Wireless Relay Station for RF Tracking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radio frequency-based position tracking systems require multiple wired base receivers, which limit the working volume, increase costs, and reduce accuracy due to tethered antennae configurations, especially when tracking devices move away from the central point of the base receivers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating one or more wireless relay stations that communicate with both the device and the base station, using multiple receive locations as coordinate references for timing and positioning calculations, thereby expanding the working volume and improving accuracy by reducing the effects of multipath interference and allowing more flexible setup options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wired base receivers are used for position tracking, then the system can perform timing and positioning calculations, but the working volume is limited and accuracy decreases when the tracked device moves away from the central point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless relay stations as intermediary devices between the base receivers and the tracked device. These relay stations receive signals from the base receivers and retransmit them to extend the effective working volume. The relay stations act as mediators that bridge the gap between the limited-range base receivers and the device being tracked, allowing accurate position measurement over a larger area without requiring additional wired receivers throughout the expanded space.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple wired base receivers are deployed to expand working volume, then coverage area increases, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying additional wired base receivers throughout the expanded space, the patent uses wireless relay stations as intermediaries. These relay stations can be strategically placed to extend coverage without requiring direct wiring to every location. The wireless communication capability of the relay stations allows them to relay signals from the central base receiver system, reducing the overall complexity compared to implementing a fully distributed wired receiver network.
3Ease of operation
If wired base receivers are used, then position calculations can be performed, but setup flexibility is reduced due to tethered antenna configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless relay stations provide setup flexibility by eliminating the need for physical wiring in various locations. These relay stations can be easily positioned and configured wirelessly to optimize the tracking geometry, allowing the system to adapt to different installation environments. The wireless communication enables flexible antenna placement without being constrained by cable routing, while maintaining the ability to perform accurate position calculations through the relayed signal paths.
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 use of wireless relay stations enhances the accuracy and flexibility of position tracking systems by providing additional measurements and reducing interference, allowing for more precise tracking over a larger area without the limitations of wired configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a relay station in communication with the base station and with the wireless device... Each relay station comprises a processor, one or more receiving antennae that receive the electromagnetic signals transmitted by the transmitting antenna of the mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods of tracking a position of a mobile device with an electromagnetic signal-transmitting antenna include receiving electromagnetic signals from the transmitting antenna of the mobile device by a plurality of receiver antennae of a base station and by one or more receiver antennae of a relay station. The relay station transmits to the base station timing information associated with the electromagnetic signals received by the one or more receiver antennae of the relay station. The base station computes a position of the transmitting antenna of the mobile device based on timing information computed from the electromagnetic signals received by the plurality of receiver antennae of the base station and on the timing information received from the relay station.