EMR Source Array Locator System for Portable Detector Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and energy usage associated with utilizing an array of detectors to detect the location of an object equipped with a beacon pose a significant challenge in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining the location of a portable electromagnetic radiation (EMR) detection apparatus with respect to an array of EMR sources, where the EMR sources are uniquely identified and the detection apparatus transmits an ON signal upon receiving EMR input above a threshold, allowing a control unit to determine the source address using request-response, timing, or trigger modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an array of detectors is used to detect the location of an object with a beacon, then the location detection capability is improved, but the material cost and energy usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional detection architecture by placing multiple EMR sources in a fixed array and using a single portable detector. Instead of having multiple detectors track one beacon, one detector locates multiple beacons by detecting which EMR source it is closest to, fundamentally reversing the roles of sources and detectors to reduce system cost and energy consumption while maintaining location detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple identical, simple EMR source units that can be uniquely identified and positioned at known locations. These source copies emit signals that can be detected by the portable detector, allowing the system to determine position by comparing signal strengths from multiple known sources rather than using multiple complex detectors
2Measurement precision
If an array of detectors is used to detect the location of an object with a beacon, then the location detection capability is improved, but the material cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional detection architecture by placing multiple EMR sources in a fixed array and using a single portable detector. Instead of having multiple detectors track one beacon, one detector locates multiple beacons by detecting which EMR source it is closest to, fundamentally reversing the roles of sources and detectors to reduce system cost and energy consumption while maintaining location detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple identical, simple EMR source units that can be uniquely identified and positioned at known locations. These source copies emit signals that can be detected by the portable detector, allowing the system to determine position by comparing signal strengths from multiple known sources rather than using multiple complex detectors
3Measurement precision
If multiple EMR sources are used to determine detector location, then the location determination accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the portable detector continuously monitors EMR signals from multiple sources and compares signal strengths to determine its position. The system provides feedback about detected source addresses and signal levels, allowing the detector to calculate its location relative to the known positions of EMR sources through iterative comparison and adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic scanning systems with a simpler field-based approach using EMR propagation. Instead of mechanically moving detectors or using complex coordinate systems, the system uses the natural propagation characteristics of EMR fields and signal strength comparison to determine position, substituting physical complexity with electromagnetic field analysis
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 reduces material and energy costs while effectively determining the location of the EMR detection apparatus relative to the EMR source array, enabling efficient operation in various applications such as proximity sensing and tracking.
Implementation Method 1
The EMR sources comprised in the EMR source array may be configured to emit EMR within a predetermined range of frequencies... the Port-Dec comprises an EMR detector configured to be sensitive to EMR emitted by the EMR sources
Data Source
AI summary
A proximity sensor comprising: a loop comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, at least a portion of the inner surface being a reflective surface; a light emitter positioned to emit light onto the reflective surface; a light detector positioned to preferentially receive light emitted from the light emitter and reflected from the reflective surface; and a processor that is configured, responsive to a set of instructions stored in a memory, to determine a degree of proximity of an object to the inner surface of the loop responsive to a reduction in an intensity of light emitted from the light emitter that is received by the light detector.