Mobile Unit Communication via Acoustic Ranging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current RTL tracking technologies, such as GPS and cellular systems, are suboptimal for precise three-dimensional distance measurements and lack power efficiency, especially in applications like asset location and monitoring, where long-distance communication protocols are excessive and often unavailable.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a low-power wireless communication protocol that allows for robust, power-efficient distance measuring and proximity detection between mobile units, using a two-way ranging operation like IEEE 802.15.4a UWB, with a receiver-centric media access protocol to minimize energy consumption and extend battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or cellular networks are used for RTL tracking, then long-distance communication is achieved, but power consumption becomes excessive and measurement precision is insufficient for three-dimensional local distance measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces GPS/cellular wireless communication systems with acoustic wave-based communication. Acoustic waves propagate through the medium (air, water, or solid materials) and can be detected by acoustic sensors, enabling both communication and precise distance measurement through time-of-flight calculations without the high power consumption of satellite or cellular systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium for communication and measurement. Instead of direct electromagnetic communication between devices, acoustic waves serve as the carrier signal that transmits information while simultaneously enabling precise distance measurement through their propagation characteristics.
2Duration of action of moving object
If WiFi or cellular technologies are used, then communication range is extended, but power efficiency deteriorates for local tracking applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electromagnetic wave-based communication (WiFi, cellular) with acoustic wave-based communication. Acoustic communication requires significantly lower transmission power, especially over short to medium distances, thereby extending battery life while maintaining communication capability for local tracking applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of communication from electromagnetic waves to acoustic waves. This parameter change enables operation at much lower power levels for the same communication distance, directly addressing the power efficiency requirement for extended battery life in portable tracking devices.
3Use of energy by moving object
If acoustic wave communication is implemented, then power efficiency is improved, but communication reliability may be affected by environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where receiving devices send acknowledgment signals back to transmitting devices. This feedback loop enables error detection and retransmission protocols, ensuring reliable communication despite environmental interference with acoustic waves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs error correction codes and redundancy in the acoustic communication protocol to cushion against potential transmission errors caused by environmental factors. By preparing error correction capabilities in advance, the system maintains reliability even when acoustic waves are affected by noise, reflection, or absorption.
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
Enables real-time tracking and detailed analytics for asset management, predicts maintenance needs, optimizes asset allocation, and provides secure, scalable solutions with minimal battery replacements and remote software updates.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic wave communications instead of electromagnetic waves used in WiFi and cellular systems
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for managing communications amongst mobile computing units. The invention includes location detection, three-dimensional proximity detection and alert systems for and amongst mobile units, through the utilization of low-power local communications protocols. The systems and methods minimize power consumption by the mobile units, and enable for robust, reconfigurable real-time location and asset tracking.