Locating Device Synchronous Transit Time Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locating devices using ultrasonic signals for transmitter localization are limited by the need for sequential transit time measurements, which restricts the number of transmitters that can be located within a reasonable time, especially in adjacent work areas where synchronous operation is not possible due to signal interference.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves performing synchronous transit time measurements from multiple transmitters and using repeated measurements to identify the source transmitter based on consistent transit times, allowing for increased determination of transmitter distances with fewer individual measurements, and employing a trigger unit and evaluation unit to manage and decode these measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sequential transit time measurements are performed, then signal interference is avoided, but the number of transmitters that can be located within a reasonable time is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interference avoidanceVSAvoidnumber of transmitters located per unit time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic synchronous measurements where groups of transmitters are activated in alternating time intervals. First transmitters are activated in a first time interval, then second transmitters are activated in a second time interval, creating a periodic measurement cycle that allows multiple transmitters to be located without continuous signal interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the transmitter population into multiple groups (first transmitters and second transmitters) that are measured separately in different time intervals. This segmentation allows the measurement process to handle multiple transmitters systematically without overwhelming the receiver with simultaneous signals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If synchronous transit time measurements from multiple transmitters are performed, then the number of transmitters that can be located increases, but signal interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of transmitters located per unit timeVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic action by alternating between activating first transmitters in a first time interval and second transmitters in a second time interval. This periodic activation pattern enables synchronous measurements of multiple transmitters while preventing signal interference through temporal separation of different transmitter groups

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-activating only specific transmitters (either first or second transmitters) before each measurement interval based on their group assignment. This preliminary selection ensures that only non-interfering transmitters are active during each measurement, allowing synchronous measurements to proceed without signal interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If repeated measurements are performed to identify source transmitters, then transmitter identification accuracy improves, but the number of measurements required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmitter identification accuracyVSAvoidnumber of measurements required
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuity of useful action by performing repeated measurements in continuous time intervals without interruption. First measurements are performed in a first time interval, then second measurements are performed in a second time interval, allowing continuous data collection that improves identification accuracy while minimizing idle time between measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback by comparing transit time results from repeated measurements to identify source transmitters. The evaluation unit analyzes the continuity and consistency of transit time data across multiple measurements, using this feedback information to accurately identify which transmitters are present while optimizing the measurement process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enables the identification of multiple transmitters with fewer measurements, reducing interference issues and allowing for precise localization of transmitters in spatially separate areas, thereby increasing the efficiency and accuracy of transmitter localization.

Implementation Method 1

distances between transmitter and receiver are determined with the aid of a transit time measurement of an ultrasonic signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentEP3044608B1Locating device for locating transmitters or objects connected to transmitters
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 SARISSA
  • EP3044608B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3044608B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a locating device for locating transmitters or objects connected to transmitters by determining the distance of the transmitter from at least one receiver by means of transit time measurement of a measurement signal. The locating device comprises a control unit via which a synchronous transit time measurement of measurement signals of at least two transmitters takes place. The locating device further comprises at least two transit time measurements of measurement signals of said transmitter which identify said transmitter as the transmitter of origin of the measurement signals thereof captured in the receiver, in order to determine the distance of a transmitter to a receiver.