Switchable Polarization Antenna for Indoor Tag Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environments with multiple active tags in close proximity, such as warehouses, radio frequency congestion leads to inefficient communication and impractical positioning due to limited power supply and short communication range of active tags using Bluetooth low energy technology.
Innovation Solution
The active tag and anchor node employ an antenna switchable between linear and circular polarized modes, allowing for directed and wide-angle radio frequency emission to bypass obstacles and improve positioning accuracy without complex antenna arrays, reducing power consumption and processing requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If active tags use simple antennas with limited power supply and short communication range, then power consumption is reduced and device complexity is minimized, but communication reliability deteriorates and positioning accuracy becomes impossible in congested environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the antenna polarization state changeable rather than fixed. The antenna switch dynamically transitions between linear and circular polarization modes based on communication needs, allowing the system to adapt to different environmental conditions and maintain reliability without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electromagnetic parameter of the antenna from fixed linear polarization to switchable circular polarization. This parameter change allows the radio waves to better penetrate obstacles and reduce multipath effects, improving communication reliability while keeping the antenna structure simple
2Measurement precision
If active tags transmit radio signals in congested environments with multiple tags, then positioning capability is enabled, but radio frequency congestion increases and communication efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polarization parameter of radio signals from linear to circular mode for positioning transmissions. This parameter change reduces signal interference and multipath effects in congested environments, enabling accurate positioning while maintaining communication efficiency by reducing retransmissions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses circular polarization as an intermediary mechanism to mediate between multiple tags transmitting in the same space. The circular polarization characteristic helps distinguish direct signals from reflected signals, reducing congestion effects and improving both positioning accuracy and communication efficiency
3Reliability
If advanced antenna structures are employed at the reader to improve communication range and reliability, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the approach by equipping the simple active tag with the advanced feature (switchable circular polarization) rather than making the reader complex. This inversion achieves improved communication reliability and positioning accuracy while keeping the reader's antenna structure simple, reducing overall system complexity
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 solution enables more accurate indoor positioning with reduced signal absorption and processing power, facilitating efficient communication and location determination in congested environments.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna switchable between linear and circular polarized modes
Implementation Method 2
an antenna switchable between linear and circular polarized modes
Data Source
AI summary
An active tag, an anchor node, and a positioning method using the active tag and the anchor node. The method includes: receiving (808), by the active tag via its antenna in a linear mode, a downlink radio signal from the anchor node; if (810) the downlink radio signal comprises a general request, transmitting, by the active tag via the antenna in the linear mode, an uplink general radio signal to the anchor node; or else if (814) the downlink radio signal comprises a position request, transmitting, by the active tag via its antenna in a circular polarized mode, an uplink positioning radio signal to the anchor node.