Integrated IR and LF/HF Receiver for Portable Transponders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional real-time location systems (RTLS) require separate receivers for infra-red (IR) and low-frequency (LF)/high-frequency (HF) signals, leading to increased manufacturing costs and power consumption due to the need for multiple receiver modules and continuous transmission by transmitters.
Innovation Solution
A portable transponder device with integrated IR and LF/HF signal receiving functionalities, utilizing a single receiver with multiple input channels that includes IR frequency range receiving circuitry, such as a photodiode with an electrical load, allowing continuous signal reception and intermittent transmitter operation, reducing power consumption and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate receivers are used for infra-red and low-frequency/high-frequency signals, then signal reception capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal receiver that can process both infra-red and low-frequency/high-frequency signals through a single device. The receiver includes multiple input channels that can be configured to accept different signal types, eliminating the need for separate dedicated receivers for each frequency range while maintaining full signal reception capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple signal reception functions into a single integrated receiver unit. By merging infra-red reception, low-frequency reception, and high-frequency reception capabilities into one device with multiple input channels, the system reduces the total number of components while preserving all necessary signal processing functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple receiver modules are used, then signal reception capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal receiver performs multiple reception functions simultaneously through shared hardware resources. A single receiver unit with multiple input channels can process infra-red, low-frequency, and high-frequency signals without requiring separate powered modules, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining comprehensive signal reception capability
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple reception functions into one receiver module, the system eliminates redundant power consumption associated with running multiple separate receiver modules. The shared architecture allows all signal types to be processed by a single powered unit, significantly reducing total energy usage
3Reliability
If continuous transmission is used by transmitters, then signal reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic transmission instead of continuous transmission, where transmitters send signals at regular intervals. This approach maintains signal reliability by ensuring periodic updates while dramatically reducing energy consumption by keeping transmitters in standby mode between transmission cycles, allowing battery-powered operation
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 cost-effective and power-efficient tracking by allowing a single receiver to handle both IR and LF/HF signals, reducing the need for separate modules and enabling battery-powered transmitters, thus extending battery life and lowering operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
the infra-red frequency range receiving circuitry includes at least one photodiode
Data Source
AI summary
A portable transponder device including a receiver having an input frequency range of either but not both of 20 kHz-300 kHz and 3 MHz-30 MHz, the receiver having a plurality of signal input channels, the input frequency range not including an infra-red frequency range, and infra-red frequency range receiving circuitry receiving infra-red frequency range signals modulated by at least one signal in the input frequency range, and providing the infra-red frequency range signals to the receiver through at least one signal input channel of the plurality of signal input channels.