Wireless Power Antenna Arrays for 3D RF Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination systems, such as GPS, are ineffective indoors and cannot track objects within a wireless power delivery environment, limiting their functionality to only device tracking.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power delivery system using multiple antennas to generate a 3D RF image of the environment, detect and track non-static objects by analyzing beacon signal phases, and create motion-based maps like heat and flow maps to represent object movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional location determination systems like GPS are used, then device tracking is provided, but they cannot detect objects indoors or within wireless power delivery environments
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power delivery system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it not only delivers power wirelessly but also determines locations of devices and tracks objects within the environment. The existing wireless communication infrastructure is utilized for dual purposes of power transfer and location/object detection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tracking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Beacon signals are introduced as intermediary carriers that enable the wireless power delivery system to detect and track objects. These beacon signals, already present in the wireless power environment, are repurposed to convey location and movement information, allowing the system to overcome the limitation of traditional GPS-like systems that fail indoors.
2Measurement precision
If beacon systems are used for indoor location, then device tracking is enabled, but they cannot track other objects within the system
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon signal reception capability is extended beyond device tracking to include detection and tracking of any object within the wireless power delivery environment. The system analyzes beacon signal phases to identify and track multiple types of objects, transforming a device-specific tracking system into a general-purpose object tracking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors beacon signal phases and uses this feedback information to detect and track object movements in real-time. By analyzing changes in beacon signal characteristics, the system can identify non-static objects and their trajectories, enabling comprehensive object tracking throughout the environment.
3Loss of information
If wireless power delivery system uses multiple antennas for imaging, then 3D RF image generation is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple antenna array, originally designed for wireless power delivery, is repurposed to generate 3D RF images of the environment. The same hardware infrastructure serves dual functions: power transmission and environmental imaging, avoiding the need for separate imaging equipment and reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced capability achieved.
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 accurate tracking and prediction of object behavior within a wireless power delivery environment, providing additional benefits beyond traditional location determination by generating 3D images and motion-based maps.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless power delivery system transmits electromagnetic power signals through multiple antennas
Implementation Method 2
detect and track non-static objects by analyzing beacon signal phases
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described herein for imaging static or semi-static objects in a wireless power delivery environment and tracking non-static objects contained therein. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure describe techniques for determining the relative locations and movement of non-static objects in a wireless power delivery environment. Additionally, the techniques describe methods and system for generation of motion-based maps such as heat (or dwell maps) and flow maps.