Single Sensor Relative Positioning Using Multiple Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the relative position of two relatively movable vehicles or a vehicle with respect to a fixed reference are costly due to the requirement of multiple tag locating sensors, which increases expenses and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single sensor and three or more transmitters (tags) fitted in a predetermined spatial arrangement, transmitting radio frequency signals to determine the relative position by measuring horizontal and vertical angles of arrival, with an electronic processing unit calculating the position based on these angles and geometric considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple tag locating sensors are used to determine relative position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing multiple sensors on one vehicle to locate tags on another vehicle (conventional approach), the invention inverts the configuration by placing multiple tags on one vehicle and a single sensor on the other vehicle. This inversion maintains measurement precision while reducing the total number of sensors required, thereby lowering device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses multiple tags (copies of the same functional element) on one vehicle instead of multiple sensors on the other vehicle. These tags transmit signals that enable a single sensor to determine the relative position through angle of arrival measurements, achieving the same positioning accuracy with fewer expensive sensor components.
2Reliability
If multiple tag locating sensors are used, then reliability of position determination is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the active-passive roles: instead of having multiple sensors actively measure tag positions (requiring synchronization), it places multiple passive tags that transmit signals and uses a single sensor to measure angle of arrival. This eliminates the need for synchronization between multiple sensors while maintaining reliable position determination through geometric calculations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases due to higher sensor expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates multiple inexpensive tag transmitters on one vehicle instead of using multiple expensive sensors on the other vehicle. The tags are simpler, cheaper components that transmit radio frequency signals, while the single sensor performs the measurement function. This copying approach maintains positioning accuracy while significantly reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex sensors with cheaper, simpler tags that perform the signal transmission function. The tags are less costly components that can be easily manufactured and deployed, while the single sensor handles the measurement and calculation tasks, reducing the total system cost while maintaining measurement precision.
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 approach reduces costs and complexity by eliminating the need for multiple sensors and synchronization, providing accurate relative positioning while being easier to install and operate, and is applicable in various vehicle guidance systems.
Implementation Method 1
three or more transmitters... fitted to the other of either the vehicle or the target and designed to transmit radio frequency signals
Implementation Method 2
the sensor is designed to measure the vertical and horizontal angles of arrival of the signals transmitted by the tags
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A system (1) for determining and / or controlling the relative position of two relatively movable elements (3, 5), comprising a vehicle container combination (12,13), a utility vehicle (5) including an unloading apparatus (11) and at least three transmitting devices (4) intended to be fitted, in use, in a predetermined spatial arrangement to one of the two relatively movable elements (3,5) and configured to transmit respective signals; a single sensor device (2) intended to be fitted, in use, to the other of the two relatively movable elements (3,5) and configured to receive, and to determine the source direction (Ψi,Φi) of, the signals transmitted by the transmitting devices (4); and an electronic processing unit (6) connected to the sensor device (2) and configured to determine the relative position of the two relatively movable elements (3, 5) based on the source direction (Ψi,Φi) of the signals transmitted by the transmitting devices (4), and on the spatial arrangement of the transmitting devices (4).