3D Positioning via Spherical Virtual Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF locator systems require extensive infrastructure and are costly, making them unsuitable for locating people and objects in three-dimensional environments with minimal or no fixed infrastructure, such as emergency situations in buildings or terrain.
Innovation Solution
A RF system with a transponder and monitoring unit using spherical virtual triangulation to determine the location of a target in three-dimensional space, utilizing multiple mobile devices equipped with compasses, pedometers, and altimeters to calculate position and distance without the need for extensive infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional RF locator systems are used, then position determination can be achieved, but extensive infrastructure and high costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mobile devices with transponders as portable copies of fixed infrastructure elements. Instead of requiring fixed RF reference points, the system creates mobile replicas that can be carried by searchers and rescuers, enabling position determination without permanent installation while maintaining measurement accuracy through virtual triangulation algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical infrastructure of fixed RF reference points and antennas with a software-based virtual triangulation system. The positioning function is achieved through computational methods using mobile devices, substituting physical infrastructure with algorithmic processing of distance and bearing measurements
2Ease of operation
If fixed RF reference points are installed, then location tracking is enabled, but deployment time and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed infrastructure into a dynamic mobile system. The transponders can be carried to different locations as needed, allowing the system to adapt to various search environments without permanent installation. This dynamic approach enables rapid deployment by simply carrying devices to the area of interest rather than installing fixed reference points
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile devices equipped with transponders and sensors (compass, pedometer, altimeter) are self-sufficient units that can independently perform position determination. Each device carries its own positioning capabilities, eliminating the need for external fixed infrastructure and enabling immediate deployment without installation requirements
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive infrastructure is deployed, then three-dimensional positioning is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes mobile devices perform multiple functions: they serve as transponders for RF communication, contain sensors for distance and bearing measurement (compass, pedometer, altimeter), and execute positioning algorithms. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate fixed infrastructure elements into a single portable unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining three-dimensional positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from fixed infrastructure-based RF signals to mobile device-based measurements using compass bearing, pedometer distance, and altimeter elevation. By changing the measurement parameters to those available in mobile devices, the system achieves three-dimensional positioning without requiring fixed reference points or complex infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an RF system and methods for finding a target T in three dimensional space configured to have a transponder disposed on the target T, a monitoring unit configured as a transceiver for determining or monitoring the location of the target T and an RF wireless communication system configured with a processor to repeatedly determine position, communication and other values between the transponder and monitoring unit and so as to generate a measured distance between units in three dimensional space by determining the measured distance of the target T by a spherical virtual triangulation relationship when successive values of said position information has a predetermined logical relationship relative to said previous values between said monitoring unit and transponder and/or slave unit disposed on the target T.