Spatially Separated RF Antennas for Precise Relative Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current position tracking systems, particularly in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) environments, face challenges with accuracy, especially indoors, and require high precision and low power consumption to effectively track multiple objects in real-time, while existing systems are limited by GPS inaccuracy, energy consumption, and the need for recalibration when objects change.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing at least three spatially separated receiver antennae to receive RF signals from transmitters, coupled with processor-based determination of relative position using timing information and fixed distances between antennae, enabling precise tracking of objects and vehicles with reduced power consumption, and allowing for intuitive interaction in VR/AR environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used for position tracking, then coverage area is extended, but measurement precision deteriorates (accuracy limited to meters, not sufficient for VR/AR requiring five inches or less)
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tracking function into multiple components: GPS provides coarse location coverage, while Wi-Fi access points and Bluetooth beacons provide fine-grained indoor positioning. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate in its optimal range, with GPS covering outdoor areas and local wireless systems providing high-precision indoor tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate positioning infrastructure (Wi-Fi access points and Bluetooth beacons) that act as mediators between GPS and the mobile device. These intermediaries receive signals from both GPS and local transmitters, then provide integrated positioning data that combines the advantages of both systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple transmitters and receivers are deployed for high precision tracking, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes existing infrastructure multi-functional by enabling Wi-Fi access points and Bluetooth beacons to serve dual purposes: their primary communication functions plus position tracking. This eliminates the need for dedicated tracking hardware, reducing system complexity while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service positioning where mobile devices autonomously calculate their positions using signals from multiple transmitters and trilateration algorithms, without requiring centralized tracking servers or complex infrastructure management.
3Productivity
If continuous tracking of multiple objects is implemented, then productivity improves, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic position updates rather than continuous real-time tracking. Mobile devices calculate positions at optimized intervals based on movement detection and application requirements, reducing energy consumption while maintaining sufficient tracking productivity for most use cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial tracking by monitoring only the essential position parameters needed for each application, rather than continuously tracking all possible movement dimensions. This selective approach reduces computational energy requirements while maintaining adequate tracking performance.
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 solution provides high accuracy and low power consumption for real-time tracking of multiple objects, improving user experience in VR/AR environments and extending tracking capabilities beyond GPS limitations, with enhanced precision and reduced system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
determine timing information from the acquired RF signals
Data Source
AI summary
A network comprises a network apparatus constructed and arranged for each of a plurality of vehicles in radio frequency (RF) communication with each other, the network apparatus comprising: at least one first transceiver; at least one second transceiver configured to exchange RF signals with the at least one first transceiver; receiver circuitry configured to determine timing information from the acquired RF signals; memory storing information related to fixed distances between the at least one first transceiver and the at least one second transceiver; a processor coupled to the memory to access the stored information related to the fixed distances, and to the receiver circuitry to receive the timing information determined from the RF signals, the processor being configured to determine a relative position of the vehicle with respect to a receipt of the RF signals based on the stored information related to the fixed distances between each of at least three spatially separated antenna and on the timing information determined by the receiver circuitry; and a control system configured to control operation of the vehicle in response to the relative position of the vehicle, determined by the processor.