Digital Pulse Ranging for Real-Time 3D Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for 3D positioning of electromagnetic and radio frequency waves are limited by complexity, cost, and inefficiency, particularly in short-range applications such as gaming and indoor localization, where they struggle with multipath fading and require extensive image processing, leading to delays and low precision.
Innovation Solution
A method using a transmitter that emits a train of pulses with varying strength, allowing receivers to determine the transmitter's position by correlating pulse counts with angular positions, enabling accurate and efficient 3D positioning without the need for complex image processing or extensive sensor arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods for 3D positioning are used, then positioning capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor arrays and image processing systems with an electromagnetic field-based positioning system. The transmitter emits electromagnetic signals that are received by multiple receivers, and positioning is achieved through signal processing rather than mechanical sensor movements or complex optical systems. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space by using electromagnetic signal characteristics (phase, amplitude, time of flight) instead of mechanical or optical parameters. By measuring signal parameters from multiple receivers, the system achieves 3D positioning without requiring complex mechanical structures or image processing algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If current methods for 3D positioning are used, then positioning capability is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical sensor arrays, rotating components, and image processing hardware with simpler electromagnetic signal transmission and reception systems. The receivers can be standard electromagnetic sensors rather than specialized mechanical or optical devices, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple inexpensive receivers that can be manufactured at low cost using standard electromagnetic sensor technology. Rather than requiring one expensive mechanical positioning system, the invention uses multiple simpler, cheaper receivers whose data is processed to achieve accurate positioning.
3Measurement precision
If image processing algorithms are used, then positioning capability is achieved, but processing time increases causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces computationally intensive image processing algorithms with direct electromagnetic signal processing. Instead of capturing and analyzing images or complex sensor data, the system processes electromagnetic signal parameters (phase, amplitude, timing) which can be calculated in real-time with minimal computational overhead, eliminating processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the intermediate step of image capture and processing by directly measuring electromagnetic signal parameters. The system rushes through the positioning process by using raw signal data from multiple receivers to immediately calculate position, rather than capturing images and running complex algorithms, thus eliminating processing delays.
4Measurement precision
If current methods are used in short-range applications, then positioning is achieved, but multipath fading affects accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from multiple receivers to compensate for multipath fading effects. By comparing signals received at different locations and analyzing signal strength variations, the system can identify and correct for multipath interference, maintaining positioning precision in short-range applications where multipath fading is significant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or optical positioning methods that are vulnerable to multipath fading with electromagnetic signal-based positioning that uses multiple receivers to detect and compensate for fading effects through signal processing, maintaining accuracy in challenging short-range environments.
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
This approach provides precise, real-time 3D positioning with reduced complexity and cost, enabling smoother interactions in gaming and improved indoor localization with high resolution and low latency.
Implementation Method 1
A method using a transmitter that emits a train of pulses with varying strength, allowing receivers to determine the transmitter's position
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for ranging finding of signal transmitting devices is provided. The method of signal reception is digitally based only and does not require receivers that are analog measurement devices. Ranging can be achieved using a single pulse emitting device operating in range spaced relation with a minimum of a single signal transmitter and a single digital receiver and processing circuitry. In general a plurality of transmitting pulsed emitters may be ranged and positioned virtually simultaneously in 3-dimensions (XYZ coordinates) using a configuration of a plurality of digital receivers arranged in any fixed 3-dimensional configuration. Applications may involve at least one single transmitter to receiver design to determine range, or at least one transmitted reflecting signal off from an object to determine range.