Wireless Transceiver 3D Positioning via Time Difference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing positioning systems face challenges in accuracy and complexity, with methods like triangulation and proximity systems requiring multiple sensors and complex configurations, and are prone to environmental interference and high construction costs.

Innovation Solution

A positioning system comprising a first wireless transceiver that scans and transmits search information, and a second wireless transceiver that receives and responds, using a simplified setup to estimate relative positions in 3D space by calculating time differences and spatial angles, reducing the need for multiple sensors and optimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If triangulation positioning system is used, then positioning capability is achieved, but system complexity and construction cost increase due to requiring multiple base stations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the positioning functionality from a multi-station triangulation system and concentrates it into a single wireless transceiver that performs both active scanning and passive response functions. This eliminates the need for multiple base stations while maintaining positioning capability through time difference measurement between transmitted and received signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless transceiver is designed to perform multiple functions: it can actively scan and transmit positioning signals, passively receive signals from other transceivers, and calculate relative positions. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate base stations and sensors in traditional triangulation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If proximity positioning system with high precision is used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but construction cost increases due to requiring large number of base stations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidconstruction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the positioning function from a distributed multi-station system and concentrates it in a single transceiver unit. This eliminates the need for deploying multiple base stations across the coverage area, significantly reducing construction costs while maintaining positioning precision through time-based measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses standard wireless transceivers that are relatively inexpensive and can be easily deployed or replaced. The positioning capability is achieved through software-based time difference calculation rather than requiring expensive specialized hardware at multiple locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If RSSI algorithm is used for Bluetooth positioning, then positioning is achieved, but positioning accuracy is reduced due to environmental interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning availabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the signal strength-based RSSI method with a time-based positioning method. Instead of measuring signal intensity which is susceptible to environmental factors, the system measures the time difference between transmitted and received signals, which is a more stable and accurate metric for determining relative position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from signal strength (RSSI) to time difference. This parameter change makes the positioning measurement less sensitive to environmental interference such as walls, furniture, and other obstacles that affect radio signal propagation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If mixed positioning system with multiple signal transmission devices is used, then positioning capability is enhanced, but construction cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidconstruction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple signal transmission devices and sensing apparatuses into a single wireless transceiver. The transceiver integrates both the transmitter and receiver functions, eliminating the need for separate signal transmission devices and sensing apparatuses, thereby reducing construction cost while maintaining positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system construction, enhances accuracy, and reduces costs by allowing precise location estimation in 3D space with fewer components, improving overall positioning precision and reducing environmental interference.

Implementation Method 1

using the time difference of receiving and sending information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

transmitting search information at any spatial angle, receiving response information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10228440B2Positioning system and method
Publication Date: 2019.03.12 ECOLUX TECH CO LTD
  • US10228440B2 patent drawing
  • US10228440B2 patent drawing
  • US10228440B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A positioning system includes a first wireless transceiver and a second wireless transceiver. After the first wireless transceiver sends search information to the second wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver receives the search information, response information is generated and sent to the first wireless transceiver. After the first wireless transceiver receives the response information, the position of the second wireless transceiver is obtained by computation. The positioning system and method have the features of easy installation, low construction cost, high positioning precision, 3D positioning, and power saving.