Dead Reckoning Wheel Navigation for Infrastructure-Free Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tracking the position of wheeled objects in large areas are either expensive, require extensive infrastructure, or are prone to errors due to signal interference and satellite blockages, making them inefficient for applications like retail store inventory management and theft prevention.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system using dead reckoning methods, where the position of a wheeled object is determined by measuring its heading and wheel rotation, with error correction and communication with external markers, allowing for autonomous operation and activation of anti-theft systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS or RF tag systems are used to determine position, then position tracking capability is provided, but system cost and infrastructure complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic/GPS-based position tracking systems with a mechanical dead reckoning system that uses wheel rotation sensors and heading sensors to calculate position. This substitution eliminates the need for complex infrastructure like GPS satellites or RF transmitters/receivers, while providing reliable position tracking through mechanical measurement of distance traveled and direction oriented.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system is self-contained within the wheeled object itself, requiring no external infrastructure. The system uses onboard sensors (wheel rotation sensor, heading sensor) and internal processing to autonomously determine its own position through dead reckoning, making the system independent and eliminating infrastructure complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If GPS or RF systems are deployed in large tracking areas, then coverage is improved, but system cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces area-wide electronic infrastructure (GPS coverage or RF transmitter networks) with a self-contained mechanical navigation system that works anywhere the wheeled object can physically move. The system calculates position relative to its starting point using only onboard sensors, eliminating the need for area-wide infrastructure installation regardless of tracking area size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the position tracking capability from the environment and places it entirely within the wheeled object itself. By removing dependence on external infrastructure and embedding all necessary sensing and calculation functions in the moving object, the system achieves universal area coverage without any installation complexity.
3Reliability
If RF tag systems are used in environments with signal attenuation structures, then position monitoring is enabled, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to signal blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic signal-based position monitoring with a mechanical dead reckoning system that measures wheel rotation and heading directly. This mechanical approach is immune to signal attenuation from walls, buildings, or other structures, as it relies on physical measurements of distance and direction rather than electromagnetic signals that can be blocked or reflected.
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
Provides a reliable, cost-effective means to track wheeled objects, reducing theft and improving inventory management by accurately determining their position and movement within a tracking area, even in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
the heading is determined with reference to the Earth's magnetic field by disposing magnetic sensors in or on the object
Implementation Method 2
A navigation system uses a dead reckoning method to estimate an object's present position relative to one or more prior positions
Data Source
AI summary
A navigation system uses a dead reckoning method to estimate an object's present position relative to one or more prior positions. In some embodiments, the dead reckoning method determines a change in position from the object's heading and speed during an elapsed time interval. In embodiments suitable for use with wheeled objects, the dead reckoning method determines the change in position by measuring the heading and the amount of wheel rotation. Some or all of the components of the navigation system may be disposed within a wheel, such as a wheel of a shopping cart.