Time-Multiplexed Antenna Reception for Animal Tag Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal management systems face challenges in ensuring adequate reception range and detection probability of electronic data signals from animal tags, particularly when using multiple antennas, which can interfere with each other and reduce the effective detection area.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple antennas activated in a time-multiplexed manner, where each antenna is activated and deactivated in turn to maximize the combined reception space without interference, allowing for flexible shaping of the detection area based on application needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antennas are used to extend reception range, then the detection probability is improved, but the antennas interfere with each other and reduce the effective detection area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by activating antennas in a time-multiplexed manner, where each antenna is activated in turn during specific time slots. This periodic activation pattern allows multiple antennas to share the detection space without simultaneous interference, as only one antenna is active at any given moment while others remain deactivated. The receiver sequentially switches between antennas based on time slots, enabling the system to cover the combined reception ranges of all antennas without the mutual interference that would occur if all antennas were active simultaneously.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple antennas are activated simultaneously to cover larger area, then the reception space is extended, but the antennas influence each other and the total reception range increase is less than the sum of individual ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the detection task into separate time slots, where each antenna is assigned to a specific time slot for activation. Instead of all antennas operating simultaneously, the system segments the detection process temporally, with each antenna taking turns being active. This segmentation allows the reception space to be effectively divided and covered by each antenna during its designated time slot, achieving the sum of individual reception ranges while avoiding mutual interference between antennas.
3Device complexity
If a single antenna is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reception range is insufficient to cover the desired monitoring space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the reception range of a single antenna system by introducing periodic action through time-multiplexed antenna activation. The system uses a controller that sequentially activates different antennas in time slots, allowing the receiver to sweep through multiple reception ranges over time. This periodic switching mechanism enables a single physical antenna structure to effectively cover the combined area of multiple antennas, significantly increasing the monitored space without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 significantly enhances the detection probability and extends the reception space to any desired shape and size, ensuring reliable detection of animal tags across various animal management scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The label is worn by the animal and enables to transmit an electronic data signal... The electronic data signals are received by receivers via an antenna connected to the receiver
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
The invention is directed at an apparatus for receiving an electronic data signal, in particular an electronic identification signal of a label worn by an animal, wherein the apparatus comprises two or more antennas and a receiver element. Each antenna of the two or more antennas has an associated reception range, and the receiver element is communicatively connected to the two or more antennas for receiving the electronic data signal via the antennas. The receiver element is configured for obtaining data conveyed by the electronic data signal upon reception thereof. For extending a reception space spanned by the reception ranges of the antennas, the apparatus further includes switching means for subsequently activating at least one of the antennas in turn while concurrently deactivating the other antennas of the two or more antennas. This document further describes a method of operating an apparatus for receiving an electronic data signal, such as an apparatus described above, and a computer program product.