Directional Beacon Prismatic Structure Reduces IR Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infrared beacon tracking systems face interference issues from other infrared sources, leading to inaccurate location tracking of inventory and equipment, particularly in environments with artificial light or sunlight, resulting in false indications of equipment location.
Innovation Solution
A directional beacon device that uses a prismatic structure and selective illumination of subsets of illumination sources to transmit signals in specific directions, reducing interference by at least 50% and allowing precise location tracking through RF or IR signals, with the ability to configure patterns for different regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional infrared beacon systems are used for tracking, then location tracking functionality is provided, but signal interference occurs from artificial light and sunlight causing false location indications
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon device is divided into multiple illumination sources arranged in different directions, with each source transmitting infrared signals in specific directional sectors. This segmentation allows the system to avoid omnidirectional interference while maintaining comprehensive coverage through coordinated operation of multiple directional sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric directional transmission by orienting illumination sources at different angular positions around the beacon device. Each illumination source is directed toward specific spatial sectors, creating an asymmetric radiation pattern that avoids interference zones while maintaining tracking capability in required directions.
2Area of stationary object
If infrared signals are transmitted omnidirectionally for comprehensive coverage, then all areas can be tracked, but interference from other infrared sources increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The omnidirectional coverage is achieved through segmentation into multiple directional beams rather than a single omnidirectional source. Each illumination source covers a specific angular sector, and the combination of all sources provides comprehensive 360-degree coverage while each individual source maintains a narrow, interference-resistant beam.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional omnidirectional radiation to three-dimensional directional broadcasting by utilizing vertical angular elevation and horizontal azimuth angles. This dimensional approach allows signals to be directed in specific spatial volumes, reducing horizontal interference while maintaining comprehensive spatial coverage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple illumination sources are used for directional transmission, then signal interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each illumination source in the array serves multiple functions: it provides directional signal transmission for its specific sector, contributes to overall omnidirectional coverage when all sources operate, and can be independently controlled for interference avoidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple illumination sources into a single integrated beacon device housing, merging what could be separate transmitting units into one cohesive system. The control circuitry also merges the function of selecting and coordinating multiple sources into a single control unit, reducing overall system complexity despite the increased number of emission elements.
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
The directional beacon device effectively minimizes signal interference, providing accurate location tracking of inventory and equipment by selectively directing signals, reducing errors and enhancing the precision of tracking systems in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first prismatic structure disposed to refract the electromagnetic radiation of the first illumination source in a first direction, and a second prismatic structure disposed to refract the electromagnetic radiation of the second illumination source in a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A beacon device includes a control circuitry, a window, and a plurality of sets of illumination sources. The window includes a prismatic structure forming a ring from a planar perspective. The prismatic structure defines an inside surface and an outside surface from the planar perspective. The plurality of sets of illumination sources are coupled to the control circuitry. Each set of illumination sources includes a first illumination source disposed proximal to the inside surface of the prismatic structure and includes a second illumination source disposed proximal to the outside surface of the prismatic structure. The control circuitry is to illuminate a first set of the plurality of sets of illumination sources to transmit a signal in a first direction.