Tracking Beacon Positioning Using DoA and RF Distance Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unmanned vehicles face challenges in reliably and accurately tracking targets in uncontrolled environments, especially when targets move unpredictably, due to insufficient speed and accuracy of existing tracking features.

Innovation Solution

A self-positioning method and system that uses a tracking beacon unit to estimate direction of arrival, Euclidean distance, and height difference, providing redundancy and accuracy through wireless communication, allowing for quick and precise positioning even in complex outdoor environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing tracking features are used in uncontrolled environments, then the system can operate in outdoor conditions, but the tracking reliability and accuracy deteriorate when targets move unpredictably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutdoor operation capabilityVSAvoidtracking reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking system is divided into multiple independent modules: GPS receiver for position tracking, compass for orientation, and multiple sensor inputs. Each module operates independently and contributes to the overall tracking function, allowing the system to maintain reliability even when individual components face challenges in uncontrolled environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts tracking parameters such as update frequency, sensor weighting, and position calculation methods based on environmental conditions and target movement patterns. This allows the tracker to adapt to unpredictable movements and maintain accurate tracking across varying outdoor conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing tracking features are used with unpredictable targets, then the system can attempt to track any target, but the tracking accuracy and speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget tracking capabilityVSAvoidtracking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously receives feedback from GPS position data, compass orientation, and movement sensors to adjust tracking predictions. The feedback loop calculates actual versus predicted target positions and refines tracking algorithms in real-time, significantly improving accuracy when targets move unpredictably

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking system dynamically adapts its prediction models and update frequencies based on detected target movement patterns. When rapid or unpredictable movement is detected, the system increases update rates and adjusts prediction algorithms accordingly, maintaining tracking accuracy across diverse movement scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If redundancy is added to improve position estimation robustness, then the system can calculate position even if one signal is lost, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition estimation robustnessVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The GPS receiver and compass serve multiple functions simultaneously: GPS provides both position data and timing information, while the compass provides orientation data and can serve as a backup for directional tracking when GPS signals are degraded. This multi-functionality provides redundancy without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The processor acts as an intermediary that fuses data from multiple sources (GPS, compass, motion sensors) and calculates position estimates. When one signal source fails or degrades, the processor automatically weights and combines alternative sources to maintain robust position estimation, providing software-based redundancy that avoids duplicating hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables accurate and robust tracking of targets at various distances, from close proximity to long range, with fast position updates, enhancing reliability and accuracy by combining multiple parameter estimates and utilizing sensor fusion for improved accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna array, configured to receive a radio wave tracking beacon signal from the tracking beacon unit and estimate a direction of arrival of the tracking beacon signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio wave detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11774547B2Self-positioning method, self-positioning system and tracking beacon unit

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 LAC CAMERA SYST OY

AI summary

The present disclosure describes a self-positioning system, a tracking beacon and a self-positioning method for a vehicle. The self-positioning system is configured to estimate an direction of arrival of a radio wave tracking beacon signal arriving at an antenna array of the vehicle from a non-stationary tracking beacon unit, estimate Euclidian distance between the self-positioning system and the tracking beacon unit by using wireless radio-frequency communication between the self-positioning system and the tracking beacon unit, and determine position data identifying a three-dimensional position of the self-positioning system with respect to tracking beacon unit on the basis of the estimates of the direction of arrival and the Euclidian distance.