Light Signal Object Tracking Under Motion and Bandwidth Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communication technologies face challenges in accurately tracking moving objects and managing bandwidth limitations when multiple objects are present in a volume of space.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a communication apparatus to transmit and receive light signals to and from reflective devices on objects, determining their location and path by analyzing reflected signals, with non-zero time intervals between signal transmissions to enhance tracking accuracy and manage bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical communication technologies are used to track moving objects, then location information can be obtained, but tracking accuracy deteriorates when objects move
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits light signals periodically at different frequencies to multiple objects in sequence. By using time-division multiplexing with periodic signal transmission, the system can track multiple moving objects accurately without interference, as each object receives signals at distinct time intervals while maintaining continuous monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system segments the monitoring of multiple objects by assigning different light signal frequencies to different objects and transmitting them in sequential time slots. This segmentation approach allows the system to handle multiple moving targets independently, preventing signal confusion and maintaining tracking accuracy for each object
2Quantity of substance
If optical communication technologies are used to track multiple objects, then comprehensive tracking coverage is achieved, but bandwidth becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic signal transmission at different frequencies in a time-division manner. By cycling through multiple frequency assignments periodically, the system can monitor an arbitrary number of objects using a single communication channel, effectively multiplying the tracking capacity without requiring proportional bandwidth increases
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the frequency dimension to the time dimension for signal transmission. By utilizing multiple light signal frequencies as an additional degree of freedom, the system can encode multiple object identifiers and tracking data streams within the same temporal framework, exponentially increasing the number of trackable objects relative to bandwidth consumption
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
Enhances tracking accuracy and manages bandwidth effectively, allowing for precise location and path determination of objects in a volume of space, even when multiple objects are present.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a first reflected signal during the first time period, where the first reflected signal is a reflection of the first light signal that originates from a reflective device of the object
Data Source
AI summary
A method for tracking an object in a volume of space can include, iteratively for multiple time periods in a cycle, transmitting, by a communication apparatus, a light signal toward the object located in the volume of space, where the light signal is transmitted in a locational path of movement within the volume of space during the time period. The method can also include receiving, by the communication apparatus, a reflected signal of the light signal, where the reflected signal is a reflection of the light signal that originates from a reflective device of the object. The method can further include determining, using the communication apparatus, a location and a path of the object in the volume of space based on information obtained from the reflected signals.