Passive Transponder Backscattering Modulation for Lightweight Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking systems are inadequate for locating small objects or animals with minimal mass due to the weight and power requirements of active transponders, which are unsuitable for attachment to small animals like birds or insects.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight passive transponder with a modulator that adjusts the backscattering coefficient of its antennas to reflect flying object signals, allowing for global location using a flying object, such as a drone or satellite, without the need for a power source, enabling attachment to small objects or animals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an active transponder is used for tracking, then the position can be determined actively, but the weight and power requirements make it unsuitable for small objects or animals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical power system of active transponders with a passive electromagnetic reflection system. The passive transponder uses a modulator to change the backscattering coefficient of its antenna, reflecting the flying object's signal without requiring batteries or active power sources, thereby eliminating the weight penalty while maintaining position determination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the backscattering coefficient parameter of the antenna through modulation. By varying this electromagnetic parameter in response to the flying object's signal, the passive transponder creates a detectable reflection pattern that enables position determination without active transmission, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and weight
2Weight of moving object
If a passive transponder with constant backscattering coefficient is used, then the weight is reduced, but the position determination becomes difficult due to lack of modulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics into the passive transponder system by using a modulator that changes the backscattering coefficient in response to the flying object's signal. This dynamic modulation creates a time-varying reflection pattern that carries position information, allowing the lightweight passive transponder to provide sufficient measurement precision for tracking
3Measurement precision
If the backscattering coefficient is modulated to enable position determination, then tracking precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the flying object's transmitted signal as an intermediary carrier. The passive transponder's modulator modulates this incoming signal by changing the backscattering coefficient, and the modulated reflection carries position information back to the flying object. This intermediary approach enables position determination without requiring complex active transmission equipment in the transponder
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 the precise location of small objects or animals by modulating the backscattering coefficient of the transponder's antennas, allowing for accurate determination of their position using reflected flying object signals, even over large areas, while maintaining a low mass and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more antennas are configured to reflect at least a portion of a flying object signal transmitted by the flying object based on the modulated backscattering coefficient
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and devices for determining a position of an object using a passive transponder and a flying object (such as a satellite, drone, etc.). The passive transponder may be attached to an object to be located (such as a small animal, a bird, a good/product, etc.) and includes one or more antennas and a modulator configured to modulate a backscattering coefficient of the one or more antennas. The one or more antennas are configured to reflect at least a portion of a flying object signal transmitted from the flying object in response to the modulated backscattering coefficient in order to determine a position of the passive transponder using the reflected flying object signal.