Reverse Locator Micro-Transponder Low Power Signal Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location systems face challenges with low power consumption and signal interference, particularly in extracting information from low-power signals amidst noise, which limits their effectiveness and battery life in small-scale object location systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a micro-transponder with a compass sensor that employs a spin-around procedure, involving a remote locator device that transmits multi-frame pings, captures correlator phase information, and uses asymmetric transmission to determine distance and direction, while conserving energy by operating in low power modes and integrating signals to enhance signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If low power transmission is used to conserve energy, then battery life is extended, but signal extraction becomes difficult due to noise and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the remote locator transmit multiple frames containing identical information before the transponder needs to respond. This allows the transponder to accumulate signal energy over multiple frames, improving signal-to-noise ratio before extraction is needed, thereby enabling low-power operation while maintaining extraction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote locator transmits multiple copies of the same information frame to the transponder. By receiving multiple identical frames, the transponder can integrate the signal energy across frames, making it easier to extract the signal from noise while keeping transmission power low.
2Measurement precision
If GPS systems and multiple components are installed in the vehicle for location tracking, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the vehicle contain complex location-determining equipment (GPS, multiple sensors), the system inverts the approach by placing a simple transponder in the vehicle and complex signal processing capabilities in the remote locator. The transponder only needs to receive and respond to signals, while the remote locator performs the complex frame analysis and location calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transponder acts as an intermediary device with minimal complexity, serving as a bridge between the vehicle and the remote locator. It contains only essential components (receiver, transmitter, memory) to store and forward frame information, while the complex processing is performed by the external remote locator system.
3Reliability
If the transponder continuously monitors and transmits location data, then location availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by having the remote locator transmit inquiry frames at regular intervals rather than requiring continuous transponder operation. The transponder activates periodically to receive frames, store information, and transmit responses only when needed, significantly reducing average power consumption while maintaining location availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transponder implements self-service by autonomously storing received frame information in its memory and only activating transmission when the stored information needs to be retrieved. This eliminates the need for continuous monitoring and transmission, allowing the device to remain in low-power sleep mode between operations.
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
The solution extends battery life and improves location accuracy by minimizing energy consumption and enhancing signal processing, allowing for reliable low-power location determination even in noisy environments.
Implementation Method 1
The micro-transponder device includes a compass sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A remote locator (RL) continuously transmits multi-frame pings in a slow ping mode. The user activates a transponder/micro-transponder (MT) to receive at least a portion of the multi-frame ping and transmits a reply to the RL. The RL calculates a distance between the RL and the MT using the time-of-flight between the transmission of the ping and the receipt of the corresponding reply. The RL continues to send pings to the MT, where the ping includes distance measurements encoded therein. The user initiates sending a message from the MT to the RL to change to a fast ping mode, where the RL transmits pings at an increased rate. The MT includes a compass to capture readings while receiving and replying to pings. The MT determines a directional location for the RL with the collected measurements and received information and can provide a distance and directional readout to the user.