Hybrid tracking technology

Electronic personnel and asset tracking systems have historically employed either radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), or ultrasonic technology. This paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each of these technologies and discusses the use of hybrid designs that use the features of one technology to fill the deficiency gaps in another. While each technology possesses inherent advantages and features, each also has its own distinct limitations. For example, while RF can readily track the presence of an article in a large facility using few receivers, establishing the precise location of an article typically requires the installation of many additional receivers and can easily become uneconomic. A hybrid system consisting of two technologies and/or sensor classes working in tandem when intelligently linked would enhance system performance beyond the use of two non linked systems. The use of a common intelligent controller makes the hybrid combination synergistic allowing it to outperform single technologies installed in parallel but not integrated into one system. A key benefit of the hybrid approach is the ability to supervise the tags for location, functionality, and tampering to a much greater degree than is possible with single technology and class systems. The hybrid system is also cost effective when compared to multiple technology non integrated systems since the integration makes use of common system elements such as wiring, power supplies, controllers and annunciators