Dynamic Tag Anchor Role Switching for Multi-Object Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-collision systems in high-traffic areas, such as warehouses and production zones, face limitations in precision and effectiveness in determining the distance between multiple mobile and static objects, particularly in complex environments with various types of equipment and personnel, leading to potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
An anti-collision system utilizing transceiver units that alternate between TAG and ANCHOR modes, employing a synchronized time-cycle protocol for bidirectional communication, and leveraging technologies like Time of Flight (ToF) and ultra-wideband radiofrequency signals to determine distances between objects, ensuring precise positioning and collision avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mobile object operates as a TAG emitting ranging signals towards fixed beacons to determine distance, then the distance determination function is achieved, but the system is limited to determining distance only between mobile objects and known fixed beacons, not between arbitrary pairs of mobile objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the roles of objects based on time cycles. Each object alternates between operating as a TAG (emitting signals) and an ANCHOR (receiving and responding signals). This dynamic role switching enables any pair of mobile objects to determine their mutual distance, not just distance to fixed beacons.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic time cycles where objects alternate their operational roles. During each time cycle, one object operates as TAG while others operate as ANCHORs, then they switch in subsequent cycles. This periodic role reversal enables comprehensive pairwise distance determination across all mobile objects in the system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple objects simultaneously operate as both TAG and ANCHOR to determine mutual distances, then complete distance matrix can be obtained, but signal collisions and interference occur leading to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides time into discrete cycles and further divides each cycle into time slots. Within each time slot, only one object operates as TAG while others operate as ANCHORs. This time-division multiplexing approach eliminates signal collisions and interference, ensuring reliable distance measurements while still achieving complete pairwise distance determination across all objects over multiple cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the distance determination process into discrete time slots and cycles. Instead of allowing simultaneous measurements, it sequentially segments the role assignment so that at any given moment, only one object emits ranging signals while others receive. This segmentation prevents signal interference and enables systematic collection of all pairwise distances.
3Measurement precision
If objects alternate between TAG and ANCHOR modes in a synchronized time-cycle protocol, then complete pairwise distance determination is achieved without signal collision, but the system complexity increases due to synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic time cycles with predefined time slots for role switching. Each object follows the same periodic pattern, alternating between TAG and ANCHOR modes at predictable intervals. This regular periodic structure simplifies synchronization compared to arbitrary switching, as all objects can independently follow the same time cycle without complex coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
Each object independently tracks the time cycle and autonomously determines when to switch between TAG and ANCHOR modes based on its assigned time slot. Objects self-synchronize by following the periodic protocol without requiring continuous external coordination or complex inter-object communication for synchronization management.
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 effectively reduces the risk of collisions by accurately determining distances between multiple objects, even in crowded and dynamic environments, enhancing safety and operational efficiency in high-traffic areas.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging technologies like Time of Flight (ToF) and ultra-wideband radiofrequency signals to determine distances between objects
Implementation Method 2
the signals are ultra-wide band radiofrequency
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses an anti-collision system and method for areas with traffic with a plurality of objects, wherein said objects are mobile, static or a combination of objects in both states and the cited areas are generally closed or delimited areas and may include: warehouses, production areas or loading bay areas. The system comprises a plurality of objects comprising at least a transceiver unit and a processor configured to calculate a distance between the objects derived from ranging signals, a communication network which enables bidirectional communication between the plurality of objects through the transceiver unit associated with each object and a control unit. The transceiver unit of each object is configured by said control unit to alternate between a first and a second operating mode as a TAG or as an ANCHOR respectively, wherein at any moment there can only be one TAG object.