集,它还一齐提供清楚的位置图形
天线分集还提供系统的可定标性。对于不要求高准确度计算标记位置的其他设施,或设施内的部分,为了每平方英尺覆盖较低成本,可以相互远距离地安装基本上是非定向的和/或天花板安装的天线。对于要求高位置准确度的设施或设施内的部分,则隔开较近的和/或定向性天线能以较高成本提供高准确度。单元控制器工作
整体系统的设计,和标记信号发射间的间隔被伪随机地生成这一事实,提供为安全工作的可能。分散在一安全设施的入口的标记可通过该设施加以跟踪并在标记被窜改时可发射特殊代码。虽然此标记代码可通过监视标记的应答而被确定,但可按照一可被配置成仅对此标记和主机是已知的而且不破坏此标记不可能直接确定的算法来改变标记的发射间隔。此标记例如可包括一元件如一物理元件用于重编程其代码和发射间隔。例如,一带有被结合的标记的光ID在每次带有此光ID的人员通过一安全检查点时可被重新编程,可能与生物统计技术相结合地。
为完全覆盖一设施,可安装多重覆盖一些重叠区域的单元控制器。虽然各单元控制器将按照搜索和数据收集方法工作,但在天线间的快速移动,伪噪声代码,改变修整速率等等均将作为对另外的单元控制器的随机噪声出现。另外,带已知的互相关特性的代码例如Gold代码能由主计算机分配到各个单元控制器,特别是用于搜索标记的代码。另一方面,单元控制器可随机地转换对伪噪声代码的选择。
对在二单元控制器之间边界上的标记,各元件控制器报告标记距其天线组件的距离。中央主机105汇集这些数据来计算标记的位置。
各种各样可行的伪噪声代码可供单元控制器应用。这样,如果一代码看来是在接收来自此频谱的其他用户的干扰,单元控制器可选择另一代码。实质上为转发器的标记无需知道正应用中的特定代码。同样,如果另一个用户引起困难,中央频率可作某些调整。
其他实施例均在下列权利要求的范畴之内。例如本发明执行步骤的次序可通过在本领域中的实践而加以改变而仍然实现所需结果。

Claims (38)

1、用于转发射频询问器信号的标记,包括:
接收器,接收第一频率的询问器信号;
混频器,从所接收的询问器信号生成第二频率的射频发射信号;
微处理器,生成标记专用数据信号;
调制器,将标记数据信号调制在发射信号上以生成第一标记信号;和
发射器,在所选择时间发射第一标记信号。
2、用于转发射频询问器信号的标记,包括:
接收器,接收第一频率的询问器信号;
延时器,从所接收的询问器信号生成射频发射信号;
微处理器,生成标记专用数据信号;
调制器,将标记数据信号调制在发射信号上以生成第一标记信号;和
发射器,在所选择时间发射第一标记信号。
3、用于转发射频询问器信号的标记,包括:
接收器,接收第一频率的询问器信号;
信号发射鉴别器,从所接收的询问器信号生成一能在询问器被与询问器信号区别的射频发射信号;
微处理器,生成标记专用数据信号;
调制器,将此标记数据信号调制在发射信号上以生成第一标记信号;和
发射器,在所选择时间发射第一标记信号。
4、权利要求3所述标记,其中:
此信号发射鉴别器为一混频器。
5、权利要求3所述标记,其中:
此信号发射鉴别器为一延时器。
6、权利要求3所述标记,其中:
此所选择时间是伪随机地生成的。
7、权利要求3所述标记,其中:
二个所选择时间之间的差为标记数据信号的内容的函数。
8、权利要求3所述标记,其中:
此标记数据信号唯一地识别此标记。
9、权利要求3所述标记,其中:
此标记数据信号包括一标题和一唯一的标记识别符。
10、权利要求8所述标记,其中:
此标记数据信号还包括有一有效性校验。
11、权利要求8所述标记,其中:
此标记数据信号另外还包括有纠错位。
12、权利要求8所述标记,其中:
此标记数据信号包括有从一与此标记相关联的目标推导得的数据。
13、权利要求8所述标记,其中:
此标记处于第一标记信号的连贯发射之间的低功率状态。
14、权利要求9所述标记,其中:
所述微处理器响应于用户输入,改变此唯一的标记识别符。
15、权利要求4所述标记,其中:
所述微处理器响应于用户输入,还改变所选择时间。
16、权利要求4所述标记,其中所述调制器包括:
一调制器,使用通/断键控调制来对所述发射信号进行调制。
17、权利要求4所述标记,其中所述调制器包括:
一调制器,使用二进制相移键控调制进行调制。
18、权利要求4所述标记,其中所述调制器包括:
一调制器,使用多重相移键控调制进行调制。
19、权利要求4所述标记,其中所述调制器包括:
一调制器,使用正交放大调制进行调制。
20、权利要求7所述标记,还包括:
所述微处理器使得一第二标记信号被周期地发射。
21、权利要求4所述标记,其中:
此标记同时接收并应答多重询问器信号。
22、用于估算一目标的位置的方法,包括步骤:
发送一询问器信号;
接收所述被发射的询问器信号;
从一与此目标相关联的标记发射一标记信号;
在至少一接收天线处接收所发射的标记信号,此所发射的标记信号在各自的接收天线处,在该接收天线的一接收时间被接收;
从在接收天线的至少一个所接收的标记信号推导一标记的身份;
作为接收此标记信号的接收天线的子集的位置和在此接收天线的子集接收此标记信号的时间的函数,估算此标记的位置。
23、权利要求22所述方法,其中接收此标记信号包括步骤:
对一组至少一天线中的每一天线,确定此天线是否在接收一标记信号;和
如果此天线正接收一标记信号,识别此天线为该标记信号的接收天线。
24、权利要求22所述方法,所述发射步骤还包括步骤:
将一伪噪声序列调制到一载波信号上用于生成所述询问器信号;和
在识别此天线为此标记信号的接收天线之后扩充此伪噪声序列。
25、用于估算一目标的位置的方法,包括步骤;
在一发送时刻发射一询问器信号;
接收所述被发射的询问器信号;
由与此目标相关联的一标记发射一标记信号;
在至少一接收天线接收此被发射的标记信号,此被发射的标记信号在各自的接收天线处,在该接收天线的一接收时间被接收;
从在至少一接收天线所接收的标记信号推导一标记的身份;
在一单元控制器,根据发射时间和该接收天线的接收时间确定从每一接收天线到此标记的距离;和
作为从接收天线的一子集到此标记的距离的函数,估算此标记的位置。
26、用于检测一标记的存在的方法,包括步骤:
在一单元控制器,以第一频率连续地发射第一信号;
在此标记,接收此第一信号并以一第二频率在被选择时间转发此第一信号作为一第二信号;
在此单元控制器,接收此第二信号;和
在此单元控制器,根据此第二信号的接收来检测该标记的存在。
27、用于测量从一天线到一标记的距离的方法,包括步骤:
在该天线,在一发射时间以第一频率在第一信号上发射一伪噪声序列;
在此标记。接收第一信号并以第二频率转发此第一信号作为第二信号;
在该天线,在接收时间接收第二信号;和
在单元控制器,根据发射时间和接收时间确定从该天线到该标记的距离。
28、单元控制器,包括:
天线,用于以第一频率发射一单元控制器信号,并用于以第二频率从一转发标记接收一标记信号;
正交解调器,用于提取所接收的标记信号的同相和正交分量;和
为随后的处理对同相和正交分量进行数字化。
29、单元控制器,包括:
用于发射被调制在一载波信号上的单元控制器信号的电路;和
用于接收在所选时间通过一标记发射的标记信号的电路。
30、权利要求29所述单元控制器,还包括:
用于从所接收的标记信号确定标记的身份的电路。
31、权利要求30所述单元控制器,其中还包括:
用于从所接收的标记信号确定该标记下一次发射一标记信号的时间的电路。
32、用于监视目标的位置的系统,包括:
至少一个单元控制器单元,被连接到至少一个发射天线用于以一第一频率并在一被选定的发射时间发射一被调制在一载波信号上的单元控制器信号,并被连接到至少一接收天线用于以第二频率并在一接收时间接收包含有一标记数据报的应答标记信号;
具有一转换电路的至少一标记单元,用于将各接收到的单元控制器信号转换成为该标记信号;和
连接到各单元控制器的至少一计算单元,用于根据至少一接收天线的接收时间计算各标记单元的位置。
33、权利要求31所述系统,其中:此单元控制器可组构成被连接到可变数量的附加天线。
34、用于监视目标的位置的系统,其中:
至少一连接到一单元控制器的接收天线被安装在靠近一个设备;
此单元控制器被组构成根据接近所述设备的一应答目标的身份来修改此设备的工作特性。
35、权利要求34所述系统,其中:
接收天线被安装在接近一计算机屏幕以便使接收天线的输入被指向计算机屏幕的视野。
36、用于监视目标的位置的系统,包括:
至少一个连接到至少一天线组件的单元控制器单元,用于连续地发射单元控制器信号并接收一标记信号;
至少一标记单元,用于接收此单元控制器信号,将所接收的单元控制器信号转换成标记信号,并在选定时间发射此标记信号;和
至少一个连接到各单元控制器单元的计算单元,用于根据所接收的标记信号确定各标记单元的位置,并将从所接收的标记信号推导得的信息存储进一计算机可读存储媒体。
37、权利要求36所述系统,还包括:
被置于已知的固定位置的标记单元,用于进行系统校准。
38、用于校准一用于监视目标的位置的系统中的一标记的标记时钟的方法,包括:
将由一标记发射的标记信号分成为同相和正交分量;
将此同相和正交分量重复地与一伪噪声序列相关;
确定连续相关之间的相位差;和
根据此相位差校准标记时钟。
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