A device for tracking objects

Abstract

A device (100) for tracking an object (200), comprising means for attaching to the object (200), a wireless communication circuit (102), at least two antenna modules (104) having different positions from each other, and at least one processor (108), wherein the at least one processor (108) -Based on information indicating the antenna module with the best orientation for wireless communication among at least two antenna modules, select one of at least two antenna modules (104), - A device (100) configured to transmit or receive one or more signals for tracking an object (200) using a wireless communication circuit (102) and a selected best-oriented antenna module (104).

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , ,

[0003]

[0001] The present disclosure relates, inter alia, to a tracking device used for tracking objects such as keys, luggage, wallets, etc.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to use a tracking device attached to an object such as a key, luggage, wallet, bag, electronic device, vehicle, cat, dog, etc. to help a person find the object. The tracking device is small, usually about a few centimeters wide and a few millimeters thick, and can be attached to an object, for example, by a strap or a keychain. It can include a processor, a short-range wireless communication circuit using, for example, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), an antenna, non-volatile memory, and an internal power source.

[0003] The tracking device can interact with one or more external devices such as a gateway placed in an area (e.g., a construction site) or a user device such as a smartphone. When the tracking device is within the Bluetooth range of an external device, the tracking device can receive a command from this external device, use an internal loudspeaker to play a ringing tone, and audibly warn the user of its location. The tracking device can also be configured to transmit an advertising packet containing a device identifier to be located by an external device, for example, based on a triangulation algorithm.

[0004] Even when a tracking device is within the wireless range of an external device, the external device and / or the tracking device may not have a sufficient signal to obtain a good wireless connection between the two devices. This can be due to an inappropriate positioning of the tracking device, such as the tracking device's antenna being facing the floor. In such cases, the received signal strength, which represents the power present in the received wireless signal for the signal from the tracking device or the external device, may be too low or even zero, resulting in a poor or lost wireless connection between the two devices.

[0005] Therefore, when a tracking device is located within the environment of an external device, more precisely within its wireless or radio coverage range, it is desirable to facilitate wireless communication between the tracking device and the external device. [Overview of the project]

[0006] This disclosure relates to a device for tracking an object, the device being configured to be attached to the object and comprising a wireless communication circuit, at least two antenna modules having different positions from each other, and at least one processor, the at least one processor being - Based on information indicating the best orientation of at least two antenna modules for wireless communication, select one of at least two antenna modules. - It is configured to transmit or receive one or more signals for tracking the object using a wireless communication circuit and a selected, best-oriented antenna module.

[0007] According to this disclosure, a tracking device that can be attached to an object includes a plurality of antenna modules having different locations within the tracking device, and is configured to select one of the plurality of antenna modules based on information indicating which antenna module is considered or evaluated to be best oriented or optimally oriented for wireless communication, for example, communication with an external device (i.e., receiving and / or transmitting a radio signal or radio signal). The external device may be located anywhere within the environment of the tracking device, within the wireless or radio coverage range of the tracking device. The best-oriented antenna module is more likely to wirelessly transmit (or receive from) a radio signal with a higher radio signal strength when the radio signal is received (for example, by the external device or tracking device) compared to radio signals transmitted or received by other antenna modules.

[0008] In one embodiment, the tracking device further comprises an orientation sensor, and at least one processor is configured to use sensor data from the orientation sensor to self-determine information indicating the best-oriented antenna module. The at least one processor may be configured to determine device orientation information of the tracking device based on the sensor data and to use the device orientation information as information indicating the best-oriented antenna module for wireless communication in order to determine the best-oriented antenna module based on the determined orientation of the tracking device.

[0009] The correspondence between the orientation of the tracking device and the best-oriented antenna module can be predetermined. In one embodiment, the tracking device's processor may be configured to select one of at least two antenna modules based on sensor data from the orientation sensor and a predetermined correspondence or mapping between the orientation of the tracking device and the best-oriented antenna module.

[0010] In one embodiment, this correspondence between the orientation of the tracking device and the best-oriented antenna module can be stored in a mapping table. The tracking device can use the sensor data and the mapping table to select an antenna module.

[0011] In another embodiment, a trained machine learning model, such as a neural network, can be used to output the best-oriented antenna based on the device orientation information of the tracking device, or directly based on sensor data as input data. The machine learning model may be trained on training data comprising input data including multiple orientations of the tracking device, or multiple sensor data corresponding to multiple orientations of the tracking device, and output data including the corresponding best-oriented antenna for each orientation of the tracking device.

[0012] Therefore, the tracking device is configured to self-determine the best-oriented antenna that is likely to transmit a wireless signal with a higher received radio signal strength to an external device compared to other antenna modules, or to receive a wireless signal with a higher received radio signal strength from this external device compared to other antenna modules. The external device may be located anywhere in the environment surrounding the tracking device. For example, if the tracking device is determined to have a downward-facing antenna module and another upward-facing antenna module, the upward-facing antenna module may be selected by the tracking device because it is likely to have better radio exposure for communication with the external device, while the downward-facing antenna module is likely to be oriented towards the ground.

[0013] In another embodiment, at least one processor, At least two signals, each containing antenna identification information of the antenna module used to transmit the signal, are transmitted to an external device using a wireless communication circuit and at least two antenna modules. The system is configured to receive from the external device information indicating the best-oriented antenna module, which includes antenna identification information of the antenna module having a higher received signal strength value compared to other antenna modules from at least two antenna modules.

[0014] In this embodiment, the tracking device collaborates with an external device to select its best-oriented antenna. The tracking device transmits different wireless signals using its different antenna modules, and the external device measures the radio signal strength of the different received wireless signals, determines which antenna module of the tracking device has a higher radio signal strength compared to the other antenna modules, and notifies the tracking device of the determined antenna module.

[0015] In one embodiment, a wireless communication circuit and at least one processor are mounted on a circuit board, and at least two antenna modules are arranged at different positions on at least one surface of the circuit board.

[0016] At least one antenna module may be positioned on a first surface of the circuit board, and at least one other antenna module may be positioned on a second surface of the circuit board opposite to the first surface.

[0017] At least two antenna modules can be positioned along different sides of the circuit board and / or at different corners of the circuit board, respectively.

[0018] In one embodiment, the tracking device further comprises a switching circuit interposed between a wireless communication circuit and at least two antenna modules, configured to switch between at least two antenna modules under the control of at least one processor.

[0019] In a modified version, the tracking device further comprises one or more additional antenna modules positioned on a strap for attaching the device to an object, the one or more additional antenna modules being connected to a wireless communication circuit via a cable.

[0020] The tracking device may further include a loudspeaker, and the received signal for tracking the object includes a command for transmitting an audio signal, and at least one processor is configured to transmit the audio signal using the loudspeaker upon receiving the command.

[0021] This disclosure also relates to a device configured to communicate wirelessly with the tracking device defined above, wherein the device comprises a wireless communication circuit and at least one processor, the at least one processor is - One or more signals from at least two antenna modules of the tracking device, each signal including antenna identification information of the antenna module of the tracking device used to transmit the signal, are received from the tracking device using the wireless communication circuit. - Determine the received signal intensity value of one or more received signals. - Determine the antenna module of the tracking device that has a higher received signal strength value compared to the other antenna modules from at least two of the tracking device's antenna modules. - The wireless communication circuit is configured to transmit information indicating the best-oriented antenna module, including antenna identification information of the determined antenna module, to a tracking device.

[0022] In one embodiment, at least one processor is configured to use a wireless communication circuit to send a command to a tracking device to transmit an audio signal.

[0023] In one embodiment, at least one processor is configured to receive, using a wireless communication circuit, an advertising signal including device identification information from a tracking device, and use the received advertising signal to determine the location information of the tracking device.

[0024] The present disclosure further relates to a method for tracking an object attached to a tracking device, the tracking device including a wireless communication circuit, at least two antenna modules having respective different positions, and at least one processor, the method being implemented by the at least one processor. - Selecting one of the at least two antenna modules based on information indicating the antenna module with the best orientation for wireless communication among the at least two antenna modules. - Transmitting or receiving one or more signals for tracking the object using the wireless communication circuit and the selected antenna module with the best orientation.

[0025] In one embodiment, the method may further include measuring sensor data using an orientation sensor of the tracking device, and self-determining the information indicating the antenna module with the best orientation using the sensor data from the orientation sensor, which is implemented by the at least one processor.

[0026] In one embodiment, the method includes determining device orientation information based on the sensor data, and the device orientation information is used as information indicating the antenna with the best orientation.

[0027] Advantageously, in the step of selecting, the processor may select the one of the at least two antenna modules based on a predefined correspondence between the orientation of the device and the antenna module with the best orientation.

[0028] In a modified version, during the selection step, the processor may use a pre-trained machine learning model that receives device orientation information as input.

[0029] In another variation, during the selection step, the processor may use a pre-trained machine learning model that receives sensor data from an orientation sensor as input.

[0030] In another embodiment, the method is carried out by at least one processor. The steps of transmitting at least two signals, each signal including antenna identification information of the antenna module used to transmit the signal, to an external device using a wireless communication circuit and at least two antenna modules, respectively; The further step includes receiving from the external device information indicating the best-oriented antenna module, which includes antenna identification information of an antenna module having a higher received signal strength value compared to other antenna modules from at least two antenna modules.

[0031] This disclosure also relates to a computer program that, when executed by a computer, includes instructions causing the computer to perform the actions defined above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] Other features, purposes, and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer by reading the detailed description of non-limiting embodiments made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] [Figure 1] A simplified block diagram of a system including a tracking device, an object attached to the tracking device, and an external device, according to one embodiment, is shown.

[0034] [Figure 2] A simplified flowchart of a method for tracking an object according to one embodiment is shown.

[0035] [Figure 3] A flowchart of the process for selecting the antenna of a tracking device according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0036] [Figure 4A] A flowchart of the process for tracking an object using a tracking device, according to one embodiment, is shown.

[0037] [Figure 4B] A flowchart of the process for tracking an object using a tracking device, according to another embodiment, is shown.

[0038] [Figure 5] A flowchart of the process for selecting the antenna of a tracking device according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0039] [Figure 6] A strap for attaching a tracking device, according to one embodiment, is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] The following detailed description illustrates the various features and functions of the disclosed systems and methods with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar symbols identify similar components unless otherwise intended in context. The illustrative embodiments of systems, devices, and methods described herein are not intended to limit the scope. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that specific aspects of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

[0041] Figure 1 shows a simplified block diagram of a system according to one embodiment, which includes a tracking device 100, an object 200 attached to the tracking device 100, and an external device 300.

[0042] The tracking device 100 can be used to track or locate an object 200 to which the tracking device 100 is attached. The tracking device 100 can be used to enable a user to locate the object 200. For example, to help a user locate the object 200, the tracking device 100 may emit an alert sound, such as a ringtone, and / or transmit a wireless signal upon receiving a wireless signal. The object 200 can be, for example, a key, a group of keys, a bag, an electronic device, a wallet, a vehicle, a cat, or a dog.

[0043] The tracking device 100 may have at least one of the following two tracking or discovery functions: - To receive wireless command signals from an external device (for example, external device 300 shown in Figure 1), and to emit an alert sound (for example, an incoming call sound) upon receiving the command, thereby audibly communicating the object's location to the user. - For example, transmitting a wireless signal, which can be called an advertising signal, in order to enable one or more external devices to locate it.

[0044] First Embodiment

[0045] In the first embodiment, the tracking device 100 includes a wireless or wireless communication circuit or module 102, a plurality of antenna modules 104 referred to here as antennas, a non-volatile memory 106, a processor 108, and a power supply 110.

[0046] The wireless communication circuit 102 may include a chipset. The chipset or the wireless communication circuit 102 may be configured to couple to or communicate with an external device (e.g., external device 300 in Figure 1) using one of the antennas 104. The wireless communication circuit 102 is configured to communicate according to one or more types of wireless communication (e.g., protocols). In one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 102 is configured to communicate according to one or more types of short-range communication, such as Bluetooth® or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication circuit 102 may be configured to communicate using the Wi-Fi protocol and / or UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) technology.

[0047] Each antenna module 104 may include one or more antenna elements for wireless transmission and / or reception of signals. For example, antenna module 104 may include one antenna element that can be used for both transmitting and receiving wireless signals, but not simultaneously (i.e., not in half-duplex). In another example, antenna module 104 may include one antenna element for transmission and another antenna element for reception.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the tracking device 100 may further include an orientation sensor 114. For example, the orientation sensor 114 may include an accelerometer. Alternatively or additionally, the orientation sensor 114 may include a gyroscope and / or magnetometer.

[0049] Optionally, the tracking device 100 may include a loudspeaker 116 or an acoustic transducer.

[0050] Multiple antennas 104 are connected to a wireless communication circuit 102. In one embodiment, the antennas 104 are connected to the wireless communication circuit 102 via a switching circuit or switching module 112. The switching circuit 112 is interposed between the wireless communication circuit 102 and the antennas 104 and is configured to switch the antennas 104 to selectively connect one antenna module 104 to the wireless communication circuit 102.

[0051] Device 100 may include a circuit board 120 or a printed circuit board (PCB), on which at least some of its components 102 to 116 are mounted.

[0052] Multiple antenna modules 104 have different positions relative to each other. They can be mounted or printed on at least one surface of the circuit board 120.

[0053] Assume that device 100 has N antenna modules 104, where N > 1. In the illustrative example of Figure 1, N = 4. The N antennas can be arranged or positioned on at least one face of the circuit board 120. In one example, the N antennas can each be arranged along different sides of the circuit board 120. For example, the circuit board 120 may have a rectangular shape, and the four antennas 104 can each be arranged on the face of the circuit board 120 along the four sides of the circuit board 120, as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, the antennas 104 can be arranged on the face of the circuit board 120 at the corners of the circuit board 120. In another embodiment, some antennas can be arranged along one or more sides of the circuit board 120, and other antennas can be arranged at one or more corners of the circuit board 120.

[0054] N1 antennas 104, where N1 ≥ 1, may be arranged on a first surface of the circuit board 120, and N2 antennas, where N2 ≥ 1, may be arranged on a second surface of the circuit board 120 opposite to the first surface (N1 + N2 = N). In one embodiment, one antenna 104 may be arranged on the first surface of the circuit board 120, and another antenna 104 may be arranged on the second surface of the circuit board 120. In another example, two or more antennas 104 may be arranged on each surface of the circuit board 120, for example, along the edges and / or corners of the circuit board 120.

[0055] Memory 106 may include instructions 118 (e.g., program logic) that can be executed by the processor 108 to perform various device functions. Memory 106 may also include additional instructions, including instructions for transmitting data or signals to one or more of the following: wireless communication circuit 102, device components including antenna module 104, switching circuit 112, sensor 114, loudspeaker 116, and power supply 110; receiving data or signals from them; interacting with them; and / or controlling them.

[0056] The power supply 110 is configured to supply power to some or all of the components of the tracking device 100. For this purpose, the power supply 110 may include, for example, a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery.

[0057] Processor 108 is configured to control the operation of the tracking device 100. It is connected to components 102-116 of the tracking device 100. In another embodiment, the tracking device 100 may have multiple processors.

[0058] In this disclosure, the processor 108 is configured to select one of a plurality of antennas 104, based on information indicating the best-oriented or optimally oriented antenna for wireless communication, for example, to transmit or receive a wireless signal to or from an external device using the wireless communication circuit 102 and the selected best-oriented antenna 104. The best-oriented antenna 104 corresponds to an antenna 104 configured to transmit or receive a wireless signal to or from an external device that has a higher received signal strength measurement compared to the other antennas from the plurality of antennas 104. The selected best-oriented antenna 104 is then used to transmit and / or receive one or more signals for tracking an object 200 using the wireless communication circuit 102.

[0059] In the first embodiment, the processor 108 is configured to determine (i.e., self-determine) information indicating the best orientation of the antenna 104 for wireless communication based on data from the orientation sensor 114.

[0060] Figure 1 shows a simplified block diagram of an external device 300 according to one embodiment. It may include a first wireless communication circuit 302, a first antenna module or antenna 304, at least one processor 306, at least one non-volatile memory 308, and a power supply 310. In some embodiments, the external device 300 may include a second wireless communication circuit 303 and a second antenna module or antenna 305. The antenna modules 304 and 305 are connected to the wireless communication circuits 302 and 303, respectively. Alternatively, the external device 300 may include a single antenna module connected to the first wireless communication circuit 302 and the second wireless communication circuit 303 if the first wireless communication circuit 302 and the second wireless communication circuit 303 share the same radio range.

[0061] The first wireless communication circuit 302 may be configured to couple to or communicate with the tracking device 100 using an antenna module 304. The wireless communication circuit 302 may be configured to communicate according to one or more types of wireless communication (e.g., protocols), including the same type of wireless communication used by the tracking device 100. In one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 302 is configured to communicate according to one or more types of short-range communication, such as Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication circuit 302 may be configured to communicate using the Wi-Fi protocol and / or UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) technology.

[0062] The second wireless communication circuit 303 may be configured to communicate according to a different type of wireless communication than that of the first wireless communication circuit 302. In one embodiment, the second wireless communication circuit 303 is configured to communicate, for example, via a mobile network and / or a Wi-Fi network.

[0063] Memory 308 may include instructions 312 (e.g., program logic) that can be executed by processor 306 to perform various device functions. Memory 308 may also include additional instructions, including instructions for sending data or signals to one or more components of device 300, receiving data or signals from them, interacting with them, and / or controlling them.

[0064] A method 400 for tracking or locating an object 200 using the tracking device 100, corresponding to the operation of the tracking device 100, will be described here with reference to Figures 2 to 4, according to one embodiment.

[0065] In some embodiments, Method 400 may be achieved using one or more additional operations not described and / or without using one or more of the operations considered. Additionally, the operations of Method 400 are illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, and the order in which they are described below is not intended to be limiting.

[0066] Method 400 includes an antenna selection step or process 410 of selecting one of a plurality of antennas 104 of a tracking device 100, and a step or process 440 of transmitting or receiving one or more signals for tracking an object 200 using a wireless communication circuit 102 and the selected antenna 104.

[0067] Figure 3 illustrates an antenna selection process 410 according to the first embodiment, which may include steps 412-418 described below.

[0068] In the first embodiment, the selection step 410 includes a step 412 of capturing, sensing, or measuring data using the orientation sensor 114. For example, the orientation sensor 114 is an accelerometer that measures an appropriate acceleration value for the tracking device 100, or the physical acceleration experienced by the tracking device 100.

[0069] For example, data sensed by sensor 114, including the measured value of appropriate acceleration, is transmitted to the processor 108 of tracking device 100 in step 414.

[0070] In step 416, the processor 108 determines the device orientation information of device 100 based on the received sensor data. The determined device orientation information indicates, for example, the best-oriented antenna among a plurality of antennas 104 for wireless communication with an external device 300 that is typically in the environment of the tracking device 100.

[0071] The best-oriented antenna for wireless communication may be one of the multiple antennas 104 of the tracking device 100 that can transmit or receive a wireless signal to an external device having a higher received signal strength value (e.g., a higher RSSI (received signal strength indicator) value) compared to other antennas 104 of the device 100, or is likely to do so. The external device may be located anywhere within the wireless or radio coverage range of the tracking device 100 and may be configured to communicate according to the same type of wireless communication (e.g., protocol) as the tracking device 100, such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, or any other wireless communication protocol (e.g., any short-range wireless communication protocol).

[0072] In step 418, the processor 108 of the tracking device 100 may determine and select the antenna module 104 with the best orientation from among the multiple antennas 104 based on the device orientation information determined in step 416. The correspondence between the orientation of the tracking device 100 and the antenna module with the best orientation may be predetermined. The processor 108 may self-determine or self-select the antenna module 104 with the best orientation based on the determined device orientation information and the predetermined correspondence between the orientation of the tracking device 100 and the antenna module 104 with the best orientation.

[0073] For example, in step 418, the processor 108 may use a predefined mapping table stored in memory (e.g., memory 106) that includes a mapping or correspondence between different orientation values ​​of device 100 and, for each orientation value, antenna identification information of antenna 104 considered to be the best-oriented antenna for that orientation. In other words, in the mapping table, each orientation of device 100 is mapped to one of the multiple antennas 104 that is considered to be the best-oriented antenna for that orientation. Alternatively, the mapping table may include a range of device orientation values ​​instead of a specific device orientation value.

[0074] In a modified example, in step 418, the processor 108 may use a trained machine learning model, such as a trained neural network, configured to receive the device orientation information determined in step 416 as input and output the antenna with the best orientation selected from among the multiple antennas 104. Such a machine learning model may be pre-trained using a training dataset including: - Input training data including multiple orientations of device 100, and - For each orientation of device 100, output training data including the antenna with the best orientation among multiple antennas 104.

[0075] In another variation, in step 418, the processor 108 may determine and select the best-oriented antenna directly based on sensor data from the orientation sensor 114, using a trained machine learning model configured to receive data from the orientation sensor 114 as input and output the antenna with the best orientation among the multiple antennas 104. Such a neural network may be pre-trained using a training dataset including: - Input training data including sensor data sensed by sensor 114 in various orientations of device 100, and - For each input data (i.e., for each orientation of device 100), output training data including the antenna with the best orientation among multiple antennas 104.

[0076] In this modified version, the processor 108 does not need to perform step 416, which determines the orientation of device 100. The data from the orientation sensor 114 can be used directly as information indicating the best-oriented antenna.

[0077] Step 410 may be performed periodically to update the selected best-orientation antenna. Alternatively, or additionally, step 410 may be performed when a predetermined event is detected, for example, when the tracking device is stopped after being moved. The processor 108 may be configured to detect such events based on data from sensors, for example, an orientation sensor or another additional motion sensor.

[0078] Step 440, which involves using the wireless communication circuit 102 and the selected antenna 104 to transmit or receive one or more signals for tracking the object 200 to or from at least one external device 300, will be described here with reference to Figure 4A in one embodiment and Figure 4B in another embodiment.

[0079] At least one external device 300 may include one or more fixed gateways located or distributed within an area such as a construction site. Alternatively or additionally, the external device 300 may include a mobile user device such as a smartphone.

[0080] At least one external device 300 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the tracking device 100 using the same wireless communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth or BLE).

[0081] In one embodiment illustrated in Figure 4A, step 440 may include step 442 of transmitting an advertising signal to one or more external devices 300 located within the wireless or radio coverage range of the tracking device 100. In step 442, the processor 108 transmits the advertising signal using the wireless communication circuit 102 and the best-oriented antenna 104 selected in step 410. For example, the advertising signal includes an advertising packet as defined in the BLE standard. The advertising signal may include device identification information of the tracking device 10 (e.g., a device identifier).

[0082] In step 444, the advertising signal from the tracking device 100 may be received by one or more external devices 300 within the environment of the tracking device 100.

[0083] In step 446, one or more external devices 300 may determine the location information of the tracking device 100 based on the received advertising signal. For example, the tracking device 100 may be located by performing a trilateration method or algorithm using advertising signals received by different external devices 300. If two external devices cooperate to locate the tracking device 100, they may determine the location zone or area in which the tracking device 100 is located. If at least three external devices cooperate to locate the tracking device 100, they may determine the point of location of the tracking device 100.

[0084] Optionally, in step 448, the location information of the tracking device 100 may be transmitted by the external device 300 that determined the location information to the user's equipment (not shown) via a communication network such as the Internet or a mobile communication network, in order to enable the user to find the object 200.

[0085] In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 4B, step 440 may include step 450 of receiving a wireless or radio command signal from an external device 300 for transmitting an audio signal. The command signal is received by the tracking device 100 using the wireless communication circuit 102 and the best-oriented antenna 104 selected in step 410.

[0086] In step 452, the loudspeaker 116 of the tracking device 100 may, under the control of the processor 108, emit a sound such as an incoming call to audibly warn the user of the location of the tracking device 100 to which the object 200 is attached.

[0087] The tracking device 100 may be capable of implementing the two embodiments described above with reference to Figures 4A and 4B.

[0088] Second Embodiment

[0089] The second embodiment is based on the first embodiment, differing only from the first embodiment in the aspects described below. In the second embodiment, the tracking device 100 may interact or cooperate with an external device 300 to select the best-oriented antenna from among the multiple antennas 104, instead of self-determining which antenna has the best orientation.

[0090] The external device 300 can be located within the wireless or radio coverage range of the tracking device 100, for example, within the range of Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy. It could be, for example, a gateway or a user device such as a smartphone.

[0091] In a second embodiment, the processor 108 of the tracking device 100 may be configured to transmit multiple advertising signals to an external device using the wireless communication circuit 102 and a plurality of antennas 104, respectively. Each advertising signal may include identification information of the tracking device 100 (optional) and identification information of the antenna 104 used to transmit the advertising signal. In response to the advertising signals, the processor 108 may be further configured to receive information from the external device 300 indicating the best-oriented antenna 104, including antenna identification information of the antenna having a higher received radio signal strength value (e.g., a higher RSSI value) compared to the other antennas 104. The received radio signal strength values ​​are measured favorably by the external device 300.

[0092] In a second embodiment, the tracking device 100 and the external device 300 may be configured to perform a process 410 for selecting the best-oriented antenna of the tracking device 100, as illustrated in Figure 5 and described below. The best-oriented antenna may be determined by the external device 300 based on one or more signals transmitted by different antennas 104 of the tracking device 100, respectively.

[0093] In step 420, the processor 108 of the tracking device 100 transmits multiple wireless or radio signals, such as advertising signals, to an external device 300 using the wireless communication circuit 102 and a plurality of antenna modules 104. The processor 108 may transmit different signals sequentially using different antenna modules 104, each signal including antenna identification information (e.g., antenna identifier) ​​of the antenna used to transmit the signal and, optionally, device identification information (e.g., device identifier) ​​of device 100. To this end, the switching circuit 112 may continuously switch between different antennas 104 under the control of the processor 108. Step 420 may be performed periodically.

[0094] In step 422, the processor 306 of the external device 300 may receive one or more signals transmitted from the tracking device 100 using the first wireless communication circuit 302 and antenna 304. Note that the external device 300 may receive only a portion of the signals transmitted by the tracking device 100, depending on how the antenna 104 is oriented relative to the external device 300.

[0095] In step 424, the processor 306 of the external device 300 measures the radio signal strength of the radio signals received from the tracking device 100 and determines the measured value or value of the radio signal strength, such as the RSSI value, for each radio or wireless signal received by the external device 300 from the tracking device 100.

[0096] In step 426, the processor 306 of the external device 300 compares the received signal strength measurements (e.g., RSSI values) determined in step 424 and determines which of the multiple antenna modules 104 of the tracking device 100 has a higher received signal strength value (e.g., a higher RSSI value) compared to the other antennas 104 of the tracking device 100. The determined antenna module is then determined to be the best-oriented antenna for the tracking device 100 for wireless communication.

[0097] Next, in step 428, the processor 306 of the external device 300 uses the wireless communication circuit 302 and the antenna 304 to transmit information indicating the best-oriented antenna, including the antenna identification information or antenna identifier of the antenna determined in step 426, to the tracking device 100.

[0098] In step 430, the processor 108 of the tracking device 100 receives information from the external device 300 indicating the best-oriented antenna, which includes antenna identification information of the antenna having a higher received signal strength measurement compared to other antennas from the plurality of antennas 104. In other words, the tracking device 100 is notified by the external device 300 of the best-oriented antenna module 104.

[0099] Next, the processor 108 selects the best-oriented antenna module 104 (i.e., the antenna module notified by the external device 300) for communication using the wireless communication circuit 102. In one embodiment, under the control of the processor 108, the switching module 112 switches to the best-oriented antenna 104.

[0100] In a modified example, the external device 300 may be configured to continuously or periodically transmit signals, such as advertising signals. The processor 108 of the tracking device 100 may be configured to receive such signals from the external device 300 using the wireless communication circuit 102 and a plurality of antennas 104, respectively. For example, the tracking device 100 may continuously switch between its different antenna modules 104 to continuously receive signals from the external device 300 using different antenna modules 104. Furthermore, the processor 108 may be configured to measure the received signal strength measurement (e.g., RSSI value) of the signals received from the external device 300 and determine which antenna has a higher received signal strength measurement (e.g., a higher RSSI value) compared to the other antennas 104.

[0101] The tracking device 100 may be configured to selectively perform either a process of selecting an antenna module according to the first embodiment or a process of selecting an antenna module according to the second embodiment in order to select an antenna module for wireless communication.

[0102] In a modified example, the tracking device 100 may be configured to perform a process of selecting the tracking device's antenna based on user settings or based on predetermined conditions, according to one of the first and second embodiments.

[0103] In another modification, the tracking device 100 may be configured to perform a process of selecting an antenna according to the first embodiment (i.e., by self-determination based on sensor data) in the initial stage of establishing communication between the tracking device 100 and an external device (i.e., when communication between the two devices is established), and to perform a process of selecting an antenna according to the second embodiment (i.e., by interaction between the tracking device and the external device) after communication between the two devices is established.

[0104] In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the tracking device 100 may include one or more additional antennas 122 positioned on a strap 124 for attaching the tracking device 100 and the object 200. The one or more additional antennas 122 may be connected to a wireless communication circuit 102 via conductive tracks (not shown) and cables (not shown) printed on the strap 124.

[0105] In addition, with respect to Method 400 and other processes and methods disclosed herein, flowcharts illustrate the function and operation of one possible implementation of this embodiment. In this regard, each block may represent a module, segment, part of a manufacturing or operating process, or part of program code, the part of program code containing one or more instructions that can be executed by a processor to implement a particular logical function or step in the process. The program code may be stored in any type of computer-readable medium, such as a storage device including, for example, a disk or hard drive. Computer-readable mediums may include non-temporary computer-readable mediums, such as computer-readable mediums that store short-term data, such as register memory, processor cache, and random access memory (RAM). Computer-readable mediums may also include non-temporary mediums, such as read-only memory (ROM), optical or magnetic disks, and secondary or persistent long-term storage such as compact-disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). Computer-readable mediums may be any other volatile or non-volatile storage systems. Computer-readable media can be considered, for example, computer-readable storage media or tangible storage devices.

[0106] The tracking device 100 is implemented by hardware and software. The disclosure also relates to a computer program that, when executed by a computer, includes instructions causing the computer to perform the method 400 described above.

[0107] Final considerations

[0108] While the subject matter of the present invention has been described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present invention. For example, various embodiments of its features may be mixed, adapted, or selectively chosen by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, “modes for carrying out the invention” should not be interpreted in a restrictive sense, and the scope of the various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the entire scope of equivalents to which such claims are granted.

Claims

1. A device (100) for tracking an object (200), the device is configured to be attached to the object (200) and includes a wireless communication circuit (102), at least two antenna modules (104) having different positions from each other, and at least one processor (108), the at least one processor is - Based on information indicating the antenna module with the best orientation for wireless communication among the at least two antenna modules, one of the at least two antenna modules (104) is selected (410), - A device (100) configured to transmit or receive (440) one or more signals for tracking the object (200) using the wireless communication circuit (102) and the selected best-oriented antenna module (104).

2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising an orientation sensor (114), wherein the at least one processor (108) is configured to use sensor data from the orientation sensor (114) to self-determine the information indicating the best-oriented antenna module (104).

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the processor (108) is configured to determine device orientation information based on the sensor data, and the device orientation information is used as the information indicating the best-oriented antenna.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the processor (108) is configured to select (410) one of the at least two antenna modules (104) based on a predetermined correspondence between the orientation of the device (100) and the best-oriented antenna module (104).

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein the processor (108) is configured to select (410) one of the at least two antenna modules (104) using a pre-trained machine learning model that receives the device orientation information as input.

6. The device according to claim 3, wherein the processor (108) is configured to select (410) one of the at least two antenna modules (104) using a pre-trained machine learning model that receives sensor data from the orientation sensor as input.

7. The at least one processor (108) is At least two signals, each containing antenna identification information of the antenna module (104) used to transmit the signal, are transmitted (420) to an external device (300) using the wireless communication circuit (102) and each of the at least two antenna modules (104). The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, configured to receive (430) from the external device (300) the information indicating the best-oriented antenna module, which includes antenna identification information of the antenna module (104) having a higher received signal strength value compared to the other antenna modules from the at least two antenna modules (104).

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the wireless communication circuit (102) and the at least one processor (108) are mounted on a circuit board (120), and the at least two antenna modules (104) are arranged at different positions on at least one surface of the circuit board (120).

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein at least one antenna module (104) is positioned on a first surface of the circuit board (120), and at least one other antenna module (104) is positioned on a second surface of the circuit board (120) opposite to the first surface.

10. The device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least two antenna modules (104) are positioned along different sides of the circuit board (120) and / or at different corners of the circuit board (120).

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a switching circuit (112) interposed between the wireless communication circuit (102) and the at least two antenna modules (104), and configured to switch the at least two antenna modules (104) under the control of the at least one processor (108).

12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising one or more additional antenna modules (122) disposed on a strap (124) for attaching the device (100) and the object (200), wherein the one or more additional antenna modules are connected to the wireless communication circuit via a cable.

13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a loudspeaker (116), wherein the received signal for tracking the object includes a command for transmitting an audio signal (452), and the at least one processor (108) is configured to transmit the audio signal using the loudspeaker (116) upon receiving the command.

14. A device (300) configured to wirelessly communicate with a tracking device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a wireless communication circuit (302) and at least one processor (306), wherein the at least one processor is - One or more signals from the at least two antenna modules (104) of the tracking device (100), each signal including antenna identification information of the antenna module (104) of the tracking device (100) used to transmit the signal, are received (422) from the tracking device (100) using the wireless communication circuit (302). - Determine the received signal intensity value of one or more of the received signals (424), - Determine (426) which antenna module (104) of the tracking device (100) has a higher received signal strength value compared to the other antenna module from the at least two antenna modules (104) of the tracking device (100), - A device (300) configured to use the wireless communication circuit (302) to transmit (428) to the tracking device (100) information indicating the antenna module with the best orientation for wireless communication, including the antenna identification information of the determined antenna module.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the at least one processor (306) is configured to use the wireless communication circuit (302) to send (450) a command to transmit an audio signal to the tracking device (100).

16. The device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the at least one processor (306) is configured to use the wireless communication circuit (302) to receive (444) an advertising signal including device identification information from the tracking device (100), and to use the received advertising signal to determine the location information of the tracking device (104).

17. A method for tracking an object (200) attached to a tracking device (100), wherein the tracking device comprises a wireless communication circuit (102), at least two antenna modules (104) having different positions from each other, and at least one processor (108), and the method is carried out by the at least one processor. - A step of selecting (410) one of the at least two antenna modules (104) based on information indicating the antenna module with the best orientation for wireless communication among the at least two antenna modules, A method comprising the steps of transmitting or receiving (440) one or more signals for tracking the object (200) using the wireless communication circuit (102) and the selected best-oriented antenna module (104).

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the steps of: measuring sensor data (412) using an orientation sensor (114) of the tracking device (10); and self-determining (416) the information indicating the best-oriented antenna module (104) using the sensor data from the orientation sensor (114), performed by at least one processor.

19. The method according to claim 18, comprising the step of determining device orientation information based on the sensor data, wherein the device orientation information is used as the information indicating the best-oriented antenna.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein in the selection (410) step, the processor (108) selects one of the at least two antenna modules (104) based on a predetermined correspondence between the orientation of the device (100) and the best-oriented antenna module (104).

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein in the selection step, the processor (108) uses a pre-trained machine learning model that receives the device orientation information as input.

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein in the selection (410) step, the processor (108) uses a pre-trained machine learning model that receives sensor data of the orientation sensor as input.

23. This is carried out by at least one processor (108), The steps include transmitting (420) at least two signals, each signal including antenna identification information of the antenna module (104) used to transmit the signal, to an external device (300) using the wireless communication circuit (102) and each of the at least two antenna modules (104), The method according to any one of claims 17 to 22, further comprising the step of receiving (430) from the external device (300) information indicating the best-oriented antenna module, including antenna identification information of the antenna module (104) having a higher received signal strength value compared to the other antenna modules from the at least two antenna modules (104).

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