Direction Finding Using Antenna Array and Wireless Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current handheld location systems require users to know their destination beforehand and cannot effectively locate targets that are mobile or objects within a building, as they lack the ability to identify and provide directions to unknown or moving targets without prior user input.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a wireless communication device with an antenna array to determine the relative direction to a target by measuring position-indicating transmission signals, allowing users to manually input or select targets from a list, activate location beacons, and display relative directions and target information, even in unfamiliar areas or for mobile targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current handheld location systems are used, then users can determine their current position, but users cannot locate unknown or mobile targets without prior knowledge of the destination
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically scans for and identifies target devices in the vicinity without requiring users to manually input destination information. The seeking device autonomously performs direction-finding operations by detecting position-indicating transmission signals from target devices, eliminating the need for prior user knowledge of the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
Target devices continuously transmit position-indicating signals before being sought, preparing the environment for rapid location and direction-finding. This preliminary transmission of location information enables the seeking device to immediately identify and orient toward targets without requiring users to first input destination data.
2Measurement precision
If GPS-based location systems are used, then absolute position can be determined, but relative direction to specific targets cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines GPS-based absolute position determination with antenna array direction-finding capabilities. By merging these two functions, the system simultaneously provides both the user's current location and the relative direction to selected targets, eliminating the information loss of directional data that occurs with GPS-only systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array serves as an intermediary between the seeking device and target devices, capturing position-indicating transmission signals and converting them into directional information. This intermediary component enables the system to bridge the gap between knowing absolute position and determining relative direction to specific targets.
3Reliability
If stationary location systems are used, then location information can be provided, but the system cannot track or provide directions to mobile targets
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically tracks moving target devices by continuously monitoring their position-indicating transmission signals. The antenna array repeatedly measures signal characteristics to determine updated directional information, allowing the system to adapt to mobile targets while maintaining reliable location data through continuous signal acquisition.
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 users to find locations or objects without prior knowledge of the target, providing accurate directional information and target details, applicable for both indoor and outdoor settings, and capable of triangulating the user's location using multiple target devices.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna array to receive position-indicating transmission signals
Data Source
AI summary
A system for indicating the relative direction of a target object or location as determined from the current position of a wireless communication device. The system employs Direction of Arrival determination using an antenna array for indicating the direction of a target device and includes facilities to activate a location-indicating transmission in a target device, the ability to request that a location-indicating transmission be activated in a remote target device, relevant information reception from a target device and the display of all potential target devices within effective transmission range of the wireless communication device.