Virtual Triangulation Rangefinding Using RFID Transponders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locator systems face challenges with directional antennas, including size limitations, interference, signal degradation, and complexity, which affect accuracy and usability, especially in close-range and multi-target tracking scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A wireless system using a transponder and transceiver with virtual triangulation methods, eliminating the need for directional antennas and position references, allowing for accurate location determination through processor-based calculations and user input, enabling efficient tracking of multiple targets without complex infrastructure or high-bandwidth requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If directional antennas are used for location determination, then directional capabilities are improved, but antenna size increases and signal degradation occurs in close-range conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the directional antenna from the system entirely, replacing it with omnidirectional antennas combined with virtual triangulation algorithms. The directional functionality is removed and replaced by computational methods that process signal strength and time-of-flight data from multiple omnidirectional transceivers to determine target location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical directional antenna system with a computational approach using omnidirectional antennas and virtual triangulation algorithms. Instead of relying on physical antenna orientation and directionality, the system uses software-based position estimation through multiple reference points.
2Length of moving object
If high frequency bands are used to reduce antenna size, then antenna size decreases, but signal degradation and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter to lower bands (e.g., 900 MHz or lower) that provide better signal penetration and less degradation. This frequency parameter change allows the system to maintain reliable communication over longer distances and through obstacles while using appropriately sized omnidirectional antennas.
3Measurement precision
If directional antennas are used for location determination, then directional accuracy is improved, but system complexity and operator skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the virtual triangulation algorithms automatically calculate target positions based on data from multiple omnidirectional transceivers. The system performs coordinate transformations and position estimation without requiring operator intervention for directional alignment or specialized skills, making it user-friendly while maintaining accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If directional antennas are used for monitoring, then single-target accuracy is improved, but multi-target monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system using omnidirectional transceivers that can simultaneously monitor multiple targets in different directions. Each transceiver serves multiple functions by communicating with multiple targets concurrently, eliminating the need for directional antennas to switch between targets and enabling coordinated searches and simultaneous tracking.
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 provides accurate and user-friendly location tracking of fixed or mobile targets, reducing complexity and cost, while allowing for simultaneous operation of multiple units on unlicensed bands, improving accuracy and reducing the need for specialized skills.
Implementation Method 1
Distance measurement generally is carried out either by measuring signal strength or by measuring the propagation time between sending a ranging signal and receiving a ranging signal
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless system (20) and method for determining the location of a fixed or mobile target (31, 32, 33 . . . ) configured to have a transponder (31, 64) on the target (31, 32, 33 . . . ), a transceiver (21, 44) monitoring the target location, communicating between the transponder (31, 64) and transceiver (21, 44), and a processor (40) for finding the target by virtual triangulation based on values of received position information. The processor (40) is configured to determine virtual triangulation based on successive values of the position information using at least three points (P1, P2 and P3) of the transponder (31) respective of the transceiver (21). The present invention discloses methods for finding with virtual triangulation by: (a) finding with virtual triangulation by generating position information in real-time, in the case of (i) stationary and moving target, and or (ii) in the case of the presence of obstacles; (b) finding with virtual triangulation relating to the average speed of the motion of operator; and or (c) finding with simplified virtual triangulation.