Transponder Distance Thresholding With Two-Phase Range Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the distance between a transponder and a querying antenna are inefficient and time-consuming, especially when multiple authorized transponders are present, making it difficult to make a reliable release decision within the desired time frame of less than 500 ms, preferably less than 200 ms.
Innovation Solution
A two-phase method is introduced, where an estimation phase quickly determines the transponder with the shortest distance using signal strength, followed by a precise distance determination phase, utilizing a hierarchy based on response signals to prioritize and calculate the distance of the closest transponder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precise distance determination is performed for all transponders, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing an initial coarse distance estimation for all transponders before the precise distance determination. This estimation phase uses simplified calculations to identify which transponders are likely to be within the threshold distance, allowing the system to then focus precise measurements only on those candidates, thereby reducing overall detection time while maintaining accuracy for critical cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the distance determination process into two distinct phases: a first phase performing coarse estimation for all transponders, and a second phase performing precise determination only for selected transponders. This segmentation allows the system to balance between comprehensive coverage and computational efficiency, resolving the contradiction between measuring all transponders precisely and doing so quickly.
2Reliability
If distance determination is performed for all transponders, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary coarse estimation for all transponders to identify candidates that may warrant further investigation. This preliminary action ensures that no potentially relevant transponder is missed (maintaining reliability) while filtering out obvious non-candidates, thereby improving overall detection speed without sacrificing the reliability of the final release decision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing precise distance determination only for a subset of transponders identified as candidates in the estimation phase, rather than for all transponders. This partial approach maintains sufficient reliability for the release decision while significantly improving productivity by avoiding unnecessary precise measurements on transponders that are clearly beyond the threshold distance.
3Loss of time
If coarse distance estimation is used for all transponders, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into two phases with different precision levels: a first phase using coarse estimation for all transponders to quickly identify candidates, and a second phase using precise determination for selected transponders. This segmentation allows the system to accept lower precision in the first phase (saving time) while ensuring high precision in the second phase for the final decision, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy.
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 method achieves a rapid and reliable distance determination with a precision improvement by a factor of at least 2 to 10, allowing for timely release decisions and access control within the desired time frame.
Implementation Method 1
An estimate can also be carried out through the signal strength or RSSI, for example.
Data Source
AI summary
A temporal optimization of a distance threshold decision for a plurality of transponders is disclosed in which it may be determined as rapidly as possible whether at least one of the transponders falls below a preset distance, particularly to a query node. A decision is to be made regarding the release with high probability, particularly in less than 500 ms, even if a plurality of authorized transponders are present in querying range and the necessary measurements and/or calculations are time-intensive. The disclosure introduces an estimation phase occurring before a first phase. In the estimation phase it is initially estimated with high probability which one or several of the transponders are the one or several with the shortest distance(s). Afterwards, the actual distance determination begins and is executed such that initially the distance is determined for at least one of the transponders having the smallest distance with the greatest probability.