Dual-Frequency Acoustic Beaconing for RTLS Mobile Unit Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing real-time locating systems face difficulties in accommodating various types of mobile receiver units due to their differing operational capabilities, particularly in handling ultrasonic signals with frequencies above 20 kHz, which hinders flexibility and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A transmitting device configured to transmit acoustic signals at multiple frequencies (20 kHz and 40 kHz) and beacon data using short-range wireless communication, allowing it to adapt to different mobile units and enhance location determination accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the system uses ultrasonic signals with frequencies above 20 kHz for location determination, then the location accuracy is improved, but the compatibility with various mobile receiver units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting device dynamically adjusts the acoustic signal frequency based on the detected mobile unit type. The system transitions from a fixed high-frequency transmission mode to a adaptive mode that selects between 20 kHz and 40 kHz frequencies depending on receiver capabilities, thereby maintaining both accuracy and compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter of the acoustic signals based on the mobile unit's operating capabilities. By detecting the unit type and adjusting the transmission frequency accordingly (20 kHz for consumer devices, 40 kHz for industrial/healthcare devices), the system optimizes both location accuracy and compatibility for different receiver types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system transmits acoustic signals at multiple frequencies (20 kHz and 40 kHz), then the adaptability to different mobile units is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a mobile unit type detection module, a frequency selection module, and separate acoustic signal transmission paths for 20 kHz and 40 kHz frequencies. This modular segmentation manages the complexity by organizing multiple functions into independent, manageable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses dynamic control to switch between different transmission frequencies based on real-time detection of mobile unit types. The controller actively selects which frequency path to activate (20 kHz or 40 kHz), preventing the need for both transmission paths to operate simultaneously and thus reducing overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses static ultrasonic transmitters at known locations, then the location determination capability is improved, but the system flexibility and adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the transmitting device to adjust its operational parameters (frequency selection) based on the mobile unit's capabilities. This dynamic adjustment capability enhances system flexibility while preserving the location determination accuracy achieved through static transmitter deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitting device achieves universality by supporting multiple mobile unit types (consumer devices like smartphones and industrial/healthcare devices) through frequency-adaptive transmission. This multi-functional capability allows a single transmitter system to serve diverse receiver types while maintaining location determination accuracy.
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 system provides accurate location tracking within 6-12 inches, supports various mobile units, and requires less processing power with scalable infrastructure, facilitating applications like patient tracking and wayfinding.
Implementation Method 1
a first transducer configured to transmit first acoustic signals at a first frequency
Implementation Method 2
a second transducer configured to transmit second acoustic signals at a second frequency
Implementation Method 3
a beacon device configured to transmit the beacon data
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method associated with a real-time locating system is disclosed. A first transducer (102) transmits first acoustic signals having a first frequency. A second transducer (104) transmits second acoustic signals having a second frequency. A beacon device (106) transmits beacon data via a short-range wireless communication technique. One or more control devices (108) selects the first or second acoustic signals based at least in part on one or more operating capabilities of one or more mobile units (110) associated with the real-time locating system, to cause transmission of the selected acoustic signals and the beacon data. The first transducer (102), the second transducer (104), the beacon device (106) and the one or more control devices (108) form a part of the real-time locating system.