INDOOR POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR TRACKING COMMUNICATION DEVICES WITHIN A REMOTE LOCATION, AND METHOD THEREFORE

Abstract

An indoor positioning system is described for tracking the spatial position of communication devices within a remote location. The indoor positioning system generally comprises: a radio frequency network distributed throughout the remote location; beacons spaced apart along the remote location and powered by the radio frequency network, where each beacon locally emits a corresponding beacon identifier which, when received by a nearby communication device, communicates via the radio frequency network to that communication device;and a tracking controller that is communicatively coupled to said radio frequency network, wherein said tracking controller has stored tracking data that associates each of said beacon identifiers to respective spatial coordinates, and instructions that, when executed, perform the following steps: receive said beacon identifier communicated through said radio frequency network by said communication device, and determine the spatial coordinates of said communication device by forwarding said received beacon identifier to said tracking data.

Description

INDOOR POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR TRACKING COMMUNICATION DEVICES WITHIN A REMOTE LOCATION, AND METHOD THEREFORE FIELD The improvements generally relate to tracking the position or positions of one or more communication devices within a remote location, and more particularly to tracking the communication device or devices moving within a location where traditional wireless network signals and GPS signals are not accessible. BACKGROUND Tracking the position of a communication device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or similar device, moving within an underground mine, an isolated facility, the interior of a building, or any other remote location is useful not only for tracking the device itself but also for tracking an operator, vehicle, or equipment carrying it. Thus, in the event of an incident within the remote location, indoor positioning systems can be used to retrieve communication devices that were near the incident, which is of great interest if, for example, an operator needs to be rescued. This type of tracking presents challenges, as traditional wireless network signals and GPS signals may not be as reliable in these remote locations as they would be in the outside world.While existing systems for tracking communication devices within a remote location are satisfactory to a certain extent, there is still room for improvement, especially to facilitate the maintenance of such systems and / or avoid battery-related problems. COMPENDIUM It was found that there is a need in the industry to provide an indoor positioning system whose maintenance is facilitated and / or does not depend on battery-powered beacons. In some aspects of this disclosure, an indoor positioning system and a method for tracking the spatial position of communication devices within a remote location are described. The indoor positioning system has a radio frequency network distributed throughout the remote location, beacons spaced apart throughout the remote location and along the radio frequency network, and a tracking controller communicatively coupled to the radio frequency network. Each beacon locally emits a corresponding identifier which, when received by a nearby communication device, is communicated over the radio frequency network by the communication device. The tracking controller has access to tracking data that associates each of these identifiers with the respective spatial coordinates.Thus, the tracking controller can receive the identifier transmitted via the radio frequency network by the communication device and determine the device's spatial coordinates by forwarding the received identifier to the tracking data. Powering the beacons via the radio frequency network has been deemed advantageous. As a result, maintenance of the indoor positioning system is simplified and its reliability is increased, as the risk of battery failure near an incident is significantly reduced. According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an indoor positioning system is provided for tracking the spatial position of communication devices within a remote location, wherein the indoor positioning system comprises: a radio frequency network distributed throughout said remote location; a plurality of beacons spaced apart from each other throughout said remote location and powered by said radio frequency network, wherein each of said beacons locally emits a corresponding beacon identifier which, when received by a nearby communication device, communicates through said radio frequency network by means of said communication device;and a tracking controller that is communicatively coupled to said radio frequency network, wherein said tracking controller has a processor and a memory that stores tracking data that associates each of said beacon identifiers with respective spatial coordinates, and instructions that, when executed by said processor, perform the following steps: receive said beacon identifier communicated through said radio frequency network by means of said communication device, and determine the spatial coordinates of said communication device by forwarding said received beacon identifier to said tracking data. Furthermore, in accordance with the first aspect of this disclosure, these beacons may be, for example, battery-free. Also, in accordance with the first aspect of this disclosure, this radio frequency network may have, for example, a communication link that carries a communication signal and a power link that supplies electrical power to these beacons. Furthermore, in accordance with the first aspect of this disclosure, said power link may include, for example, a power injector that injects said electrical power into said communication signal. Furthermore, in accordance with the first aspect of this disclosure, said power injector can, for example, inject a DC power supply component into said communication signal. Furthermore, in accordance with the first aspect of this disclosure, such DC power supply component may, for example, include a negative voltage. Furthermore, in accordance with the first aspect of this disclosure, such negative voltage may, for example, be below at least minus 5 VDC. Furthermore, in accordance with the first aspect of this disclosure, at least one of these beacons may, for example, have a power supply port to supply power to at least one of these communication devices or an external device. Furthermore, in accordance with the first aspect of this disclosure, these beacons may, for example, have operating software that can be updated through this radio frequency network. Furthermore, in accordance with the first aspect of this disclosure, such an update can be carried out, for example, by modulating energy supplied by said radio frequency network. Furthermore, in accordance with the first aspect of this disclosure, said radio frequency network may, for example, have a radiating cable interposed in said remote location, with each of said beacons being within a radiation range of said radiating cable. Furthermore, in accordance with the first aspect of this disclosure, said radio frequency network may have, for example, a plurality of radio frequency antennas distributed within said remote location, each of said beacons being within a radiation range of at least one of said radio frequency antennas. Furthermore, in accordance with the first aspect of this disclosure, at least one of these beacons may have, for example, a processor and a memory that has stored instructions which, when executed by said process, perform the following steps: upon detecting that said beacon is no longer in communication with said radio frequency network, generate an alert which, when received by a nearby communication device, is communicated through said radio frequency network by said communication device. Pursuant to a second aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for tracking the position of communication devices within a remote location having a radio frequency network distributed throughout it, wherein the method comprises: using a plurality of beacons spaced within said remote location, extracting power from said radio frequency network and, using said extracted power, locally transmitting the corresponding beacon identifiers in the vicinity; upon receiving at least one of said locally transmitted beacon identifiers, a communication device communicating said received beacon identifier via said radio frequency network; and using a tracking controller, accessing tracking data that associates each of said beacon identifiers with the respective spatial coordinates;to receive said Beacon Identifier communicated through said radio frequency network by means of said communication device; and to determine the spatial coordinates of said communication device by forwarding said received Beacon Identifier to said tracking data.; Furthermore, in accordance with the second aspect of this disclosure, said radio frequency network can, for example, communicate with said beacons by modulating said energy. Furthermore, in accordance with the second aspect of this disclosure, such a radio frequency network may, for example, have a communication signal and a power signal superimposed on said communication signal. Furthermore, in accordance with the second aspect of this disclosure, such power supply signal may include, for example, a DC power supply component, where such DC power supply component has a negative voltage. Furthermore, in accordance with the second aspect of this disclosure, the method may, for example, also include, upon detecting that a certain of said beacons is no longer in communication with said radio frequency network, generating an alert which, upon being received by a nearby communication device, is communicated through said radio frequency network by said communication device. Furthermore, in accordance with the second aspect of this disclosure, when communicating said beacon identifier received through said radio frequency network, said communication device may, for example, also communicate a device identifier that identifies said communication. Furthermore, in accordance with the second aspect of this disclosure, when communicating said beacon identifier received through said radio frequency network, said communication device may, for example, further communicate sensor data indicative of data generated by a sensor of at least one of said communication device and an external device communicatively coupled to said communication device. Many other features and combinations thereof relating to the present improvements will become evident to those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES In the figures: Figure 1 is a schematic view of an example of an indoor positioning system for tracking the spatial positions of communication devices within a remote location, showing a tracking controller, a radio frequency network and beacons, according to one or more modalities; Figure 2 is a schematic view of an example of a computer device of the tracking controller of Figure 1, according to one or more modalities; Figure 3 is a flowchart of an example method for positioning communication devices within a remote location, according to one or more modalities; Figure 4 is a top plan view of the remote location of Figure 1, taken along line 4-4, according to one or more modalities; Figure 5A is a block diagram of a part of the indoor positioning system of Figure 1, showing beacons coupled in a communicative manner and powered by the radio frequency network, according to one or more modalities; Figure 5B is a block diagram of another part of the indoor positioning system of Figure 1, showing a communication device that receives a beacon identifier from one of the beacons of Figure 5A, according to one or more modes; Figure 50 is a block diagram of another part of the indoor positioning system of Figure 1, showing the tracking controller that receives the beacon identifier from Figure 5B and determines the spatial coordinates of the communication device, according to one or more modalities; Figure 6 is a table showing an example of tracking data, displayed in the form of a lookup table, according to one or more modalities; Figure 7 is a schematic view of an example of an intermediate beacon, according to one or more modalities; Figure 8 is a schematic view of a termination beacon, according to one or more modalities; Figure 9 is a top plan view of an example of a remote location, showing a radio frequency network having a plurality of antennas distributed at the remote location, according to one or more modalities; Figure 10 is a schematic view of an example of an indoor positioning system, showing the radio frequency provided in the form of a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) wired network, according to one or more modalities; and Figure 11 is a schematic view of another example of an indoor positioning system, showing a DC injector that injects a DC power supply component into a communication signal transmitted over the radio frequency network, according to one or more modalities. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 shows an example of an indoor positioning system 100 for tracking the spatial position of communication devices 10 within a remote location 102. As depicted in this specific modality, the remote location 102 is provided in the form of an underground mining infrastructure 103, which includes tunnel(s) 104 at different depths within the ground 106. However, in some other modalities, the remote location 102 may be provided in the form of any other remote location that has limited access to traditional wireless network signals and / or GPS signals, such as isolated plants, building interiors, airports, and the like. The communication devices 10 to be tracked may vary depending on the modality. For example, communication devices 10 may take the form of a smartphone 10a, an electronic tablet 10b, an electronic watch, a modem, a device with one or more communication interfaces (e.g., an LTE communication interface, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication interface), and the like. In some modalities, communication devices 10 are dedicated devices that will be part of wearable devices such as helmets, helmet lights, gloves, or other types of bodywear. In some other modalities, communication devices 10 may be mounted on assets such as vehicles, toolboxes, and the like, which may allow the tracking of valuable and / or useful assets within the remote location 102. As shown, the indoor positioning system 100 has a radio frequency network 110 distributed across the remote location 102. In some modalities, the radio frequency network 110 is a long-term evolution (LTE) wired network. Examples of a radio frequency network 110 may include, but are not limited to, a first-generation (1G) cellular communication network, a second-generation (2G) cellular communication network, a third-generation (3G) cellular communication network, a fourth-generation (4G) cellular communication network, a fifth-generation (5G) cellular communication network, and any subsequent generation of cellular communication network. The radio frequency network 110 may operate within any suitable frequency band, including, but not limited to, any LTE band defined by 3GPP and similar agreements.In this specific configuration, the radio frequency network has one or more radiating cables 112 inserted at remote location 102. As depicted, the radiating cable 112 may include a coaxial cable with gaps in its outer conductor to allow radio signals to leak into or out of the cable along at least part of its length. The radiating cables 112 may be removably or permanently attached to sections of the ceiling, walls, and / or floors of tunnels, depending on the configuration. The indoor positioning system 100 has a plurality of beacons 114 that are spaced apart along the remote location 102 and powered by the radio frequency network 110. As such, in some configurations, the beacons 114 are battery-free. Each beacon 114 locally emits a corresponding beacon identifier 116, which, when received by a nearby communication device 10, is communicated via the radio frequency network 110 by the communication device 10. The beacon identifier 116 can be communicated via a radio frequency signal in some configurations. In other configurations, the beacon identifier 116 can be communicated via a wireless signal, such as a BLE signal. In some alternative configurations, Wi-Fi can also be used for this type of communication.In some alternative configurations, beacon identifier 116 can be communicated via cable to communication device 10 by connecting a cable between beacon 114 and communication device 10. In these configurations, beacon identifier 115 can be communicated by modulating the power supplied through one of its power supply ports. Communication devices 10 may have hardware and / or software implementations configured to allow communication devices 10 to communicate, unidirectionally or bidirectionally, with any of the beacons 114. For example, in configurations where communication device 10 is provided in the form of a smartphone 10a, communication may be facilitated through a downloadable software application.As represented in this mode, each of the 114 beacons is within a radiation range of the 112 radiating cables to communicate with them. As illustrated, the indoor positioning system 100 has a tracking controller 118 that is communicatively coupled to the radio frequency network 102. The tracking controller 118 has a processor and memory that stores tracking data associating each of the beacon identifiers 116 with the respective spatial coordinates of the remote location 102. The spatial coordinates can be expressed in terms of coordinates (X1, Y1, Z1) within a given coordinate system (x, y, z) in some modalities. The spatial coordinates can be expressed in terms of longitude, latitude, and altitude coordinates in some other modalities. Additionally or alternatively, the spatial coordinates can be expressed in terms of sectors, sections, and / or areas of the remote location 102.However, it is observed that any suitable type of spatial coordinates can be used, as will be evident to the knowledgeable reader. The tracking controller 118 may be instructed to receive the beacon identifier 116 communicated over the radio frequency network 110 by the communication device 10, and to determine the spatial coordinates of the communication device 10 by forwarding the received beacon identifier 116 to the tracking data. As will be detailed later, the tracking controller 118 may receive a device identifier along with the beacon identifier 116 in order to identify which of the communication devices 10 has communicated that beacon identifier 116, which may be convenient when a plurality of communication devices 10 need to be tracked simultaneously or sequentially.It is observed that the tracking controller 118 can receive a timestamp along with the beacon identifier 116 and / or the device identifier to identify when the communication device 10 has received and / or communicated that beacon identifier 116, which in turn can allow the tracking of communication device 10 over time. The tracking controller 118 can be provided as a combination of hardware and software components. The hardware components can be implemented in the form of a computing device 200, an example of which is described with reference to Figure 2. In addition, the software components of the tracking controller 118 can be implemented in the form of a software application that implements steps of the method; a flowchart 300 showing some of these steps of the method is described with reference to Figure 3. With reference to Figure 2, the computing device 200 may have a processor 202, a memory 204, and an I / O interface 206. The instructions 208 for determining the position of one or more communication devices may be stored in memory 204 and be accessible by the processor 202. The 202 processor can be, for example, a general-purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, a digital signal processing (DSP) processor, an integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a reconfigurable processor, a programmable read-only memory (PROM), or any combination of these. Memory 204 may include a suitable combination of any type of computer-readable memory that is located internally or externally, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), electro-optical memory, magneto-optical memory, programmable and rechargeable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically programmed and rechargeable read-only memory (EEPROM), ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), or the like. Each 206 I / O interface allows the 200 computing device to interface with one or more input devices, such as keyboard(s), mouse(s), or with one or more output devices, such as display(s), memory system(s), and external network(s). Each I / O interface 206 enables the tracking controller 118 to communicate with other components, exchange data with other components, access and connect to network resources, server applications, and perform other computing applications by connecting to a network (or multiple networks) capable of carrying data, including the Internet, Ethernet, conventional telephone service line (POTS), public switched telephone network (PSTN), integrated services digital network (ISDN), digital subscriber line (DSL), coaxial cable, fiber optic, satellite, mobile, wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, WMAX), SS7 signaling network, fixed line, local area network, wide area network, and others, including any combination thereof. Data hopping from any type of network to another may be permitted. The computer device 200 and the software application described herein should be considered as examples only. Other suitable forms of the trace controller 118 may also be provided, as will be evident to the knowledgeable reader. For example, the trace controller 118 may be provided in the form of a physical server, a virtual server, or a combination of both. Figure 3 is a flowchart of an example of Method 300 for tracking the position of communication devices within a remote location using a radio frequency network distributed throughout the location. Method 300 is described with reference to the indoor positioning system 100 in Figure 1 for ease of reading. In step 302, energy is drawn from the 110 radio frequency network at multiple locations within remote location 102, and using the drawn energy, beacon identifiers 116 are transmitted locally around each of these locations. More specifically, each of the 114 beacons draws its energy directly from the 110 radio frequency network and emits a corresponding beacon identifier 116 within a predetermined radiation range around it. In step 304, when one of the communication devices 10 receives at least one of the locally transmitted beacon identifiers 116, the received beacon identifier 116 communicates with the radio frequency network 110. In step 306, the tracking controller 118 accesses the tracking data that associates each of the beacon identifiers 116 to the respective spatial coordinates within the remote location 102. 77h7nn / 77n7 / E / Yl· In step 308, the beacon identifier 116 communicated through the radio frequency network 110 by the communication device 10 in step 304 is received by the tracking controller 118. In step 310, the tracking controller 118 determines the spatial coordinates of the communication device 10 by forwarding the beacon identifier 116 received in step 308 to the tracking data accessed in step 306. It should be noted that the order in which these steps are performed is for illustrative purposes only. For example, while method 300 shows that step 306 is performed before step 308 in this modality, step 306 can be performed equivalently after step 308 in some other modalities. The permissible modifications to the steps of the method described herein will be evident to the expert reader. In some configurations, the radio frequency network 100 has a communication link that carries a communication signal and a power link that supplies a power signal. In some configurations, the power signal supplied by the power link is superimposed on the communication signal. The communication signal can be used to transmit beacon identifiers and device identifiers from the communication device to the tracking controller 118. The communication signal can also be used to carry information from the tracking controller 118 to the beacons 114 and / or the communication devices 10. For example, the communication signal might include information used to update the firmware or operating software of at least some of the beacons 114.Additionally or alternatively, information can be transmitted to the 114 beacons by modulating the energy supplied by the power signal. In this way, the power signal can also be used for communication. However, in these modes, high-speed communication (e.g., using LTE communication protocols) is preferentially carried out via the communication link, while low-speed communication can be carried out via the power link. In some configurations, the power supply signal includes a direct current (DC) power supply component. It was deemed advantageous to provide the DC power supply component with a negative voltage, which can protect parts of the radio frequency network 110, and more specifically its radiating cable 112, from corrosion. The DC power supply component may be below -12 VDC, below -24 VDC, or even below -48 VDC, depending on the configuration. It is anticipated that the DC power supply component may range from -5 VDC to -60 VDC in some configurations. In some implementations, Method 300 includes an optional step where, upon detecting that a particular beacon 114 is no longer communicating with the 110 radio frequency network, an alert is generated. This alert, when received by a nearby communication device 10, is then relayed through the 110 radio frequency network by that device. Therefore, if a broken link is detected in the 110 radio frequency network, the generated alert can indicate which portion, and preferably between which beacons 114, the 110 radio frequency network is actually damaged or malfunctioning. Consequently, this step can enable rapid and accurate maintenance of the 110 radio frequency network when required. Figure 4 shows an example of underground mining infrastructure 103, taken along section 4-4 of the Figure 1. As shown, this particular level of underground mining infrastructure 103 is provided in the form of a gallery having a number of tunnels 104 and pillars 122. In this specific configuration, two radiating cables 112 are interleaved within the tunnels 104 so as to cover all portions of the tunnel with the radio frequency network 110. Also shown in this configuration is a series of beacons 114 strategically placed at corners A, B, C,... N of the pillars 122. As best shown in Figure 5A, the beacons 114 are positioned so that they are within range of the radio frequency network 110 to draw energy 124 from the radio frequency network 110, and more specifically from one of the radiating wires 112, at all times. The energy 124 thus drawn is used to locally broadcast the corresponding beacon identifiers 116. For example, beacon A may transmit beacon identifier A, beacon B may transmit beacon identifier B, and so on. The beacon identifiers 116 are expected to be unique to each other; otherwise, they would not properly identify their corresponding beacon 114. When a communication device 10 is near a given beacon 114, as shown in Figures 4 and 5B, the communication device 10 receives the corresponding beacon identifier 116—in this case, beacon identifier E of the beacon located at corner E of remote location 102—and communicates it to the tracking controller 118 via the radio frequency network 110. As specifically shown in Figure 5B, the communication device 100 can communicate a device identifier 130 that also identifies the communication device 10. Communicating the device identifier 130 can be convenient in situations where multiple communication devices 10 need to be tracked simultaneously.It is observed that communication device 10 can communicate a time record identifier 132 along with the beacon identifier 116 and / or the device identifier 130 so that the tracking controller 118 can identify when communication device 10 received and / or communicated that beacon identifier 116, which in turn allows for the tracking of communication device 10 over time. Additionally, communication device 10 can communicate sensor data 134 along with the other identifiers. Sensor data 134 can include data provided by one or more internal sensors, such as gyroscope(s), accelerometer(s), yaw sensor(s), pressure sensor(s), temperature sensor(s), and the like.In some configurations, the communication device 10 communicates with a diagnostic port on a vehicle's engine control unit (ECU) to retrieve sensor data, including the vehicle's instantaneous speed, GPS position, and similar information. In these configurations, the engine ECU's diagnostic port may be provided as a J1939 port to which the communication device 10 is wired via a CAN bus link. This data can be processed to monitor steering, vibration, impact, temperature, surrounding gas content, and any other measurements associated with the communication device 10 at any given time. For example, in one configuration, accelerometer data can be monitored to track the speed of a truck moving within remote location 102 for security purposes.In another mode, the topography of remote location 102 can be monitored for maintenance purposes. In some modes, the communication device 10 can transmit sensor data originating from one or more sensors on one or more of the beacons 114. For example, some of the beacons 114 may have sensors that monitor ambient temperature, line voltage, or any other appropriate measurement, all of which can be transmitted to the communication device 10 along with the corresponding beacon identifier 116 for subsequent transmission to the radio frequency network 110. With reference now to Figure 5C, upon receiving the beacon identifier 116 and the device identifier 130 from the radio frequency network 110, the tracking controller 118 is configured to determine the spatial coordinates 136 of the communication device 10 based on the tracking data 138 that associate the beacon identifiers with a plurality of different spatial coordinates of the remote location 102. In some modes, the calculations within the tracking controller can be performed by using a tracking module 140. Once determined, the spatial coordinates of the device 136 can be displayed or otherwise shared with a graphical user interface, an open platform communications network, a network operations center, or a monitoring system, depending on the mode. Figure 6 shows an example of tracking data 600, according to one mode. As shown in this mode, the tracking data 600 is provided in the form of a lookup table 602, which has one column indicating the beacon identifiers 116 and another column indicating the spatial coordinates 136. Each row in the lookup table indicates a pair of beacon identifiers 116 and corresponding spatial coordinates 136. Thus, once a beacon identifier 116 is received from the radio frequency network 110, the tracking controller 118 finds the received beacon identifier 116 within the lookup table 602, and from there finds the spatial coordinates 136 associated with it and then associates them with the device to be tracked. In some other modes, the tracking data 600 may not be in the form of a lookup table. Depending on the configuration, the beacons may not all be similar to each other. For example, in some configurations, beacons intended to be placed at intermediate positions along the radio frequency network may be provided in the form of 700 intermediate beacons, an example of which is shown in Figure 7, while beacons intended to interrupt a particular radiating cable, or to be located further away at the remote site, may be provided in the form of 800 termination beacons, an example of which is shown in Figure 8. Figure 7 shows an example of an intermediate beacon 700. As shown, the intermediate beacon 700 has a frame 702 enclosing a power extraction module 704 and an identifier transmission module 706. The power extraction module 704 is configured to extract power from the radio frequency network, as discussed earlier. The identifier transmission module 706 is configured to locally transmit a specific identifier 116, which can be predetermined or set when the intermediate beacon 700 is manufactured. Note that the power extraction module 704 and the identifier transmission module 706 can be incorporated by a controller-type device having a processor and executable instructions stored in memory accessible by the processor.As shown in this example, the intermediate beacon 700 may have one or more power supply ports 708 to supply power to one or more devices. For example, the power supply ports 708 may include ports of different types to power various communication devices 10 or any other external device (e.g., electrically powered tools, battery chargers, cameras), which may be convenient for workers at the remote location. In some configurations, the intermediate beacon 700, or any other beacon described herein, may be powered by a DC power supply component of less than 48 VDC at less than 100 mA or, preferably, less than 50 mA. However, in some specific configurations, if an external device is connected to one of the power supply ports 708, the power consumption may reach approximately 2 A. Figure 8 shows an example of an 800 termination beacon. As depicted here, the 800 termination beacon has a frame 802 surrounding a power extraction module 804, an identifier transmission module 806, and an alert generation module 808. Similar to the 700 intermediate beacon, the power extraction module 804 is configured to extract power from the radio frequency network, while the identifier transmission module 806 is configured to locally transmit a specific identifier 116, which may be predetermined or set when the 800 termination beacon is manufactured. Additionally, the alert generation module 808 may be configured to monitor a radio frequency network status detected by the 800 termination beacon.If the status is deemed unsatisfactory, the 808 alert generation module can generate an 814 alert indicating that the radio frequency network is unsatisfactory at that location. The 814 alert can be received by a nearby communication device, which can then forward it to the tracking controller, or any other type of controller, via the radio frequency network once that communication device moves into a satisfactory radio frequency network region elsewhere within the remote location. The 814 alert can trigger an indicator, such as a visual or audible alarm. Upon receipt, the 814 alert can be stored in a memory system and / or otherwise transmitted to an external network.Alert 814 can trigger maintenance of the radio frequency network and, more specifically, maintenance of the faulty region of the radio frequency network monitored by the 800 termination beacon. In some configurations, the 800 termination beacon has a radio frequency interruption load to prevent undesirable reflection of the radio frequency signal along the radiating cable. The 800 termination beacon is intended to be strategically used as an end-of-line module, specifically to monitor whether the radio frequency network is accessible at the corresponding end-of-line location. However, the 800 termination beacon can be used anywhere else within the remote site. For example, the 800 termination beacon can be used at branch locations where one or more communication lines diverge. Figure 9 shows another implementation of a 910 radio frequency network in a remote location. In this specific configuration, the 910 radio frequency network has a number of coaxial cables 901 that carry communication and power signals to a number of radio frequency antennas 902 distributed within the remote location. Each of the radio frequency antennas 902 transmits the communication and power signals within its respective radiation range and receives communication signals from surrounding communication devices 10. As shown, each of the beacons 114 is within the range of one or more radiation ranges of at least some of the radio frequency antennas 902. This type of network architecture can be called a distributed antenna system (DAS).The radio frequency network described herein is expected to be provided in the form of one or more radiating cables, one or more distributed antenna systems, and any combination thereof, depending on the modality. 77h7nn / 77n7 / E / Yl· With reference to Figure 10, an indoor positioning system 1000 is shown, according to one or more modalities. The indoor positioning system 1000 may also be called a network tracking engine (NTE) or a real-time location system (RTLS). The indoor positioning system 1000 is preferably used to track the position of at least one communication device 1004 in a remote or underground location, such as an underground mine, where traditional means of position tracking, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), would not work because the signal would be weak or nonexistent. The indoor positioning system 1000 includes a radio frequency network, preferably an LTE cable network 1006 (also called an LTE transport network), which includes at least one radiating cable 1008 laid throughout the underground mine. Alternatively, an existing Wi-Fi network (not shown) may be used instead of the LTE cable network 1006, if available. A radiating cable may include a coaxial cable with gaps or slots in its outer conductor to allow radio signals to leak into or out of the cable along its entire length. Thus, the LTE cable network 1006 can receive information transmitted by at least one communication device 1004 to at least one radiating cable 1008. Preferably, each mine worker operating in the underground mine would wear a communication device 1004 so that their position can be tracked in real time to ensure their safety and facilitate communication.Alternatively, the 1004 communication devices can be installed in vehicles operating within mines. In another configuration, the 1000 indoor positioning system can be used to track resources with a non-geolocated BLE beacon 1010. With reference to Figure 10, a plurality of 1010 beacons are installed along the LTE cable network 1006 and are powered by the LTE cable network 1006. Alternatively, in another configuration, each 1010 beacon is powered by an internal battery (not shown). This can be useful, for example, in the event of a leaky link failure. Each 1010 beacon includes a unique beacon identifier and is configured to transmit its unique beacon identifier to a nearby 1004 communication device. Furthermore, the LTE cable network 1006 is connected to a data core 1012 that includes a tracking database (not shown) containing information about the 1010 beacons. In particular, the tracking database includes a unique set of geographic coordinates corresponding to each unique beacon identifier.As such, the LTE cable network 1006 can transmit a beacon identifier received from a communication device 1004 to the data core 1012, and thus the position of communication device 1004 can be determined by forwarding the received unique beacon identifier to a corresponding unique set of geographic coordinates. The beacons 1010 can be configured to each emit an uninterrupted signal, and therefore, as communication device 1004 moves through the underground mine, it can constantly receive unique beacon identifiers from nearby beacons 1010 and transmit this information to the data core 1012 so that its position can be constantly tracked in real time. This is advantageous compared to battery-powered beacons, which emit their signals less frequently to conserve battery life.In another configuration, each 1010 beacon can be configured for bidirectional communication, allowing it to both send and receive signals. In one configuration, 1010 beacons are installed every fifty meters along the LTE cable network 1006 and used as fixed control points to enable real-time tracking of communication devices 1004. A combination of the unique beacon identifier and a set of geographic coordinates, for example (x, y, z), is stored in the tracking database for each individual 1010 beacon. This allows a 1010 beacon to be easily relocated within the mine tunnels by simply updating its geographic coordinates in the tracking database. In one configuration, the signal emitted by each 1010 beacon is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal.As mentioned previously, each 1010 beacon is powered by the LTE 1006 cable network, eliminating the need for batteries. In one configuration, each 1010 beacon is IP69 rated to prevent damage from liquids and dust. In some configurations, each communication device 1004 is a commercial smartphone 1014 with LTE and Bluetooth capabilities. A mobile application can be installed on the smartphone 1014 to enable the beacon 1010 to receive BLE signals from other beacons 1010 and establish various LTE communications, such as communicating with the LTE cable network 1006 by transmitting LTE signals to a radiating cable 1008. The mobile application can then allow the smartphone 1014 to report unique beacon identifiers, enabling real-time positioning, reading tracking sensors, and establishing LTE communication. Implementing a commercial smartphone 1014 as a communication device 1004 is advantageous because most mine workers already own or are provided with a smartphone, thus eliminating the need to carry an additional device to connect to the indoor positioning system 1000.The mobile application can also be installed on other traditional consumer electronics devices with LTE and Bluetooth capabilities, such as a tablet (not shown), so that they can act as a 1004 communication device for the purposes of the 1000 indoor positioning system. In some configurations, each 1004 communication device is a proprietary 1016 NTE device that includes both LTE / Wi-Fi chipsets (e.g., CAT-M1) and BLE so that it can communicate with both the 1010 beacons and the 1006 LTE cable network. The 1016 NTE device may also include a variety of sensors to detect various data. Preferably, each 1016 NTE device is sized so that it can be packaged into a typical mine worker's body-worn device, such as a helmet lamp (not shown).In this way, mine workers would not need to carry an additional device, as the NTE 1016 device is integrated into their standard equipment. The NTE device can be powered by the existing battery of the headlamp or include its own battery. In other configurations, the NTE device can be integrated into another piece of traditional mine work equipment. In some configurations, the 1012 data core may include an application programming interface (API) to perform various functions. The API can monitor and receive regular reports on its positioning and sensor data collected at specified time intervals. In one configuration, unless otherwise specified through this API, during the period between these regular reports, each 1004 communication device will only send positioning and sensor data to the 1012 data core when one or both have changed, thus increasing the efficiency of power and information transmission. In another configuration, each communication device will transmit data to the 1012 data core regardless of whether its position changes. Data kernel 1012 can be configured to store tracking information in a reliable and efficient data structure. In one mode, the data stored in data kernel 1012 can be divided into two types: fixed data and dynamic data. Fixed data is manipulated less frequently than dynamic data and can be configured via external input through an API. Examples of fixed data stored in data kernel 1012 include configurations for communication devices 1004, unique beacon identifiers, beacon coordinates, the number and identity of devices connected to the LTE cable network 1006, and any geographic references for location purposes. Conversely, dynamic data is communicated by communication devices 1004 and is considered read-only information; therefore, it cannot be configured via external input.Data kernel 1012 receives dynamic data from communication devices 1004 at predetermined intervals for storage and indexing. Examples of dynamic data may include the status of communication device 1004, positioning, and sensor data. It is anticipated that an operator will be able to modify static data and read dynamic data using an API command. Data from data core 1012 can be shared via an API with, for example, a graphical user interface (GUI) 1018, an open platform communications (OPC) network 1020, a network operations center (NOC) 1022, and various monitoring systems (not shown). Furthermore, a variety of modules can be implemented to perform diverse functions. A base module (not shown) can handle both static and dynamic information from data core 1012, as well as NTE infrastructure and LTE and BLE monitoring history. For security and data consistency, the base module is preferably the only module that can directly access data core 0112. An OPC module 1020 can translate the functions of the base module for external OPC clients.A GUI module (1018) can provide a web interface for interacting with the base module. An external module (not shown) can enable integrations with third-party solutions. In one configuration, the API is based on a REST architecture using the HTTPS transport protocol, the TLS 1.2 cryptography protocol with certificates, and username and password authentication. Both RADIUS and LDAP integrations are supported. Furthermore, the API software can be hosted on the same machine as the data core (1012) or on a dedicated machine (not shown) to enhance reliability and performance. The 1000 Indoor Positioning System can be integrated with third-party software to meet diverse customer requirements. A dedicated external API module facilitates interoperability and exposes the base API module to industrial automation interaction. Several examples of such integration are presented below. An integration between the 1000 Indoor Positioning System and various third-party mining software packages can provide the customer with a centralized web portal featuring real-time 3D positioning of workers and equipment, Internet of Things (IoT) sensor data and monitoring, industrial automation, production planning and overview, remote machine control, video streaming, and a mobile application with an underground navigation system. The 1000 Indoor Positioning System can also provide a third-party tracking solution.The 1000 indoor positioning system can also be integrated with an emergency transmission system to communicate any hazards directly to the 1004 communication devices via the 1006 LTE cable network. Further integration with the OPC standard enables machine-to-machine interaction between the 1000 indoor positioning system and the 1020 OPC devices for automation purposes. A custom interoperability design can add an NTE panel to the customer's 1022 NOC software to supervise, monitor, and control both LTE and BLE networks without changing the operational tools. All of these examples can be designed to efficiently manage the 1000 indoor positioning system infrastructure with minimal impact on the customer's existing infrastructure and tools. Advantageously, each 1010 beacon can be positioned between two sections of the 1008 radiating cable of the 1006 LTE cable network, allowing the 1010 beacon to draw its power from the 1008 radiating cable instead of requiring its own power source. Furthermore, each 1010 beacon can include its own power output port, such as a bipolar connector interface, to supply power to external devices like a 1004 communication device, a camera (not shown), or a sensor (not shown). In one mode, when firmware updates are available for the 1010 beacons, they can be delivered to the beacons via the 1006 LTE cable network. In this mode, the power signal is modulated to first alert each 1010 beacon when an update is available, and then the firmware data is transferred.Once the firmware update is complete, the power signal will return to its standard operating mode. Furthermore, the LTE signal that powers each beacon will preferably remain uninterrupted, whether it is being used to power the 1010 beacons or to provide firmware updates. This ensures that any other device using the LTE signal, such as smartphones or other IoT devices, will maintain an uninterrupted connection to the LTE 1006 cable network regardless of the 1010 beacons' operating modes. With reference to the indoor positioning system 1000, a method is described for tracking the position of at least one communication device 1004 in an underground mine. An LTE cable network 1006, including at least one radiating cable 1008, is installed throughout the underground mine. The LTE cable network 1006 connects to a data core 1012, which includes a tracking database. A plurality of beacons 1010 are installed along the LTE cable network 1006, each powered by the LTE cable network 1006 and each emitting a unique beacon identifier. A unique set of geographic coordinates corresponding to each unique beacon identifier is stored in the tracking database of the data core 1012.At least one communication device 1004 receives a unique beacon identifier from a nearby beacon 1010 and transmits the received unique beacon identifier to the data core 1012 via the LTE cable network 1006. The position of at least one communication device 1004 is then determined by forwarding the received unique beacon identifier to a corresponding unique set of geographic coordinates. With reference now to Figure 11, an indoor positioning system 1100 is shown, according to another embodiment. As depicted, the indoor positioning system 1100 has a radio frequency network 1102, a plurality of beacons 1104 powered by the radio frequency network 1102, and a network controller 1106. As shown, the tracking controller 1106 has a central database 1108, a central processor 1110, software applications 1112, and a network communication module 1114. In this specific configuration, the radio frequency network 1102 includes a remote radio unit (RRU) 1116, a DC injector 1118, and a combination of coaxial cable(s) 1120, radio frequency antennas 1122 that propagate a radio frequency signal toward a remote location, and radiating cable(s) 1122 that radiate the radio frequency signal locally within the remote location. The DC injector 1118 can be configured to inject a DC power supply component having an output ranging from -5 VDC to -60 VDC, and more preferably from -48 VDC at an output of less than 7 A. The DC injector 1118 can be connected via a radio frequency cable in line with the RRU. The 1118 DC injector may have a short-circuit protector and comply with industry lockout / tagout policies. At some point within the remote location, radiating cables 1122 and / or antennas are provided to radiate the radio frequency signal to strategic locations within the remote location. In this specific mode, the RRU 1116 generates a modulated radio frequency signal to carry information in a communication signal. Power can be added to the radio frequency signal by the DC injector 1118, which incorporates a direct current power component into the radio frequency signal. For example, the radio frequency signal can oscillate between predetermined voltage values ​​at a frequency within a specific radio frequency bandwidth. The direct current power component can compensate for the voltage values ​​by a certain amount, thus adding electrical power to the radiated signal.In this specific mode, the DC power component is used to power the 1104 beacons within the remote location. In this mode, the 1104 beacons, including the intermediate beacon(s) 1104a and the termination beacon(s) 1104b, are provided within the remote location. Each of these 1104 beacons is powered by the radio frequency signal radiated by the 1102 radio frequency network and emits the corresponding beacon identifiers as previously discussed. Various types of communication devices 10 include, but are not limited to, smartphones 10a or tablets 10b running Android and / or iOS, LTE modems 10c and 10e, helmet lights 10e, or any other type of specific communication device that can be worn on the body or on assets.In some configurations, communication between communication devices 10 and the radio frequency network 1102 is carried out via LTE communication, while communication between communication devices 10 and beacons 1104 is carried out via BLE communication. However, any other type of radio frequency communication can be used depending on the configuration. As can be understood, the examples described and illustrated above are intended only as illustrations. For example, in some configurations, the radio frequency network emits a communication signal and a power signal. In some configurations, the communication signal and the power signal are independent of each other. However, in other configurations, the communication signal and the power signal may be intertwined. The term "remote location" is intended to encompass any type of location that cannot be satisfactorily covered by traditional wireless network signals and / or GPS signals. The range is specified in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An indoor positioning system for tracking the spatial position of communication devices within a remote location, wherein the indoor positioning system comprises: a radio frequency network distributed throughout said remote location; a plurality of beacons spaced apart from each other along said remote location and powered by said radio frequency network, wherein each of said beacons locally emits a corresponding beacon identifier which, when received by a nearby communication device, communicates through said radio frequency network by means of said communication device;and a tracking controller that is communicatively coupled to said radio frequency network, wherein said tracking controller has a processor and a memory that stores tracking data that associates each of said beacon identifiers with respective spatial coordinates, said processor being configured to: receive said beacon identifier communicated through said radio frequency network by means of said communication device, and determine the spatial coordinates of said communication device by forwarding said received beacon identifier to said tracking data.

2. The indoor positioning system of claim 1, wherein said beacons do not have a battery.

3. The indoor positioning system of claim 1, wherein said radio frequency network has a communication link that carries a communication signal, and a power link that supplies electrical power to said beacons.

4. The indoor positioning system of claim 3, wherein said power link includes a power injector that injects said electrical power into said communication signal.

5. The interior positioning system of claim 4, wherein said power injector injects a DC power supply component into said communication signal.

6. The interior positioning system of claim 5, wherein said DC power supply component includes a negative voltage.

7. The interior positioning system of claim 6, wherein said negative voltage is below at least minus 5 VDC.

8. The indoor positioning system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said beacons has a power supply port for supplying power to at least one of said communication devices or an external device.

9. The indoor positioning system of claim 1, wherein said beacons have operating software that can be updated via said radio frequency network.

10. The indoor positioning system of claim 9, wherein said update is performed by modulating energy supplied by said radio frequency network.

11. The indoor positioning system of claim 1, wherein said radio frequency network has a radiating cable inserted in said remote location, each of said beacons being within a radiation range of said radiating cable.

12. The indoor positioning system of claim 1, wherein said radio frequency network has a plurality of radio frequency antennas distributed within said remote location, each of said beacons being within a radiation range of at least one of said radio frequency antennas.

13. The indoor positioning system of claim 11 or 12, wherein at least one of said beacons has a processor and a memory, and wherein said processor together with the memory are configured to: upon detecting that said beacon is no longer in communication with said radio frequency network, generate an alert which, upon being received by a nearby communication device, is communicated through said radio frequency network by said communication device.

14. A method for tracking the position of communication devices within a remote location having a radio frequency network distributed throughout it, wherein the method comprises: using a plurality of beacons spaced within said remote location, extracting power from said radio frequency network and, using said extracted power, locally transmitting the corresponding beacon identifiers in the vicinity; upon receiving at least one of said locally transmitted beacon identifiers, a communication device communicates said received beacon identifier through said radio frequency network; and using a tracking controller, accessing the tracking data that associates each of said beacon identifiers with the respective spatial coordinates; receiving said beacon identifier communicated through said radio frequency network by means of said communication device;and determine the spatial coordinates of said communication device by forwarding said beacon identifier received to said tracking data.; 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said radio frequency network communicates with said beacons by modulating said energy.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein said radio frequency network has a communication signal and a power supply signal superimposed on said communication signal.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said power supply signal includes a DC power supply component, wherein said DC power supply component has a negative voltage.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising, upon detecting that a certain of said beacons is no longer in communication with said radio frequency network, generating an alert which, upon being received by a nearby communication device, is communicated through said radio frequency network by said communication device.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein when communicating said beacon identifier received through said radio frequency network, said communication device further communicates a device identifier that identifies said communication.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein when communicating said beacon identifier received through said radio frequency network, said communication device further communicates sensor data indicative of the 5 data generated by a sensor of at least one of said communication device and an external device communicatively coupled to said communication device.

Images