Infrared Source Location via Power Modulation and Zone Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrared communication systems struggle to accurately locate the source of optical radiation due to the directivity of transcoders, which assume the source is within the best reception zone and are blinded by strong infrared sources, making it difficult to detect the angular sector of the transmitter.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using infrared receivers arranged to discriminate distinct zones, modulating transmission power according to a decreasing power law, and detecting the state of receivers to locate the source based on the weakest power received, with a device comprising multiple detectors, a detection circuit, and a microcontroller to generate a sequence of instructions for controlling the transmission and decoding the location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared receivers with high sensitivity are used to detect optical radiation sources, then the ability to detect weak signals is improved, but the receivers are blinded by strong infrared sources which prevents correct detection of the angular sector
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter produces a recurrence of pulses of determined transmission powers, creating a periodic signal pattern. The receiver detects the state in response to these recurring pulses, allowing the system to identify the source through the temporal pattern rather than being overwhelmed by continuous strong signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission power is modulated according to a determined decreasing power law, creating a characteristic signal profile. The receiver identifies the source by detecting which receiver reacts to the weakest power received, using the parameter variation pattern to distinguish the source location without being blinded by absolute signal strength.
2Productivity
If transcoders with directive transmission are used for infrared communication, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but the system cannot accurately locate the source because it assumes the source is within the best reception zone
Solution Approach 1:
The space around the receiver is divided into distinct zones, with each receiver arranged to discriminate a specific zone. By having multiple receivers covering different spatial zones and identifying which receiver detects the signal, the system can triangulate the source location without relying on the directive transmission assumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the state of the receiver or receivers in response to pulse recurrence as feedback to determine location. By analyzing which receiver detects the modulated pulses and the pattern of detection, the system can accurately locate the source while maintaining the benefits of directive transmission for data communication.
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 accurate determination of the relative position of a communication source, presence of obstacles, and distance from the source, improving the ability to locate communication sources in complex environments and reducing interference from strong infrared sources.
Implementation Method 1
use an infrared source to communicate digital information between two communicating devices... use infrared rays to detect the position of a mobile which carries infrared radiation detection sensors
Implementation Method 2
controlling the transmission of said transmitter so as to produce a recurrence of pulses of determined transmission powers... the transmission of the location source is modulated according to a determined decreasing power law
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for locating a mobile communication source and to a device for locating a mobile communication source. The invention is suitable for a mobile communication system that uses at least one such device. The device is of the type that includes a plurality (1-4) of infrared wave detectors operating in on/off mode, each detector being inserted into an infrared wave absorbing medium traversable by infrared radiation originating from possible communication sources in a pre-determined geometric sector. The device includes a means (10) having an input that is supplied with formatted signals from the detectors in order to determine (11C) the lowest power received by at least one detector when said plurality of detectors has been illuminated by a recurrence of pulses with a pre-determined power produced by a pre-determined communication source.