Position Determining Device Resolving Ambiguous Object Allocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position determination methods, such as monopulse and trilateration, face challenges in uniquely identifying the angular position of multiple objects when they are at the same distance, leading to equivocal constellations and ambiguity in object allocation.
Innovation Solution
A position determining device that uses a transmitting device and a receiving device to determine an ellipse on which an object lies, utilizing transit time information and frequency modulation to distinguish objects by their unique path lengths, even in three-dimensional scenarios, thereby resolving equivocal constellations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If monopulse method with two antennas is used to determine angular position, then angular position measurement is enabled, but object allocation becomes ambiguous when multiple objects are at the same distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional angular position measurement (monopulse method) to three-dimensional position determination by incorporating transit time measurements. By measuring the time for signals to travel from a transmitting device to the object and back to a receiving device, the system creates a third dimension (range/distance) that resolves ambiguities in object allocation when multiple objects share the same angular position but differ in distance.
2Measurement precision
If trilateration method is used to determine object position, then position information can be obtained, but equivocal constellations occur when objects are at identical distances from different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors transit times and uses this information to resolve ambiguous object allocations. By comparing expected transit times with actual measurements and iteratively refining object position estimates, the system eliminates equivocal constellations and correctly identifies object positions even when objects are at identical distances from different transmitting locations.
3Reliability
If multiple transmitting devices at different locations are used to resolve object allocation ambiguity, then object identification accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the transmitting and receiving devices multi-functional. Each device can both transmit signals and receive reflected signals, and can serve multiple purposes: determining angular position, measuring range, and resolving object allocation ambiguities. This universal functionality reduces the total number of devices needed compared to having separate dedicated components for each measurement function.
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 allows for accurate identification of object positions on specific ellipses, enhancing the reliability of position determination and reducing ambiguity in scenarios where multiple objects are present at the same distance, improving the accuracy of angular and positional tracking.
Implementation Method 1
A speed of an object can be measured based on time series measurements and/or by way of the Doppler effect
Implementation Method 2
determination of a transit time of the transmitted signal from the transmitting device to the object and from the object to the receiving device
Data Source
AI summary
A position determining device for determining the position of an object with reference to the position determining device, the position determining device encompassing: a transmitting device at a first location; a receiving device at a second location, the receiving device being configured for reception of a transmitted signal from the first transmitting device, and for determination of a transit time of the transmitted signal from the transmitting device to the object and from the object to the receiving device, the first location and the second location being at a distance from one another, and the position determining device being configured to determine, from the transit time, an ellipse on which the object lies and which has the first location and the second location as foci.