A concept for infrastructure independent localization and augmented reality visualization of RFID tags

In this paper we present a multi sensor concept for localization and augmented-reality visualization of backscatter RFID tags. The sensor data of a camera and a RFID FMCW reader system are combined based on a synthetic aperture radar principle. The system enables the localization of tagged goods without the use of any installed infrastructure. We integrate a FMCW RFID reader and a camera system into a handheld device. While the handheld device is moved around, radar measurements as well as images of the surrounding area are taken at a number of locations. Thus, a synthetic aperture is generated and the position of the tags is calculated based on a SAR localization algorithm. Based on the imagery of the camera the user receives an augmented visual impression of where to find the RFID transponders.