RF Time-of-Flight Proximity Warning for Mine Sites

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing proximity warning systems for sites with oversized machinery, such as surface mines and construction sites, face accuracy issues due to multi-path environments and the complexity of accurately determining the position of regular-sized objects relative to bulky vehicles, leading to potential collisions and reduced system reliability.

Innovation Solution

A radio frequency-based proximity warning system using a set of anchors and tags with ultra-wideband signals for distance determination, combined with a position determining unit that employs triangulation and anchor status datasets to provide accurate and reliable position information, and a warning unit for indicating proximity threats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If GNSS-based positioning is used for proximity warnings, then the system can provide location information, but accuracy deteriorates in multi-path environments where signals are reflected by terrain, buildings, or machinery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity warning system reliabilityVSAvoidposition detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces GNSS satellite-based electromagnetic positioning with a terrestrial radio frequency positioning system using anchors and tags. This substitution eliminates dependency on satellite signals that are vulnerable to multi-path effects, providing reliable positioning in environments with buildings, terrain, and machinery that reflect radio waves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces RF anchors as intermediary reference points distributed throughout the workspace. These anchors act as local positioning beacons that mediate between the tag and the positioning calculation, enabling accurate position determination through RF time-of-flight measurements independent of satellite signal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple RF anchors are deployed to enable accurate triangulation, then position determination accuracy improves, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetag position determination accuracyVSAvoidanchor configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a positioning system that can function with a minimum of three anchors for basic triangulation but is designed to accommodate additional anchors for enhanced accuracy and redundancy. This partial action approach allows the system to achieve functional requirements with minimal hardware while providing options for improvement without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system is segmented into independent anchor units and tag units that can be deployed and configured separately. Each anchor operates as an independent reference point, and the system can selectively activate subsets of anchors based on operational needs, reducing the effective complexity while maintaining positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If traditional GNSS receivers are used, then location data can be obtained, but the system response time is slow and accuracy is hindered in complex environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem response speedVSAvoidposition accuracy in complex environments

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The RF positioning system implements periodic position updates through continuous or near-continuous RF messaging between anchors and tags. This periodic action enables real-time tracking of object positions with fast response times, allowing the proximity warning system to detect and respond to approaching objects much faster than GNSS systems that rely on less frequent satellite signal updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 enhances the accuracy and reliability of proximity warnings, reduces hardware complexity, and provides fast-response warnings, effectively mitigating the risks of collisions between oversized objects and regular-sized vehicles or personnel by accurately determining their positions and threat levels.

Implementation Method 1

a distance determining unit configured for providing a set of distance determinations between each one of the set of anchors and the tag, based on a defined measuring protocol, particularly based on the ALOHA protocol, of a time-of-flight measurement by radio frequency signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime-of-flight measurement: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

In particular, ultra-wideband signals may be used to mitigate for multi-path effects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltra-wideband signal propagation:

Implementation Method 3

At least three anchors are required to unambiguously provide the tag position relative to the three-anchor arrangement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriangulation:

Data Source

PatentEP3477335B1Personal protection system with RF time-of-flight ranging

Publication Date: 2021.12.01 SAFEMINE

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AI summary

Relates to a radio frequency time-of-flight ranging system for protecting pedestrians and vehicles on mine sites or similar environments with heavy duty equipment, the system particularly locates people around heavy duty equipment and warns both pedestrian and equipment operator.