Switched-Lobe BLE Antenna for Accurate Indoor Object Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object tracking systems, particularly in indoor environments and for small objects, face challenges with accuracy and the need for visual line of sight, which limits their effectiveness in applications like warehouse inventory management.
Innovation Solution
A real-time location tracking antenna system utilizing a single locator switched lobe antenna for 2D positioning, comprising at least three patch antenna elements with overlapping lobes, and employing phase shifting and switching mechanisms to calculate monopulse values for precise location tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If GPS is used for tracking, then tracking range is extended, but positioning accuracy deteriorates and indoor positioning becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tags as intermediary devices that work in conjunction with the antenna system. These passive BLE tags reflect Bluetooth signals back to the antenna, enabling accurate indoor positioning without requiring GPS satellites. The BLE tags serve as mediators between the tracking system and objects to be tracked, allowing the system to achieve both extended range and high accuracy in indoor environments.
2Length of stationary object
If passive RFID tags are used, then reading range is extended beyond visual contact, but positioning accuracy for small objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic beamforming techniques where the antenna system continuously adjusts its radiation pattern and switching between multiple antenna elements based on the detected position of the BLE tag. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high positioning accuracy even for small objects at extended ranges by concentrating signal energy in the direction of the target and optimizing the measurement geometry in real-time.
3Volume of moving object
If integrated receiver antennas are used in small tags, then device size is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D antenna elements to a 3D phased array configuration with multiple antenna elements arranged in three-dimensional space. This spatial dimensionality enhancement allows the system to resolve position accurately even when the tags themselves are small and have integrated antennas. The 3D array geometry provides multiple measurement perspectives that compensate for the limited antenna size in the tags.
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 achieves accurate and real-time 2D location tracking, with the potential for 3D positioning, by using overlapping antenna lobes and monopulse calculations, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing tracking technologies.
Implementation Method 1
at least three patch antenna elements in an antenna; means configured to set up at least three overlapping lobes in desired 2D FOV
Implementation Method 2
one first controller including one phase shifter module where the overlapping lobes are obtained by controlling the phase to each of the patch antenna elements
Implementation Method 3
recording means configured to: read RSSI values from each of the at least three overlapping antenna lobes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a real-time location tracking antenna configured to locate tags, the real-time location tracking antenna is a single locator switched lobe antenna for 2D positioning which at least comprises: at least three patch antenna elements in an antenna, means configured to set up at least three overlapping lobes in desired 2D FOV where the means is one of: i. one first controller including one phase shifter module ii. one second controller including one switching device. It is also disclosed a real-time location tracking antenna system for 3D positioning.