Final Report

Local Area Tracking and Monitoring System

Final ReportDec01-08Fall 2001

Faculty Advisors:John W. Lamont

Ralph Patterson III

Team Members:Brent Gill

Eric JacksonMuhammad Umar Sheikh

David Shih-Hau KuanHui Liu

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Table of Contents

List of Figures…………………………………………………………………………….iv

List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………..iv

Executive Summary……………………………………………………………………….1

Definition of Term………………………………………………………………………...3

Project Results…………………………………………………………………………….3

Technical Problem………………………………………………………………...3

Operating Environment……………………………………………………………5

Intender User/Uses………………………………………………………………………...6

Assumptions……………………………………………………………………………….7

Human Tracking Application……………………………………………………..7

Forklift Application.………………………………………………………………7

Computer Security Application…………………………………………………...7

Limitations…………………………………………………………….…………………..7

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).…………………………………………..7

Global Positioning System (GPS)…………………………………………………8

Radio Triangulation……………………………………………………………….8

Micropower Impulse Radar……………………………………………………….8

Infrared Beacon…………………………………………………………………...8

Frequency Detection Unit…………………………………………………………………8

Design Requirement……………………………………………………………….9

Functional Requirement…………………………………………………………...9

Human Tracking…………………………………………………………………………11

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Design Objectives………………………………………………………………..11

Functional Requirement………………………………………………………….11

Machinery Tracking……………………………………………………………………...12

Design Objectives………………………………………………………………..12

Functional Requirements………………………………………………………...13

Asset monitoring…………………………………………………………………………14

Design Objectives………………………………………………………………..14

Functional Requirements………………………………………………………...14

Design Constraints……………………………………………………………………….15

Cost………………………………………………………………………………15

Size……………………………………………………………………………….15

Power consumption………………………………………………………………15

Capture Area……………………………………………………………………..15

Target Visibility………………………………………………………………….15

Temperature……………………………………………………………………...16

Interference………………………………………………………………………16

Measureable Milestones………………………………………………………………….16

Final Design……………………………………………………………………...16

Prototype Implementation………………………………………………………..16

Successful Testing……………………………………………………………….16

End Product Description…………………………………………………………………16

Approach and Design……………………………………………………………………17

Technical Approach……………………………………………………………...17

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Technical Design………………………………………………………………...19

Outdoor Human Tracking – Global Positioning System……………………...19

Indoor Human Tracking – Radio Frequency Identification…………………...23

Financial Budget……………………..…………………………………………………..24

Personnel Effort Budget………………………………………………………………….24

Project Schedule………………………………………………………………………….25

Evaluation of Project Success……………………………………………………………27

Commercialization……………………………………………………………………….28

Recommendations for Further Work…………………………………………………….28

Lesson Learned…………………………………………………………………………..28

Project Team Information………………………………………………………………..29

Team Members…………………………………………………………………..29

Advisors………………………………………………………………………….30

References………………………………………………………………………..30

Summary…………………………………………………………………………………30

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List of Figures

Figure 1 – RFID Technologies…………………………………………………………3Figure 2 – RFID System Graphic……………………………………………………...10Figure 3 – Lassen GPS receiver………………………………...……………………..19Figure 4 – RIM 802D Cellular Modem………………………………………………..20Figure 5 – Project Schedule……………………………………………………………25Figure 6 – Project Schedule……………………………………………………………26

List of Tables

Table 1 – Feasibility Matrix…………………………………………………………...18Table 2 – Financial Budget…………………………………………………………….24Table 3 – Personal Effort Budget………………………………………………………24

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Executive Summary

This project began with the task of tracking an entity in a certain area. Towards this end,

four applications were identified.

To track forklifts and/or other mobile machinery in a large industrial complex, such

as a warehouse. This application would require on-demand tracking of the exact

location of the entity. A central computer would be used to display location

information.

To track residents of a nursing home, in order to ensure that they stay on the

premises. This application would require continuous tracking to determine perimeter

violation, along with the location of that perimeter violation. A central computer

would be used to display location information

To track individuals in an outdoor environment. This application would require

continuous tracking of the individual while outdoors. A base station PC would be

used to display location information.

To deter computer or equipment theft. A perimeter violation system would be

implemented to trigger alarms should any protected piece of equipment break the

perimeter. Periodic location resolution is sufficient for this application.

Many technologies where explored for implementation, these include: radio frequency

identification, global positioning system, infrared beacons, radio triangulation, video face

recognition, micropower impulse radar, and ultrasonic ranging.

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As the project progressed, in the spring of 2001, RFID was chosen to develop a solution

for the indoor human tracking application for use in nursing homes. This type of system

is needed to ensure the safety of nursing home patients who often attempt to leave the

premises. An example of such an occurrence would be an Alzheimer’s patient wandering

away during the winter and dying of exposure. The remainder of that semester was spent

researching RFID and searching for a sponsor to provide the team with a development kit

to showcase the proposed solution. However, no sponsor could be found, thus the project

was reevaluated and a slightly new direction taken.

In keeping with the original project statement to develop a local area tracking system,

two applications were settled on. The aforementioned RFID nursing home tracking

system would be designed, as well as an outdoor human tracking system. The outdoor

human tracking system would be used to track individuals outside, perhaps in a city

environment. An example would be to track students at a large national conference to

ensure that none get lost. The need for a system such as this is realizable considering the

trouble a young student could get into in a large city setting.

Both of these applications were looked at from a “design-only” standpoint, examining

many of the same technologies as earlier, but in greater detail. RFID was chosen as the

technological solution to the indoor human tracking application and GPS was chosen as

the solution to the outdoor tracking application. The end product of this project is

included in this final report: A detailed design solution to each of the two applications

utilizing the RFID and GPS technologies.

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Definition of Term

TSIP: Timing and Synchronization Internet ProtocolTAIP: Timing and Asynchronization Internet ProtocolNMEA: National Marines Electronic Association CEP: Circular Error Probability

Project Results

Technical Problem

In order to implement this system, a combination of radio frequency identification

(RFID) and the global positioning system (GPS) will be used. This technology would

require radio frequency transponders and GPS receivers on each tracked object. Radio

frequency reading units shall be placed strategically throughout the tracking area, and a

central computer shall be located on the premises to manage all the collected data. The

central computer would be used to display location information, and could be either a PC

or a microcontroller and LCD display. The software would be written in C or Assembly.

Below is a graphic depicting common RFID technologies.

Figure 1 - RFID Technologies

http://home.att.net/~randall.j.jackson/rfid.htmSeveral other technologies were also considered, but were eliminated due to cost and/or

complexity. These technologies are detailed below.

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Radio triangulation and telemetry . This technology would require two or more

receiving antennas, a transmitter located on the tracked object, extremely accurate

time synchronization equipment, and a central computer (PC). The central computer

would be used to display location information, as needed. The software for this

system would be programmed in C++ or Visual Basic. This technology was rejected

due to cost and accuracy issues.

Micropower impulse radar . This technology would require the radar device and a

central computer (PC). The central computer would be required to do several tasks

such as filtering, imaging, and identifying tracked objects. Thus, the central computer

would need to be quite fast. The software for this system would be programmed in

Matlab and C++/Visual Basic. This system was rejected due to the fact that it can not

distinguish between multiple targets. Also, very costly, sophisticated equipment

would need to be used.

Infrared beacon . This technology would require an infrared source (such as an LED),

to be carried by each tracked object, two rotating infrared receivers, and a central

computer (PC). The central computer would used for location resolution and display.

The software for this system would be programmed in Visual Basic. This

technology was rejected due to its inefficiency in an unclean environment. Also, it

required line of sight operation, which is not always practical in with this application.

Frequency detection unit . This technology would require a transmitter on each

tracked object, and strategically placed receivers. This system would not be able to

discriminate between objects. The output would simply be whether or not a signal is

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detected. This technology was rejected due to its inability to discriminate between

different objects.

Operating Environment

The operating environment for the human tracking system would be both indoors and

outdoors. The system should not be affected by electronic equipment commonly found in

offices. Temperature range of operation is expected to be approximately between -20-

120 degrees Fahrenheit. Operating environments for the discarded applications are

included below.

For the forklift application, the technology would be operating in an industrial setting.

The system should then be able to function in a fairly dirty environment, as dust and

other contaminants may be present. The system should also be resistant to any

electrical interference caused by operating machinery, within reason. Some

resistance to both high and low temperatures would be needed, with an operating

range approximately between 0-110 degrees Fahrenheit.

For the computer security application, the technology would operate in an office or

lab setting. The system should be adequately shielded from electronic emissions

from such sources as computer components and power supplies. Temperature range

of operation is expected to be approximately between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Intended User/Uses

The intended user of the human tracking system would be the staff of a nursing home or

medical care facility. The system would be used to detect entry to or exit from certain

areas to protect patients or residents. An example would be to detect the exit of an

Alzheimer’s patient from the facility, in order to protect them from wandering away. For

completeness, the intended user and uses of the two discarded applications is included

below.

The forklift application is intended for use by plant employees. It is to be used to

track the locations of mobile equipment uniquely, so that a particular piece of

equipment can be found on demand.

The computer security system is intended to be used by IT or equipment staff. The

system would be used for security purposes to detect the removal of computers or

other valuable equipment from the facility.

Assumptions

Assumptions are listed below, also included are assumptions from discarded applications.

Human Tracking Application

The tracked person shall not remove a transmitter or transponder, or subject them

to adverse conditions.

Transponders will be small enough to “hide” on patient or resident.

Wideband noise will not be sufficiently powerful to disrupt communication

between the reader and transponders.

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Forklift Application

Technology will not operate in a hazardous environment (IR sensitivity to dust

and contaminants).

Computer Security Application

Tracked materials can be removed from the building only via doors or windows

(perimeter monitoring only).

Limitations

Limitations are listed below, by technology. Also included are eliminated technologies.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Tracking data only available when a perimeter is crossed.

Transponders must not be blocked or enclosed in radio frequency dampening

materials.

Only entities with transponders can be tracked.

If an active system is used, transponders may require periodic maintenance.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Reliable location information not available in urban areas with many tall

buildings.

Non-differential GPS is limited to an accuracy of around 25 meters.

GPS receivers are too large to easily hide on a tracked person.

Radio Triangulation

All transmitted signals must be low power to reduce interference.

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Micropower Impulse Radar

Unique identification of two or more of the same type of entity, such as two

identical forklifts, is not possible with this technology.

Multiple radar sites can only be implemented if the central computer is of

sufficient speed to handle the extra load, due to cost considerations.

Infrared Beacon

Line of sight is necessary for this technology to determine position.

Continuous tracking of entities is not possible.

Beacons and receivers must be kept clean.

Frequency Detection Unit

Unique identification of tracked objects is not possible.

Transmitters must not be blocked or enclosed in radio frequency dampening

materials.

Design Requirement

1. A passive transponder card with a unique identification code to be carried by all

persons to allow identification.

2. An antenna to transmit pulses of power to the transponder and to receive a signal

back from it.

3. A reading unit that reads the signal from the antenna, processes its identification

code and sends it out a serial link to a central computer.

4. A central computer to receive data by networking all of the readers together

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5. A software application to process and keep track of all movement within the

covered range.

6. The area of tracking can covered within 10 meters wide.

7. The frequency that sent off is not to be in dangerous mode.

8. The reader, tag and the antenna should be compatible with their frequency range.

Functional Requirement

1. The transponder cards must each have a unique identification code and must stay

with the person that they were issued to.

2. This antenna must have sufficient range (>1.5 meters) to allow easy and

guaranteed detection from a normal operating range at all locations where a

reading unit is being used.

3. The antenna must be able to read more than one signal at once.

4. The antenna must be able to interface with the reading unit.

5. The reading unit must be able to distinguish between each identification code.

6. The reading unit must be able to read and distinguish between more than one

identification code at once.

7. The reading unit must be able to communicate with a central computer via a

serial (RS-232) connection.

8. The central computer must be able to take input from each reading unit and

update the positions of people based on the input.

9. The software application must be able to display current information in an easy

to use manner.

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Figure 2 - RFID System Graphic

http://www.axsi.comIn designing this system, the team has considered three main applications and several

technologies to use in implementing the system. Among the applications were asset

monitoring, machinery tracking, and human tracking. It was finally chosen to proceed

with human tracking in both an indoor and outdoor environment. However, the other two

applications will be discussed as well.

Human Tracking

Design Objectives

The project will use an RFID system to track people in an indoor environment, and a

GPS system to monitor people in an outdoor environment. This system must include:

A passive transponder card with a unique identification code to be carried by all

persons to allow identification.

An antenna to transmit pulses of power to the transponder and to receive a signal

back from it.

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A reading unit that reads the signal from the antenna, processes its identification code

and sends it out a serial link to a central computer.

A central computer to receive data by networking all of the readers together.

A software application to process and keep track of all movement within the covered

range.

A GPS receiver to get positioning information.

A cellular modem and antenna to transmit the persons current location.

Functional Requirements

The components of this project must be combined to perform several necessary tasks.

These tasks are listed below.

The transponder cards must each have a unique identification code and must stay with

the person that they were issued to.

This RFID antenna must have sufficient range (>1.5 meters) to allow easy and

guaranteed detection from a normal operating range at all locations where a reading

unit is being used.

The antenna must be able to read more than one signal simultaneously.

The antenna must be able to interface with the reading unit.

The reading unit must be able to distinguish between each identification code.

The reading unit must be able to read and distinguish between more than one

identification code simultaneously.

The reading unit must be able to communicate with a central computer.

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The central computer must be able to take input from each reading unit and update

the positions of people based on the input.

The software application must be able to display current information in an easy to use

manner.

The GPS system must have a resolution of at least 20 meters.

Machinery Tracking

The second application would be to track objects such as forklifts in a warehouse setting.

This system must be able to uniquely distinguish between each vehicle to be tracked.

This system would involve several requirements.

Design Objectives

The design must include

An active beacon device attached to each vehicle wishing to be tracked.

Multiple detectors located strategically throughout the warehouse depending on

warehouse dimensions to allow for triangulation throughout the warehouse or

manufacturing facility.

A central computer that receives signals from all the detectors to compute and

display the location of all vehicles.

Functional Requirements

The beacon would need to be powered and would need to have a sufficient range for the

signals to propagate to the detectors, through walls if need be.

The beacon would need to send out an unique identification code at short intervals that

would be detectable by multiple detectors.

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The detectors would need to be able to process multiple signals at once coming from all

vehicles.

The detectors would need to be networked in some way to allow for the triangulation

calculations.

The detectors would need a very short latency to allow for fast calculations.

The detectors would need a very accurate timing mechanism to heighten the precision of

the system.

The computer would need to be know the location of all the detectors.

The computer would need to be able to quickly process all incoming data.

The computer would need to display location information in a meaningful way.

Asset monitoring

The third application considered is asset monitoring and protection. An example of such

an application would be to track computers and peripherals making sure that they did not

violate an arbitrary perimeter, thus ensuring they would not be stolen. This system would

not need to distinguish between different components. To implement this system, many

objectives must be met.

Design Objectives

The design must include

A frequency detection unit that could detect radio signals from tags attached to assets.

A tag attached to each asset that sends out radiation to be picked up by the detector.

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Functional Requirements

The detectors would have to be placed at all possible exits from the room to ensure

maximum security. Leaving out such things as windows would greatly undermine

the value of the system.

The detectors would need to set off an alarm when the perimeter is breached by an

asset.

The detectors would work by reading a tag attached to each item being tracked. The

detectors would need a source of power and would need to be relatively small so as to

fit in areas such as doorways and windows.

The tags would be very small and passive in nature. They would be very small and

inconspicuous and could easily fit inside computers without affecting the operation of

the tags or the computers.

The tags would all be identical thus making it impossible to distinguish between each

item for convenience purpose.

Design Constraints

Cost

The end product should be made inexpensive and affordable for all applications without

compromising on the performance and reliability. However, the unavailability of a

sponsor has posed a financial constraint for the team.

Size

The size of the transponders and GPS receivers should be kept as small as possible for

convenient installation and handling.

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Power consumption

Keeping in mind the requirement of continuous tracking of the patients in a nursing

home, the team wants to keep the power consumption of the end product as low as

possible. Passive transponders do not require any power. The GPS receiver and cellular

modem will require power.

Capture Area

Larger coverage area means lesser number of transponders per unit area. The transceiver

should be able to detect the reader within 120 of symmetric sweep. The size and power

consumption of the unit has to be compromised for enhanced coverage area.

Target Visibility

RF tags do not need to be seen to be read. However, a thick metal or similar radio

frequency obstructing material can affect the performance of the system.

GPS units must have a clear line to at lease three satellites to ensure normal operation.

Temperature

Temperature range of the system is expected to be 0-120 F. Extreme temperatures are

expected to affect the performance of the system.

Interference

The system should be adequately shielded from the electronic emission and fields of

other computers and power supplies.

Measurable Milestones

Final Design

Final design should contain all functions and fulfill design criteria.

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Prototype Implementation

A prototype should be successfully constructed.

Successful Testing

All proposed tests should be satisfied.

End Product Description

The end product will be a human monitoring system for use in managed care facilities. It

will consist of a central computer to monitor the movements of tagged individuals both

indoors and outdoors. It will use a GPS system to track in an outdoor environment, and

an RFID system to track people moving past checkpoints set with RFID readers in an

indoor environment. An example of its use would be to track patients in a nursing home

to ensure that they stay on the premises, thus reducing the risk of injury.

Approach and Design

Technical Approach

The factors that determined the approach and choice of technology are different for each

application.

For the indoor human tracking application, two main factors had to be considered. First,

each target had to be uniquely identifiable. This means that the system can distinguish

between different individuals. Also, the technology must work in an indoor environment.

Power consumption may be another factor, depending upon the technology being

investigated.

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For the outdoor human tracking application, four main factors were under consideration.

Power consumption was an important factor in the choice of technology. As the tracked

individual must carry part of the system, power use must be kept low to avoid heavy

power supplies. For this reason, overall system size must also be considered. Also, each

target must be uniquely identifiable. Coverage area is also a factor, as the system must be

able to track targets within at least a 10-mile radius.

For the vehicle tracking application, two main factors were considered. Each target must

be uniquely identifiable. Also, positions must be resolved at least 4 times per second, due

to the relatively faster movements of vehicles. Power consumption is not a significant

factor in the application because there will be access to the vehicle’s on board power

system.

For the equipment security application, the main factor was monitoring the boundaries of

the building in which the equipment is housed. The system is mainly concerned with

alarming the user when a protected piece of equipment leaves the premises. The targets

need not be uniquely identifiable but would be helpful.

Keeping these factors in mind, a feasibility matrix was constructed, detailing which

technologies were feasible for each application. This matrix is included below.

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Table 1 – Feasibility Matrix

Patient Vehicle-Warehouse Human-Outdoors Equipment

RFID Strong Weak Not Feasible Weak

Video image recognition Strong Weak Weak Not Feasible

IR Beacons Weak Strong Weak Not Feasible

GPS Not Feasible Not Feasible Strong Not Feasible

Ultrasonic Ranging Not Feasible Not Feasible Not Feasible Not Feasible

Micropower Impulse RADAR Not Feasible Not Feasible Not Feasible Not Feasible

Radio Wave Triangulation Not Feasible Not Feasible Strong Not Feasible

DC Magnetic Field Tracking Not Feasible Not Feasible Not Feasible Strong

Thermal Imaging Not Feasible Not Feasible Not Feasible Not Feasible

Technical Design

Outdoor Human Tracking – Global Positioning System

Considering the requirements for the outdoor tracking of humans and using the

feasibility matrix, the team selected global positioning system as the key

technology.

GPS utilizes a network of 24 geosynchronous satellites and their ground stations.

Each satellite transmits a signal to the earth. A GPS receiver must be in contact

with 4 satellites in order to successfully calculate its position on the earth.

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The system design includes three main components: a portable receiver, a base

station, and software.

The receiver is comprised of four modules:

GPS receiver

Cellular modem (DataTAC)

GPS/cellular antennas

Power supply

The selected GPS receiver is Trimble’s OEM receiver, the Lassen LP GPS. A key

factor in selecting this unit is its low power consumption of 67 mA (with powered

antenna), and its ability to go into sleep mode draining only 8 mA. The receiver is

also compatible with several different data transfer protocols including the TSIP

binary data protocol, TAIP and NMEA protocols. Its small size was also a factor,

being only 2.605 x 1.250 x .475 inches (L x H x W), and weighing only 12.5 grams.

The receiver has 8 receiving channels, thus it can track 8 satellites simultaneously.

Figure 3 – Lassen GPS receiver

http://www.trimble.com/lassenlp.html

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The selected cellular (cell) modem is the Research in Motion’s OEM RIM 802D

radio modem for DataTAC. The modem is very convenient for hand held

applications as it has a very small size and efficient power management. Its

dimensions are 1.65 x 2.65 x .33 inches (L x W x H), and it weighs only 35 grams.

The power consumption is also low, being 61 mA in receive mode and 1700 mA in

transmit mode. Based on these numbers, and the assumption that the system will be

in transmit mode not more than 1 % of the operating time, the cell modem will draw

about 78 mA on average. The cell modem also has an integrated Intel 386

processor. This will allow for customization of the system and data. Research in

Motion produces an extensive development environment for the 802D, which

provides versatility in programming applications.

Figure 4 – RIM 802D Cellular Modem

http://www.rim.com/products/oem/index.shtml

The antennas used will be the ones included in the development kits for the RIM

802D and the Lassen LP GPS. These will be used for testing purposes; other

antennas may be selected based on testing.

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The power supply will consist of four Sanyo Cadnica KR-CH(2.5) 1.2 volt Nickel

Cadmium rechargeable batteries (2500 mAh). These batteries, wired in series, will

provide 4.8 volts to the system. This 4.8 volts can be used directly to run the cell

modem. To supply the 3.3 volts necessary to run the GPS receiver, a regulator

circuit will also be included in the supply. This regulator circuit will consist of a

Phillips TDA 3663 3.3 volt regulator and two 10 uF capacitors to reduce ripples. A

diagram of this circuit is included. Based on the current need for the cell modem

and GPS receiver, the power supply can provide the system with power for about 17

hours on a full charge.

The base station will consist of a Windows-based PC of at least 500 MHz. This PC

must have a continuous connection to the Internet, as it will receive data from the

portable units through the Internet.

The software system will consist of two parts: the Internet application running on

the cell modem, and the display software running on the base station. The Internet

application will send latitude, longitude, and altitude position data to the base

station. It will be written with the software provided by Research in Motion. The

base station software will display the received information in the form of actual

coordinates on a world map. Error correction functions will also be included.

Testing Description

As this is a design only project, no testing will be done at this time.

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Recommendation for Further Work

Reduce the size of the portable unit. The team is working on further size

reduction by replacing the current batteries in the power supply with lighter

models. Moreover, smaller antennas are also under consideration.

Improve the accuracy of the GPS receiver. Differential GPS processing

techniques can greatly improve the accuracy of the system, even up to 2 m CEP.

This processing can be efficiently done on the base station.

Reduce the power consumption of the mobile unit. Currently, the cell modem

uses 1700 mA during active transmission. This can be reduced by efficient use of

software by reducing the transmission duty cycle. The hardware can also be put

into sleep mode during idle times.

Indoor Human Tracking – Radio Frequency Identification

Based on completed research, the team has chosen to design an RFID system for

use in indoor human tracking.

RFID uses passive transponder cards to send data to a reading unit whenever the

transponder is within range of the reading unit (~2 meters). Reading units shall be

placed at every portal (i.e. doorway) at which tracking information is desired.

When a tracked individual crosses the threshold of the doorway, the transponder

27

card is read and the central computer updates the location based upon the portal that

was crossed and the previous location.

Several RFID solutions are available for purchase. Due to financial estimates, ease

of use, networking and scalability factors, the team has chosen the Intermec RFID

developers kit. This kit contains everything necessary to build a functional RFID

system. The kit contains the Intermec microwave RFID reader card, which can be

interfaced with the Intermec 2100 universal access point (UAP). The 2100 UAP

comes with standard 10baseT Ethernet built in for easy networking connectivity to

the central computer. Several transponder cards are included with the kit. The

ideal transponder for our use is a small, passive read-only card that can easily be

hidden or attached to clothing.

Testing Description

As this is a design only project, no testing will be done at this time

Recommendations for further work

Employ application specific antennas to get precise coverage area.

Design software application to display data

Implement the design

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Financial Budget

Table 2 - Financial Budget

Item

Original Estimated

Cost

Actual Cost

Labor $0 $0

Equipment/Parts $1500 $0

Telephone/Postage $0 $0

Printing $150 $50

Total Estimated Cost $1650 $50

No labor costs were estimated as the team will complete the required tasks.

Personnel Effort Budget

The estimated personal effort budged for the project is outlined below.

Table 3 - Personnel Effort budget

Personnel Original Estimated Effort(hrs) Actual Effort(hrs)

Brent Gill 107 104

Eric Jackson 99 101

Muhammad Umar Sheikh 102 103

Shih-Hau Kuan 106 107

Hui Liu 97 99

Total 511 514

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Project Schedule

30

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Evaluation of Project Success

Throughout the course of the project, the team had many milestones to reach. The first

major task was to define the applications. This had to be done before any work could be

done. This task was totally completed.

The next step was to choose a specific application for which to create a design. This step

was completed.

After an application was chosen, research began on choosing the right technology to

match the application. This goal was also completed.

Once the technology was chosen, the team looked into specific existing hardware that

could be used to satisfy our design requirements. This goal was completed.

Commercialization

The design components selected for the GPS tracking system are estimated to cost around

$200 per unit. The components for the RFID system are estimated to cost $300 per portal

and $2 per person. There would also be a cost for a single computer that will be used to

display information. This cost is estimated at $1000.

Street prices would depend entirely on the scale. A large corporation with many portals

and people would need to pay much more.

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This product is aimed at managed care facilities. There are numerous benefits to a

system such as this. The system would cost a large one time cost for initial equipment,

and around $200 for each person to be tracked.

Recommendations for Further Work

The end product for this project consists of a hardware design only. Future groups could

take the design and do the actual implementation. The design created has real-world

applications that could benefit many.

Lesson Learned

The fields of RFID and GPS are rapidly changing, even from one semester to the next.

The cost to track an individual has decreased considerably over the last few years.

Always developed a well-defined problem.

Thoroughly Technology researched.

Understand the mobile unit design.

Limitation of developed technology.

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Project Team Information

Team Members

Brent Gill4912 Mortensen #1013(515)[email protected]

Eric Jackson1320 Gateway Hills #501(515)[email protected]

Hui LiuSchilletter Village 22C(515)[email protected]

Shih-Hau Kuan225 N. Hyland #3(515)[email protected]

Muhammad Umar Sheikh6227 Hawthorne Ct(515)[email protected]

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Advisors

Dr. John Lamont324 Town Engineering(515)-294-3600Fax: (515)[email protected]

Ralph Patterson III326 Town(515)-294-2428Fax: (515)[email protected]

References

Dr. Steve F. RussellAssociate ProfessorElectrical and Computer EngineeringIowa State University2427 Coover HallAmes, IA [email protected](515)-294-1273

Dr. Satish UdpaProfessorElectrical and Computer EngineeringIowa State University391C Durham CenterAmes, IA [email protected](515)-294-8180

Summary

This project has several real-world applications. Although this design has focused on a

managed care environment, the design could easily be extended to a corporate

environment.

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