Receiver Array Pulse Profiling for Indoor Emitter Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for spatial localization, such as GPS, are unreliable indoors and lack precision, making it difficult to determine the location of low-cost portable devices with meter-level accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method involving emitters that send discrete pulses in a train of pulses, received by spaced receivers, which process the signals to correlate pulse counts with angular positions, identifying aligned receivers to determine the emitter's location relative to a reference axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS receivers are used for spatial localization, then outdoor positioning can be achieved, but indoor positioning reliability deteriorates due to poor radio reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio-based GPS positioning with an optical positioning system using infrared emitters and receivers. Optical signals can penetrate indoor environments effectively, providing reliable positioning where radio signals fail. The system uses arrays of infrared receivers to detect emitter positions and calculate spatial coordinates through optical triangulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for positioning from radio frequency to optical frequency (infrared). This parameter change allows the system to operate reliably indoors by utilizing the different propagation characteristics of optical signals compared to radio signals, particularly their ability to work without requiring line-of-sight to external satellites.
2Measurement precision
If optical motion capture systems are used for precise tracking, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase due to multiple cameras and computational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of optical motion capture (precise position tracking) while removing the complex components (multiple cameras, segmentation algorithms, image processing hardware). Instead, it uses a simplified configuration with arrays of infrared receivers that directly detect emitter positions and compute coordinates through mathematical triangulation, eliminating the need for complex image processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified optical positioning model that copies the precision advantage of motion capture systems but uses a different technical approach. Rather than capturing and processing full images, the system uses direct infrared signal detection and mathematical computation to achieve precise positioning with much simpler hardware and processing requirements.
3Ease of operation
If wireless localization schemes are used for portable devices, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to large error margins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional wireless signal-based positioning to three-dimensional optical triangulation positioning. By using arrays of infrared receivers arranged in space and applying triangulation mathematics, the system achieves meter-level and sub-meter precision while maintaining wireless operation convenience. The dimensional expansion from 2D to 3D space enables more accurate position calculation.
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 provides a precise and reliable method for determining the spatial location of devices indoors, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by using a simplified and effective signal processing technique.
Implementation Method 1
emitting electromagnetic radiation in the form of a train of discrete pulses
Implementation Method 2
each receiver having an angular position value associated with a designated angle of the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for, among other applications, locating an emitter, comprises an array of receivers configured in different angular positions about the array relative to a corresponding array location axis, to receive a signal from the emitter having at least one burst containing a train of pulses, and at least one processor configured to profile pulse count values at each receiver, from one receiver to another in the array in relation to their respective angular positions, to designate a maximum peak angular position associated with a maximum pulse count value, and to attribute the peak angular position to an angular emitter location.