RFID tags: Positioning principles and localization techniques

Abstract

RFID is an automatic identification technology that enables tracking of people and objects. Both identity and location are generally key information for indoor services. An obvious and interesting method to obtain these two types of data is to localize RFID tags attached to devices or objects or carried by people. However, signals in indoor environments are generally harshly impaired and tags have very limited capabilities which pose many challenges for positioning them. In this work, we propose a classification and survey the current state-of-art of RFID localization by first presenting this technology and positioning principles. Then, we explain and classify RFID localization techniques. Finally, we discuss future trends in this domain.