Acoustic Beacon Transmitter With Multi-Frequency Location Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing real-time locating systems face difficulties in accommodating various types of mobile receiver units due to differing operational capabilities, such as smartphones and industrial mobile units, which affect flexibility and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A transmitting device that transmits acoustic signals at multiple frequencies (e.g., 20 kHz and 40 kHz) and beacon data using short-range wireless communication, allowing it to adapt to different mobile units and enhance location determination accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single frequency acoustic signal is transmitted, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different mobile units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting device dynamically selects which acoustic signals to transmit based on real-time detection of mobile unit capabilities. The system transitions from a static single-frequency transmission to a dynamic multi-frequency selection mechanism that adapts to the specific receiver units present in the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter of acoustic signals based on the operational capabilities of detected mobile units. By varying the transmitted frequency parameter (20 kHz, 40 kHz, or both) according to receiver capabilities, the system achieves adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the transmitter hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency acoustic signals are transmitted, then the adaptability to different mobile units is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic transmission capability is segmented into separate frequency channels (20 kHz and 40 kHz transducers). This segmentation allows the system to independently control and select which frequency signals to transmit, enabling support for different mobile unit types while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular frequency handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitting device is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple mobile unit types (smartphones, industrial units, wearables) with different acoustic capabilities. By incorporating both 20 kHz and 40 kHz transducers and implementing intelligent signal selection, a single transmitter unit serves multiple functions and supports diverse receiver devices.
3Measurement precision
If acoustic signals are transmitted at higher frequencies, then the location determination precision is improved, but the compatibility with older mobile units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting device employs feedback mechanisms to detect the operational capabilities of mobile units receiving acoustic signals. Based on this feedback information about receiver capabilities, the system adjusts which frequency signals to transmit, ensuring optimal location determination precision while maintaining compatibility with the specific mobile units present.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of always transmitting at the highest possible frequency, the system applies partial action by transmitting only at the necessary frequency level required by the mobile units. This allows the system to achieve sufficient precision for location determination while avoiding transmission of frequencies that older or less capable units cannot process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides accurate location determination within 6-12 inches with near real-time latency, supporting a variety of mobile units and requiring less complex infrastructure, enabling applications like patient tracking and wayfinding.
Implementation Method 1
a first transducer configured to transmit first acoustic signals having a first frequency
Implementation Method 2
a second transducer configured to transmit second acoustic signals having a second frequency
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic location determination system is disclosed. The system includes one or more transmitting devices and one or more mobile devices. The transmitting device includes a first transducer configured to transmit first acoustic signals having a first frequency, and a second transducer configured to transmit second acoustic signals having a second frequency. The transmitting device further includes a beacon device configured to transmit beacon data via a short-range wireless communication technique. The transmitting device further includes one or more control devices configured to select the first or second acoustic signals based at least in part on one or more operating capabilities of one or more mobile units associated with the real-time locating system. The one or more control devices are further configured to cause transmission of the selected acoustic signals and the beacon data.