Directional Antenna Module for RF Transmitter Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current livestock monitoring systems face challenges in accurately localizing radiofrequency (RF) transmitters worn by animals due to signal attenuation by moving animals, multi-path interference, and the sparse distribution of base stations, leading to inefficient and coarse positioning.
Innovation Solution
A directional antenna module for mobile devices that receives and processes time series of beacon signals from RF transmitters, using signal strength and quality metrics to generate stable distance estimates and provide graphical indicators for precise localization, including a client application to evaluate distance measures across time windows and determine the most accurate range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-point mobile receiver is used to detect RF devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of localization deteriorates due to signal fluctuations and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the antenna structure movable and adjustable. The mobile localization device includes a directional antenna that can be oriented in different directions to track and detect RF transmitters. The antenna's ability to dynamically adjust its pointing direction allows the system to maintain precise localization despite signal fluctuations caused by animal movement and environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of antenna directionality by transitioning from an omnidirectional or fixed antenna to a directional antenna with adjustable beam orientation. This parameter change enables the system to focus reception sensitivity in specific directions, improving signal-to-noise ratio and localization precision while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
2Measurement precision
If GPS localization technique is used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the use of energy increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic system with a ground-based RF transmitter/receiver system. Instead of relying on satellite signals, the system uses local RF transmitters attached to animals and a mobile receiver with directional antenna to determine position. This substitution dramatically reduces energy consumption while maintaining positioning capability in the specific application context of livestock monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF transmitters as intermediary devices attached to animals, which broadcast their presence and location information. The mobile localization device receives these RF signals and uses the directional antenna to determine direction and distance to the transmitter. This intermediary approach enables precise localization without requiring the animal-worn device to consume significant energy for GPS operations.
3Device complexity
If base stations are sparsely distributed to cover large areas, then the device complexity and infrastructure cost are reduced, but the measurement precision of triangulation localization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional triangulation approach by making the localization device mobile rather than stationary. Instead of having multiple fixed base stations performing triangulation, the system uses a single mobile receiver that physically moves to different positions to locate RF transmitters. The directional antenna on the mobile device determines direction to the transmitter, and by moving to different locations, the system can triangulate the transmitter's position with only sparse infrastructure.
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 efficient and reliable localization of RF transmitters, overcoming signal fluctuations and interference, allowing for precise positioning of animals or objects within a large area.
Implementation Method 1
receiving one or more time series (e.g. one or more sequences) of beacon signals broadcast by one or more RF transmitters that are within the receiving pattern of the directional antenna structure
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna module is described for configuring a mobile device, e.g., a smartphone, to locate an animal wearing a radiofrequency (RF) transmitter, the module having a directional antenna structure, the antenna structure including a plurality of antenna elements configured to generate a directional radiation field; at least one RF receiver connected to the directional antenna structure; and, a controller configured to control the RF transceiver and a mobile device interface for providing communication with the mobile device, the controller being configured to execute the steps of: receiving one or more time series of beacons signals broadcasted by the RF transmitter that is within the directional radiation field of the directional antenna structure; determining distance estimates for beacon signals in the one or more time series, a distance estimate being determined by the antenna module on the basis of a signal strength and/or a signal quality of a detected beacon signal.