RF Node Antenna Arrays for 3D Asset Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position determining technologies for mobile assets, such as GPS, lack accuracy and reliability in three-dimensional tracking, especially in urban environments, and do not provide unique asset identification or real-time monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A network of RF nodes integrated with light fixtures, utilizing multi-element antenna arrays to process signal attributes from mobile assets, enabling accurate three-dimensional location estimation and unique identification of assets within a service volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS technology is used for position determination, then location tracking is provided, but accuracy deteriorates in urban environments and GPS signals may be occluded by structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RF nodes as intermediary devices distributed throughout the service volume to mediate position determination. These nodes receive RF beacon signals from mobile assets and process them to determine three-dimensional positions, serving as intermediaries between the mobile assets and the position determination system, thereby overcoming GPS signal occlusion in urban environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the position determination function into multiple distributed RF nodes throughout the service volume. Each node independently processes RF beacon signals from mobile assets, and the collective data from multiple nodes enables accurate three-dimensional position determination, replacing the single-system GPS approach with a distributed network
2Productivity
If existing position determining technologies are used, then location estimates can be obtained, but they lack accuracy for real-time three dimensional tracking throughout a three-dimensional service volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional GPS positioning to three-dimensional position determination by vertically distributing RF nodes at different heights and using multi-element antenna arrays. This adds the vertical dimension to position tracking, enabling accurate three-dimensional location estimates throughout the service volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic real-time tracking by continuously receiving RF beacon signals from mobile assets and processing them through the RF node network. The system dynamically updates position estimates as assets move, enabling real-time three-dimensional tracking throughout the service volume
3Loss of information
If GPS hardware is used, then position determination is provided, but the hardware is relatively complex and does not provide association of unique identities with location information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the position determination function with existing infrastructure elements such as light fixtures. By integrating RF nodes into light fixtures and combining position determination with asset tracking, the system reduces overall hardware complexity while maintaining functionality and associating unique asset identifiers with location information
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 system provides reliable and accurate three-dimensional tracking of uniquely identified mobile assets, improving accuracy and enabling real-time monitoring across extended service volumes, even in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a radio frequency beacon signal emitted from a mobile asset by a mobile asset detection device
Data Source
AI summary
Described examples include light fixtures and/or radio frequency (RF) nodes located in a service volume provided with a mobile asset detection system. The RF nodes receive beacon signals transmitted by mobile assets within the service volume. The mobile asset detection system includes a processor, a transceiver and multi-element antenna array. The multi-element antenna array includes multiple discrete antenna elements that, in some examples, are arranged so that at least one of the discrete antenna elements is non-coplanar with the other discrete antenna elements of the antenna array. Using signal attribute values determined from a signal received via each of the respective discrete antenna elements, a three dimensional estimate of the location of the mobile assets in a service volume may be determined.