Wireless Power RF Imaging for Indoor 3D Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination systems, such as GPS, struggle to accurately track devices indoors, and existing solutions for indoor tracking only locate devices rather than other objects within the system, lacking additional functionalities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless power delivery system that uses multiple antennas to transmit power and data, enabling the generation of 3D RF images of environments and tracking of non-static objects through phase changes in beacon signals, while also generating motion-based maps like heat and flow maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS and traditional location determination systems are used, then device location can be tracked outdoors, but they cannot accurately detect device locations indoors or track other objects within the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RF signals as an intermediary medium to enable indoor location tracking. Instead of relying on satellite-based GPS, the system uses RF beacons transmitted by access points and received by mobile devices to determine indoor positions through signal strength measurement and triangulation, thus solving the limitation of GPS in indoor environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the wireless power delivery system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both power transmission and location tracking simultaneously. The same RF infrastructure used for wireless power delivery is also utilized for transmitting location information and tracking objects, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tracking infrastructure
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing indoor tracking solutions with beacons and transponders are implemented, then device location can be determined indoors, but they cannot track other objects within the system and serve no additional purpose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the wireless power delivery system to perform multiple functions simultaneously: power transmission, device location tracking, and object tracking within the environment. By utilizing the RF infrastructure for both power delivery and environmental sensing, the system gains the capability to track not only devices but also other objects like products in retail settings or items in storage facilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where mobile devices transmit their locations and received signal information back to the network, which then updates the environmental map and object positions. This continuous feedback loop enables real-time tracking and monitoring of both devices and objects within the covered area
3Measurement precision
If wireless power delivery system with multiple antennas is implemented, then 3D RF imaging and object tracking through phase changes can be achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the multiple-antenna wireless power delivery system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both power transmission and 3D environmental imaging simultaneously. The same antenna array used for MIMO wireless power delivery is also utilized for transmitting RF signals that reflect off objects to create 3D images and track object positions through phase changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the wireless power delivery function with the environmental sensing and imaging function into a single integrated system. By combining these functions, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensing infrastructure and reduces overall system complexity despite using multiple antennas
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 allows for accurate tracking of non-static objects in 3D spaces with wireless power transmission, providing additional benefits such as motion-based mapping and improved customer behavior analysis in retail environments.
Implementation Method 1
tracking of non-static objects through phase changes in beacon signals
Implementation Method 2
uses multiple antennas to transmit power and data
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are described herein for imaging static or semi-static objects in a wireless power delivery environment (500) and tracking non-static objects contained therein. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure describe techniques for determining the relative locations and movement of non-static objects in a wireless power delivery environment (735). Additionally, the techniques describe methods and system for generation of motion-based maps such as heat (or dwell maps) (100) and flow maps (1300).