RF and IR Location System with Network Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location determination methods for objects are limited in accuracy and efficiency, particularly in environments with multiple objects, as they often rely on single signal types and lack integration with network connectivity for real-time location updates.
Innovation Solution
A location system utilizing both RF and IR signals for object identification, coupled with a network connection interface that allows direct coupling to Ethernet, telephone, UTP, or Internet networks, enabling precise location determination through a transmitter-receiver setup with optional web server functionality for data dissemination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If single signal type (RF or IR) is used for location determination, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RF and IR signal processing capabilities into a single location determination system. The receiver is configured to receive both RF signals from transmitters and IR signals from object identifiers, processing both signal types simultaneously to determine location. This merging of multiple signal types resolves the contradiction by improving measurement precision through multi-signal integration while managing device complexity through unified processing architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The location determination system functions as a composite system that integrates two different signal processing modalities (RF and IR). Rather than using a single signal type, the system creates a composite approach where both RF and IR signals contribute to the overall location determination, leveraging the complementary strengths of each signal type to achieve higher precision.
2Productivity
If network connectivity is integrated for real-time location updates, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a signal processing device for location determination and as a networked device capable of real-time data communication. The receiver can process RF and IR signals to determine location while simultaneously communicating location data through network interfaces (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth). This universal design resolves the contradiction by enabling real-time location updates without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The location determination system is designed to be self-sufficient by integrating both the signal processing capabilities and the network communication capabilities within the same receiver device. The receiver autonomously receives RF and IR signals, processes them to determine location, and then communicates the location data through network interfaces without requiring external processing equipment, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through self-integration.
3Ease of operation
If direct network coupling is provided for receiver, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network interface is merged directly into the receiver device, combining the signal processing functions and network communication functions into a single integrated unit. This direct coupling eliminates the need for separate network interface devices or complex external connections, thereby improving ease of operation. The receiver directly couples to network infrastructure (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc.) and autonomously handles both location determination and data communication, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and internal complexity.
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 accurate and efficient location determination of objects within complex environments by combining RF and IR signals with network connectivity, minimizing installation efforts and leveraging existing infrastructure for real-time location updates.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter adapted to transmit a location signal
Implementation Method 2
an object identifier adapted to transmit a first RF signal and a first IR signal
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the invention, a location system is provided using both RF and IR signals for the determination of an object. Another embodiment of the invention provides a direct network connection for a receiver. The direct connection may be provided for connection to an Ethernet network, a telephone network, a cable TV network, a UTP network, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a medical telemetry network or the Internet. A web server is optionally provided according to an embodiment of the invention. According to a further embodiment, a fixed location identifier is provided to receive signals from a transmitter and then transmit a signal to a receiver, which may be connected to a network. According to a further embodiment, two identifiers may be transmitted, one identifier corresponding to an object, while a second identifier identifies a group designator of the object.