RF Time-of-Flight Positioning for Moving Machinery Collision Warning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining object positions on large machinery sites, such as mine or construction sites, face challenges with accuracy due to multi-path environments and the need for numerous reference stations, which can lead to reduced warning system effectiveness and increased risk of collisions.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency time-of-flight ranging system with a plurality of anchors and tags, using ultra-wideband signals and a position determining unit that calculates positions based on ranging data, incorporates a reference point with known position, and updates anchor positions in real time to enhance accuracy and reduce blind spots, allowing for triangulation and feedback for safety supervision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GNSS devices are used for proximity warning, then the system can provide obstacle information to drivers, but the accuracy is reduced in multi-path environments where signals are reflected by terrain, buildings, or machinery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning system that uses multiple fixed reference points (anchors) with known positions to mediate the positioning process. Instead of relying directly on satellite signals that are susceptible to multi-path effects, the system uses local RF anchors as intermediaries to establish position through time-of-flight measurements, thereby resolving the accuracy issue in reflected signal environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the satellite-based electromagnetic positioning system (GNSS) with a local radio frequency-based positioning system using time-of-flight measurements. This substitution eliminates dependence on external satellite signals that are vulnerable to multi-path interference, providing accurate positioning in environments with buildings, terrain, and machinery that reflect signals
2Length of stationary object
If generic tracking radars are used on site, then they can detect objects, but their range is limited due to multiple reflections on site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radar-based detection with an RF time-of-flight positioning system that uses two-way ranging between tags and anchors. This substitution eliminates the problem of signal reflections limiting detection range, as the system measures the time for signals to travel directly between transmitter and receiver, providing both extended range and maintained accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses fixed RF anchors as intermediaries to establish positioning references throughout the site. These anchors create a network of known positions that enable accurate location determination without relying on radar reflections, thereby extending effective detection range while maintaining reliability
3Measurement precision
If a radio frequency positioning system with multiple anchors is deployed, then accurate triangulation can be achieved, but the system complexity and number of required reference stations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the positioning system universal by enabling anchors to be deployed on both stationary and moving objects. This multi-functionality allows the same RF anchor device to serve as a reference point whether mounted on a stationary structure or a moving vehicle, reducing the total number of reference stations needed while maintaining triangulation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic anchors that can move with machinery while maintaining their function as positioning references. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to changing site conditions and machinery positions, providing accurate triangulation without requiring a fixed, dense network of stationary reference stations
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 accurate and reliable positioning, reduces the number of required reference stations, and enhances safety by improving collision detection and warning systems, even in complex environments with large machinery.
Implementation Method 1
providing ranging data indicative of distances between anchors and tags, based on a defined measuring protocol, particularly based on the ALOHA protocol, of a time-of-flight measurement by radio frequency signals
Implementation Method 2
In particular, ultra-wideband signals may be used to mitigate for multi-path effects
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Relates to a system for determining an object position on a site with large machinery, particularly a mine site, a construction site, or an agricultural area, based on radio frequency time-of-flight ranging. The system is configured to determine a current position of a reference point (102) indicative of a position of a machine on the site, to access an arrangement dataset indicative of a positional relationship between the reference point and a mounting location on the machine of at least one anchor (100) of a point-to-point radio ranging unit, and to determine a position of the at least one anchor based on the current position of the reference point and the arrangement dataset, wherein the position of the at least one anchor is provided to a position determining unit configured for determining position information of tags based on ranging data of the point-to-point radio ranging unit.