RFiD methods for indoor tracking research: Challenges, advantages and inconveniences

Name, title and affiliation
Valinka Suenson (vsue@aod.aau.dk)
Architecture & Design
Aalborg University, Denmark
http://personprofil.aau.dk/Profil/117181

Short Biography
Valinka Suenson is a 1st year Ph.D student at the faculty of Architecture and Design at Aalborg University. At present her field of research is tracking opportunities in indoor spaces. How can we track movement patterns? And what can we say about the data we get from tracking indoor movement? Previously she has worked as an assistant at SBi evaluated the urban regeneration program on Nørrebro (Copenhagen) and Vollsmose (Odense). Her current research focuses on the interplay within movement, behavior, architecture and social technologies. 

Abstract
Several studies today use GPS systems to register various movement patterns from car traffic to visitors in the ZOO. However in an indoor setting a GPS system cannot work as the satellite signal is not able to penetrate a building. In this case the RFID system is more beneficial as the signal uses radio activity which is independent of the satellite. Additionally the RFID system can be much more accurate, as the signals accuracy can be down to minimum two meters. A small scale measurement that often is necessary for tracking indoor movement.

By using the RFID system the aim of the Ph.D project is to integrate new technologies when evaluating how buildings are being used. More precisely the Ph.D focuses on constructions in the field of sport, culture and leisure made with contributions from The Danish Foundation for Culture and Sport Facilities (Lokale og Anlægsfonden).

The aim of the method is to show present online and in real time the movement patterns inside a building. With indoor tracking in real time, it is possible to register the difference from where people say they want to stay, and where they actually are when moving around a building.

This lecture will try to clarify some of the challenges that arises when working with the RFID system for indoor tracking. As a case a 5.090 m2 library in Hjørring is presented. The considerations connected to make a representative survey of the movement and activity/flow patterns inside Hjørring Library will be discussed.