Beacon Charging Station for Multi-Object 3D Tracking Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracking objects in a physical space is challenging due to their unpredictable movement, and existing electronic tracking devices require a reliable apparatus for electrical charging to function effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system comprising beacons with integrated light sources, optical sensors, and inertial measurement units that use blinking patterns and frequencies to identify and track objects in 3D space, combined with a charging station network for managing and updating beacon settings and battery charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic tracking devices are deployed to track moving objects, then tracking capability is improved, but power consumption increases requiring frequent charging
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station enables beacons to automatically recharge when docked, allowing the tracking devices to service themselves without external intervention. The beacon's battery is recharged autonomously whenever it returns to the charging station, eliminating the need for manual charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station serves multiple functions: it charges the beacon batteries, updates firmware, configures tracking parameters, and monitors system status. This multi-functional approach consolidates several operations into a single station, improving overall system efficiency.
2Productivity
If multiple beacons are deployed to track multiple objects simultaneously, then tracking coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides tracking responsibilities across multiple independent beacon units, each capable of autonomous operation. Each beacon is a self-contained segment that can track objects independently, allowing the system to scale by simply adding more identical units rather than complicating individual beacon design.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station efficiently updates multiple beacons by changing operational parameters such as tracking thresholds, update frequencies, and power management settings. This allows centralized control of system-wide parameters to optimize performance across all beacons simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If beacons are made portable for flexible deployment, then adaptability is improved, but reliable power supply becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic recharging cycles where beacons autonomously return to the charging station at scheduled intervals or when battery levels drop below thresholds. This periodic power replenishment ensures continuous operational reliability despite the portable, mobile nature of the beacons.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station pre-charges beacon batteries before they are needed for deployment. By maintaining a ready supply of charged beacons at the station, the system ensures that fully powered units are immediately available when deployment is required, eliminating power supply delays.
Data Source
AI summary
Managing multiple devices, such as tracking beacons, is challenging, especially as the number of beacons increases. A beacon and a charging station are provided for managing the settings of the beacons. The beacon includes a display with a graphical user interface (GUI) for updating settings. The charging station includes charging ports and a display with a GUI for updating beacon settings.