Indoor Workpiece Localization Using Mobile Transceiver Relays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial metal and sheet metal processing faces challenges in accurately tracking and controlling the movement of workpieces during processing steps due to the presence of electromagnetically poorly penetrable or highly reflecting objects, which affects the reliability of indoor localization systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flexible indoor localization system using mobile transceiver units that can autonomously move and transmit electromagnetic signals, allowing for position determination through analysis units that integrate run times between mobile and stationary transceiver units, enabling precise tracking and integration of location information into production control systems without the need for extensive stationary transceiver units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic signals are used for indoor localization in metal processing environments, then position determination is enabled, but signal penetration and reliability are degraded by electromagnetically poorly penetrable or highly reflecting objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile transceiver units as intermediary elements that can be positioned strategically to facilitate signal transmission between stationary transceivers and workpieces. These mobile units act as signal relays, overcoming the blocking effect of metal objects by providing alternative signal paths through multiple hops, thereby maintaining localization reliability in electromagnetically challenging environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile transceiver units serve multiple functions: they act as signal transmitters, receivers, position determination nodes, and signal relays. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to varying environmental conditions and maintain reliable localization without requiring separate specialized components for each function, thus improving overall system robustness.
2Measurement precision
If extensive stationary transceiver units are deployed for accurate localization, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile transceiver units that can dynamically reposition themselves within the production environment. This mobility allows the system to adapt the transceiver network configuration based on real-time requirements, optimizing signal coverage and position determination accuracy without permanently installing extensive stationary infrastructure. The dynamic deployment reduces overall device complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The localization system is segmented into stationary transceiver units for infrastructure deployment and mobile transceiver units for flexible position determination. This segmentation allows the stationary units to be minimally deployed while the mobile units provide adaptable coverage, reducing the total number of transceivers needed while maintaining measurement precision through coordinated operation of both segments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile transceiver units are used for flexible localization, then adaptability to changing production conditions is improved, but device complexity increases due to autonomous movement capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of position determination, signal transmission, and autonomous movement into a single integrated mobile transceiver unit. By merging these functions rather than using separate components, the system achieves high adaptability to changing production conditions without proportionally increasing overall device complexity. The integrated design allows the mobile unit to coordinate its movement and signaling functions efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile transceiver units are equipped with autonomous movement capabilities that allow them to self-position within the production environment based on localization requirements. This self-service capability reduces the need for external control infrastructure and manual positioning, thereby improving adaptability while actually reducing operational complexity despite the enhanced functionality of individual units.
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 enhances the accuracy and robustness of indoor localization, reduces the complexity of installation, and allows for flexible adaptation to changing production conditions, such as priority changes or equipment failures, while providing detailed material flow mapping and reducing search times for objects and personnel in manufacturing environments.
Implementation Method 1
determine their positions in three-dimensional space... from run times of electromagnetic signals received and transmitted by said mobile transceiver units
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for production controls of process sequences in industrial processing of workpieces supported by indoor localization are provided. In one aspect, an indoor location system includes a plurality of mobile transceivers and an analyzer. At least one mobile transceiver is configured to determine a position of a selected mobile transceiver in a three-dimensional space. Each mobile transceiver is spatially assignable to a corresponding object from a group of objects within a framework of process sequences. Each object is movable in one or more dimensions in the three-dimensional space. The analyzer is configured to determine the position of the selected mobile transceiver based at least on run times of electromagnetic signals between the mobile transceivers in a position determination process and to perform tracking of a movement of a target object assigned to the selected mobile transceiver based on the position of the selected mobile transceiver.