RFID-Assisted Localization and Communication for First Responders: FY 2005 Interim Project Report

摘要

RFID (radio-frequency identification) devices commonly are attached to persons or to moveable objects so that the objects can be tracked using fixed readers (special-purpose radios) at different locations. In this project, supported by the NIST Advanced Technology Program (ATP), we propose to explore a novel application of the flip side of this practice based on the concept that detection of an RFID device in a known, fixed location by a moving reader provides a precise indication of location for tracking the person or moving object that is carrying the reader. The research will evaluate the exploitation of this concept to implement a low-cost, reliable means for tracking firefighters and other first responders inside buildings, where navigation using GPS is not reliableindeed, the GPS signal may have been disabled temporarily to prevent exploitation by terrorists. The research will also consider the use of building-related information stored in RFID devices placed at fixed on-site locations to aid the responders in their mission, as well as to describe the room layout or other context of the device, thereby minimizing the need for accessing remote databases through the communication system. Previously, ATP has funded research and development of a wireless network by Time Domain, Inc. and GE Corporate Research and Development that integrates communications, precise tracking, and data telemetry, based on ultrawideband (UWB) technology, for use in hospital and manufacturing environments. The system envisioned by this proposal is intended for an environment that is potentially much less friendly to RF propagation the in-building environment of first responders that may contain smoke, dust, or flames and is intended to leverage advances in ubiquitous RFID tag technology, in combination with recent advances in miniaturized inertial sensors, to develop a low-cost tracking system that does not depend upon the stability of the RF environment over relatively large distances to derive range from precision timing. The philosophy of the proposed RFID-assisted system also involves reducing the dependence on RF links to external data sources by exploiting the capability of RFID tags to store critical building information for retrieval when it is needed, where it is needed.