Wireless Object Detection Using Orientation-Based Zone Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locationing systems struggle to configure workstations effectively due to complex three-dimensional geometry, making it difficult for users to define directional information and leading to errors and inefficiencies in tracking tools and objects within production lines and other areas.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a wireless detector with an orientation sensor to define a solid angle relative to a spatial reference plane, allowing users to easily configure zones by transforming and comparing spatial attitudes and directions, enabling accurate detection of objects within specified zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detectors are installed in elevated positions and angled downwards to improve reception and angular resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of configuration increase due to complex three-dimensional geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the configuration interface from three-dimensional angular space to two-dimensional Cartesian coordinates. By projecting the solid angle boundaries onto a horizontal plane and representing them as rectangular zones with (x, y) coordinates, the system eliminates the need for users to comprehend and manipulate complex 3D angular geometry while preserving the underlying angular detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary coordinate transformation layer that converts between the detector's native angular coordinate system (azimuth and elevation) and a user-friendly Cartesian coordinate system. This intermediary layer handles the complex geometric transformations automatically, shielding users from the intricacies of 3D angular geometry while maintaining accurate zone definitions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users manually define angular ranges to specify workstation boundaries, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in visualizing and understanding three-dimensional geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects three-dimensional solid angle boundaries onto a two-dimensional horizontal plane, representing workstation zones as rectangular areas defined by simple (x, y) coordinates rather than complex angular ranges. This dimensional reduction makes zone configuration intuitive and accessible to typical users while preserving the system's adaptability to different workstation layouts.
3Ease of operation
If a configuration procedure using reference tags at workstation corners is implemented to automate zone definition, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases due to the time-consuming nature of the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential geometric information needed for zone definition directly from the detector's angular measurements of workstation corners, eliminating the need for manual reference tag placement and complex coordinate calculations. The system automatically computes zone boundaries by processing angular data from corner detections, significantly reducing configuration time while maintaining 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
This approach simplifies the configuration process, reduces errors, and enhances the accuracy of tracking tools and objects by aligning the detected directions with user-defined solid angles, improving the reliability of audit information and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless detector with an orientation sensor to define a solid angle relative to a spatial reference plane
Implementation Method 2
detecting by means of the detector a wireless signal from the object, and thereby estimating the direction of the object from the detector
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting the presence of an object in a zone by means of a wireless detector located proximal to the zone, the wireless detector comprising an orientation sensor for sensing the spatial attitude of the detector, the method comprising: defining a solid angle relative to a first spatial reference plane, the solid angle being defined such that at least part of the zone is within that solid angle when the solid angle is projected from the location of the detector; detecting by means of the detector a wireless signal from the object, and thereby estimating the direction of the object from the detector with reference to a second spatial reference plane fixed relative to the detector; sensing by means of the orientation sensor the spatial attitude of the detector; and comparing the solid angle and the estimated direction in dependence on the sensed spatial attitude so as to determine whether the object is present in the zone.