Inductive Boot Transmitter Grid for Real-Time Location Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for tracking participants in simulated urban combat or emergency situations are costly, complex, and ineffective due to interference issues in metal enclosures, and fail to provide real-time, reliable location information for individual participants.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective system using a mat with embedded wires that induce currents in wireless transmitters on participants' boots, allowing for real-time location tracking through unique frequency identification, with inductive powering and orthogonal antenna design for orientation independence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are embedded in the floor to sense participant locations, then location detection capability is provided, but the system cannot distinguish between individual participants and becomes ineffective for tracking multiple individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tracking function into two separate components: floor-based sensors for location detection and boot-mounted transmitters for individual identification. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between location detection and individual identification.
Solution Approach 2:
Boot-mounted transmitters serve as an intermediary element between the participant and the floor sensors. These transmitters carry unique identification signals that the floor sensors can detect, enabling both location tracking and individual identification without requiring the floor sensors to directly distinguish between participants.
2Loss of information
If IR beams, magnetic transmitters and sensors, acoustics, or inertial sensors are used for tracking, then individual participant identification is achieved, but the systems become costly, complex, or suffer from interference in metal enclosures
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical and optical tracking systems (IR beams, magnetic sensors, acoustics, inertial sensors) with a simple electromagnetic induction system. The floor contains embedded wires that induce currents in boot-mounted transmitters, providing a cost-effective and simple solution that avoids the complexity and interference issues of previous systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by using very low-frequency electromagnetic fields (60 Hz or lower) for communication between the floor and boot transmitters. This parameter change allows penetration through metal enclosures without interference, unlike higher-frequency systems such as IR or magnetic transmitters.
3Measurement precision
If sophisticated tracking systems are implemented to provide real-time location information, then tracking accuracy is improved, but the systems become expensive and difficult to install in simulation locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses inexpensive boot-mounted transmitters that can be easily attached and removed, replacing the need for expensive, permanently installed tracking infrastructure. These simple transmitters provide sufficient functionality for temporary simulation events without requiring complex manufacturing or installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces expensive, complex installation requirements with simple embedded wires in the floor and attachable boot transmitters. This substitution dramatically reduces both manufacturing and installation costs while maintaining real-time tracking 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 simple, low-cost, and reliable real-time tracking of individual participants' locations without the need for calibration, suitable for urban combat training environments.
Implementation Method 1
The participants carry pulsed or continuous-wave wireless transmitters affixed to their boots such that when a transmitter is close to one or more of the wires, currents are induced in the wires
Implementation Method 2
The transmitter has an oscillator connected to a trio of orthogonal transmitting antennas, or, coils for maximum coupling to the embedded wires independent of the orientation of the boot
Data Source
AI summary
A simulation system includes a two-dimensional electrical grid installed in a floor or floor mat. Signals from boot mounted transmitters can be sensed via the grid to track boot locations in real-time during training exercises.