Performance-based evaluation of RFID-based indoor location sensing solutions for the built environment

Indoor location information is of great value to the building industry in improving the utilization and maintenance of facilities. The paper identifies previous academic accomplishments of radio frequency identification (RFID)-based indoor location sensing (ILS) solutions. The paper summarizes the major location sensing methods used in previous RFID-based solutions, and provides a review of 21 research projects, with their algorithm design, devices, test setup, and performance evaluation presented in detail. Based on this review, the paper summarizes the intensive use of the proximity method in RFID-based ILS, and analyzes the underlying rationale. The findings point out that no single solution satisfies all criteria for widespread implementations, and that the adaptability of these solutions to built environments need to be further justified. Finally, the paper outlines the gaps for future research, including modifying ILS solution design, developing a seamless outdoor/indoor location sensing solution, and building a context-aware information delivery mechanism for the building industry. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.