Location-finding system using GPS, telemetry and UWB

Abstract

The invention relates to a system made up of two devices: a first device, referred to as the device to be located, containing components that allow it to be located using GPS technology, telemetry via radio base stations, and ultra wideband (UWB) technology; and a second device, referred to as the locating device, containing components that can locate the device to be located using UWB technology. The device to be located transmits information from its location over the mobile phone network, which can be consulted on a website. When the device to be located loses communication with the mobile phone network, it then communicates via signals transmitted using UWB, which allows the locating device to locate the device to be located provided that the locating device is within the signal capture range.

Description

GPS, TELEMETRY AND UWB LOCATION SYSTEM

[0001] Background

[0002] There are devices or systems for location that use the Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies, telemetry by radio base stations based on the mobile telephone network (LTE (Long Term Evolution), GPRS (General Packet Radio Services), 3G (Third Generation of Mobile Telephone Technology), 4G (Fourth Generation of Mobile Telephone Technology), 5G (Fifth Generation of Mobile Telephone Technology) or any other technology that enables mobile telephony) and Ultra Wide Band (UWB) separately or in some combination, however, there is none that makes use of the three technologies for that purpose.

[0003] These devices operate through the use of energy sources and data transmission, typically via the mobile phone network using a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card purchased from a service provider. Data is transmitted and accessed via the Internet, or via a direct link between devices using UWB (point-to-point communication).

[0004] The Internet is a decentralized set of interconnected communications networks that use the TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and IP (Internet Protocol) protocol families to establish a single, global logical network where information is transmitted and accessed on a massive scale.

[0005] On the other hand, the Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the process that allows everyday physical elements that incorporate sensors, software, and other technologies to be connected for the purpose of exchanging information with other devices and systems over the Internet.

[0006] GPS is a network composed of satellites orbiting the Earth, ground-based tracking and control stations, and receivers used by humans. The satellites transmit signals that are received and identified by the receivers, which in turn provide their three-dimensional coordinates of latitude, longitude, and altitude. It is a system that allows the position of an object or person to be determined by receiving signals transmitted by a network of satellites.

[0007] Devices connected to the mobile phone network allow data transmission, as well as internet connection, through antennas placed on the ground. This creates a general telephone network. It is a telephone system in which the connection between the mobile device and the central office is made through electromagnetic waves.

[0008] It is important to note that within this network is the CAT M1 (Low Power Wide Area Network Technology) segment, which enables wireless connectivity at relatively low data transmission speeds of up to 1 Mbps (Megabits per Second) with narrow bandwidth, enabling broad coverage, low power consumption, and greater signal penetration.

[0009] The use of telemetry by radio base stations within the mobile telephone network itself makes it possible to approximate the location of devices connected to the network.

[0010] On the other hand, UWB encompasses radio technologies that use a bandwidth greater than 500 MHz (Megahertz). It is a short-range communication technology based on pulses, meaning that signals are transmitted repeatedly for very short periods, typically in bursts of no more than 5 milliseconds, so the transmitting and receiving devices remain off for most of the time. This characteristic means that UWB signals can coexist with other communication systems operating on the same frequencies without generating interference. Thus, this technology allows for highly accurate device localization through device-to-device connection (point-to-point communication), even in places with obstacles such as walls, ceilings, windows, and similar.

[0011] Existing location devices or systems use GPS, radio base station telemetry, or UWB technologies. However, they only work effectively in open spaces (GPS and radio base station telemetry) or when the transmitting and receiving devices are within close range (UWB), which limits their functionality and performance. In other words, there is no device or system that combines all three technologies for location purposes.

[0012] This is because there is no device, set of devices, or system that can combine the three technologies for localization purposes, given the difficulty of integrating the electronic components required for this purpose and the software (a set of programs, instructions, and computer rules to execute the tasks).

[0013] Brief summary of the invention

[0014] This invention falls within the field of radio frequency and the Internet of Things, specifically for the geographical location of a device anywhere on the planet. It is a system that employs a device to be located using GPS technologies, telemetry via radio base stations based on the mobile telephone network, and UWB, as well as a locator device using UWB, which allows for precise location of the device to be located.

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the electronic card that has an electronic design that allows the interconnection of the various components that make up the device to be located.

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the radio module and its antenna that allows connection to the Internet and telemetry by radio base stations based on the mobile telephone network of the device to be located.

[0017] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a UWB module with its antenna on the device to be located.

[0018] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a microcontroller in the device to be located or in the locator device.

[0019] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a power source in the locating device or the locator device.

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a GPS module with its antenna on the device to be located.

[0021] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a radio module with its antenna on the device to be located.

[0022] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a microphone on the device to be located.

[0023] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a storage memory in the device to be located or the locator device.

[0024] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a vibration device on the device to be located.

[0025] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an electronic card having an electronic design in the locator device.

[0026] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the UWB module with its antenna on the locator device.

[0027] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a display incorporated into the locator device.

[0028] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a radio module with an antenna in the locator device.

[0029] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a sound-playing device on the locator device.

[0030] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the locating device, showing the distance at which the device to be located is located.

[0031] Detailed description of the invention

[0032] The location system consists of a device to be located, which comprises an electronic card having an electronic design, to which a radio module and its antenna are placed that allows connection to the Internet through the mobile telephone network and telemetry by radio base stations, a GPS module with its antenna, a UWB module with its antenna, a microcontroller and a power source.

[0033] It is also possible to incorporate into what has already been indicated, that is, into the electronic card, one or more radio modules with one or more antennas for telemetry by radio base stations, one or more GPS modules with one or more antennas, one or more radio modules with one or more antennas for point-to-point communication, one or more microphones, one or more storage memories and one or more devices that vibrate, buzz and / or produce sounds.

[0034] The system also consists of a locator device comprising an electronic card with an electronic design, a microcontroller, a UWB module with its antenna, and a power source.

[0035] This locating device may be incorporated with one or more devices that display visual information, one or more radio modules with one or more antennas, one or more storage memories, and one or more devices that vibrate, buzz, and / or produce sounds.

[0036] Now, to facilitate understanding of the invention and its operation, it is pertinent to describe the technical and operational processes carried out by the device to be located and the locating device, so that these can later be referred to with the name given to the process indicated in quotation marks.

[0037] 1.- “Switching on the device to be located”: is the process by which, whenever electrical power is supplied to the device to be located, it begins to function.

[0038] 2.- “GPS signal acquisition”: is the process by which the microcontroller of the device to be located instructs the GPS module to capture and identify the signal coming from the satellites orbiting the Earth and obtain its three-dimensional coordinates of latitude, longitude and altitude.

[0039] 3.- “GPS data return”: is the process by which the GPS module, once it has obtained the three-dimensional coordinates of latitude, longitude and altitude, transmits them to the microcontroller.

[0040] 4.- “Data packet preparation”: is the process by which the microcontroller of the device to be located or the locating device prepares a data packet obtained through any of the components that comprise each of these devices.

[0041] 5.- “Preparation for transmission”: is the process by which the microcontroller of the device to be located instructs the radio module and its antenna that allows the connection to the Internet to establish communication with the mobile telephone provider, to obtain an IP connection and at the same time access to the Internet.

[0042] 6.- “Data transmission via the Internet”: is the process by which the microcontroller of the device to be located instructs the radio module that enables the Internet connection to transmit a data packet over the Internet.

[0043] 7.- “Data storage on the server”: is the process by which the server that hosts the website stores the data packet that was transmitted to it via the Internet by the device to be located.

[0044] 8.- “Information query”: is the process by which the user of the location system can consult via the Internet the website hosted on the server, where the location of the device to be located is shown on an interactive map.

[0045] 9.- “Obtaining location data using telemetry from radio base stations”: is the process by which the microcontroller instructs the radio module that enables the Internet connection to request from the mobile phone provider the ID (unique identifier) ​​of the network called “MobileNetworkCode”, the ID (unique identifier) ​​of the country called “MobileCountryCode”, the ID (unique identifier) ​​of the area called “LocationAreaCode” and the ID (unique identifier) ​​of the radio base station called “Cell ID”.

[0046] 10.- “Data return for location using telemetry by radio base stations”: is the process by which the radio module that allows the connection to the Internet sends to the microcontroller the ID (unique identifier) ​​of the network called “MobileNetworkCode”, the ID (unique identifier) ​​of the country called “MobileCountryCode”, the ID (unique identifier) ​​of the area called “LocationAreaCode” and the ID (unique identifier) ​​of the radio base station called “Cell ID”.

[0047] 11.- “Obtaining location through the geolocation service”: is the process by which the geolocation service, provided by a third party, provides the microcontroller of the device to be located or the website hosted on the server, the latitude, longitude and precision of the geographic location of the device to be located based on the data of the ID (unique identifier) ​​of the network called “MobileNetworkCode”, the ID (unique identifier) ​​of the country called “MobileCountryCode”, the ID (unique identifier) ​​of the area called “LocationAreaCode” and the ID (unique identifier) ​​of the radio base station called “Cell ID”.

[0048] 12.- “UWB data transmission”: is the process through which the microcontroller of the device to be located or the locating device instructs the UWB module to transmit one or more data packets.

[0049] 13.- “External data reception”: is the process by which the device to be located, through the radio module that allows connection to the Internet or through some other radio module, receives a data packet from a source external to the device.

[0050] 14.- “Panic button activation”: is the process by which, once a switch is activated, the microcontroller of the device to be located will be interrupted from its usual cycle and will instruct the activation of the radio module that allows the connection to the Internet, which in turn will read in the memory the contacts that were previously registered on the platform, will process them so that each of the contacts will be sent a text message through the mobile telephone network by means of the radio module that allows the connection to the Internet that may contain the latest available coordinates, a notice informing of the activation of that process and / or any other information that is determined by the programming.

[0051] 15.- “Locating device switching on”: is the process by which, at any time that electrical power is supplied to the locating device, it begins to operate and waits for instructions or begins the search for the device or devices to be located.

[0052] 16.- “Communication through radio module”: is the process by which the microcontroller of the locator device instructs the radio module to transmit a data packet.

[0053] 17.- “Vibration or sound emission”: It is the process by which the microcontroller of the device to be located or the locating device instructs the sound and / or vibration and / or buzzer emitting component to start operating.

[0054] 18.- “Audio recording”: is the process by which the microcontroller of the device to be located instructs the microphone module to start working and simultaneously instructs the memory to save the information string coming from the microphone.

[0055] 19.- “Displaying information on the screen”: is the process by which the microcontroller of the locator device instructs the component that displays visual information to start operating.

[0056] 20.- “GPS Cycle”: Process by which the microcontroller of the device to be located, based on its programming or by “External data reception”, sequentially carries out the processes of “Obtaining GPS signal”, “Returning GPS data”, “Preparing data packet”, “Preparation for transmission” and “Transmission of data via the Internet”.

[0057] 21.- “Telemetry cycle by radio base stations”: is the process by which the microcontroller of the device to be located, based on its programming or by “External data reception”, sequentially carries out the processes of “Obtaining data for location using telemetry by radio base stations”, “Return of data for location using telemetry by radio base stations”, “Preparation of data packet”, “Preparation for transmission”, “Transmission of data via the Internet” to a third party website, “Obtaining location through the geolocation service”, “Preparation of the data packet”, “Preparation for transmission” and “Transmission of data via the Internet” to the server where the website is hosted for “Consultation of information”.

[0058] 22.- “UWB Cycle”: is the process by which the microcontroller of the device to be located, based on its programming or by “External data reception”, initiates the “UWB data transmission”.

[0059] 23.- “Point-to-point radio connection cycle”: is the process by which the microcontroller of the device to be located, based on its programming or by “External data reception”, initiates the “Data packet preparation” and “Communication through radio module”.

[0060] Once the processes and cycles relevant to understanding the essence and operation of the invention have been described in detail, the operation of the invention will be explained in detail, with the understanding that each time a reference is made to a concept in quotation marks, the definition of the corresponding process or cycle will be considered transcribed as if it were inserted in the letter.

[0061] First, the person using the location system must register and acquire access credentials on a website where they can "Query Information" about the location of the device to be located, as well as interact with it.

[0062] The user will also register on the platform the phone numbers of the contacts to whom the text message will be sent via the mobile phone network in the event that the "Panic Button Activation" occurs on the device being tracked. These phone numbers will be stored in the memory of the radio module that enables the tracked device's internet connection, and any changes made to the contacts on the website for "Information Retrieval" will be updated on the device being tracked via "External Data Reception."

[0063] Furthermore, it is also important to note that, although "data transmission via the Internet" can be achieved using any mobile phone technology that allows it, the best known process for the invention's operation is currently through the use of the CAT M1 segment as a means of communication. Likewise, the best known process for powering both the locating device and the device to be located is currently a rechargeable battery.

[0064] Once the "Located Device" process is complete, it executes the "GPS Signal Acquisition" process. If this process is successful, it continues with the "GPS Data Return" process. This is followed by the "Data Packet Preparation," "Preparation for Transmission," and "Data Transmission via the Internet" process to the server hosting the website for "Information Query." The website, in turn, will perform the "Data Storage on the Server" process. If this process is successful, the device to be located will receive an "External Data Reception" from the website confirming that the task was completed. In turn, the authorized user registered on the website hosted on the server will be able to perform the "Information Query."

[0065] When the device to be located fails to complete the "Obtaining GPS signal" process, then the microcontroller will instruct the radio module that enables the internet connection to check if it has a mobile phone signal so that, if it has one, it executes the "Obtaining data for location using telemetry by radio base stations", the "Return of data for location using telemetry by radio base stations", the "Preparation of data packet", the "Transmission of data via internet" to a website of an external provider for "Obtaining location through the geolocation service". Subsequently, the "Preparation of data packet", the "Preparation for transmission" and the "Transmission of data via internet" will be carried out to the server where the website is hosted for the "Information query".The website then stores data on the server so that the registered and authorized user can access the information.

[0066] In the event that the device to be located cannot perform the “Obtaining a GPS signal” or the “Obtaining data for location using telemetry by radio base stations”, then it will start the “UWB Cycle” for a programmed period, so that, whenever the “Locating device is turned on” has occurred and it captures, through the UWB module, the data packet or packets, the device to be located will establish point-to-point communication between both devices, that is, between the device to be located and the locator.

[0067] This is explained by the fact that the locating device and the device to be located, through their corresponding UWB modules, respectively, emit short, repetitive signals or pulses, typically in bursts of no more than five milliseconds, which allows the distance between them to be accurately established in real time. Thus, the locating device, either through "On-screen information display" or on the screen of a device other than the one linked by any means and equipped with a UWB module, shows the distance to the device to be located.

[0068] Now, in the event that the device to be located fails to “Obtain GPS signal”, “Obtain data for location using telemetry by radio base stations” or establish connection through the “UWB Cycle”, and as long as the device to be located has one or more radio modules with one or more antennas, then it will start the “Point-to-point radio connection cycle” so that, as long as the locating device is turned on, has one or more radio modules with one or more antennas and manages to capture the data packet, point-to-point communication is established between the radio modules;so that the locating device, either by means of "On-screen information display" or on the screen of a device other than the one that has been linked by any means, displays the signal strength, the last recorded coordinates or any other data contained in the data packet that was sent by the device to be located and that was stored in the memory or memories of the locating device.

[0069] In the case mentioned in the previous paragraph, when the locator device captures the data packet, the microcontroller of this device will instruct the memory to save the data packet for later consultation.

[0070] Also, at any time, the device to be located can be activated by a “Panic Button Activation” when the person carrying it so determines.

[0071] Furthermore, when the device to be located has one or more microphones and one or more storage memories, and when the "Panic Button Activation" occurs, the device to be located will also execute "Audio Recording." It will then perform "Data Packet Preparation," "Preparation for Transmission," and "Data Transmission via the Internet" to the server hosting the "Information Query" website. Then, on the "Information Query" website, "Data Storage on the Server" will be performed so that the registered and authorized user can listen to the audio and thus understand the context in which the panic button was activated.

[0072] Then, when the device to be located has one or more vibration, buzzer and / or sound emitting devices, then a vibrating or auditory notification may be sent to it through the platform hosted on the website for "Information Consultation", in which case the device, by "External Data Reception", will execute "Vibration or Sound Emission". It should be noted that when the device to be located and the locating device have one or more radio modules with one or more antennas, respectively, the instruction for the device to be located to execute "Vibration or Sound Emission" may be given from the locating device itself.

[0073] The device to be located will execute the "GPS Cycle," "Radio Base Station Telemetry Cycle," "UWB Cycle," and, if applicable, the "Point-to-Point Radio Connection Cycle" in the order and for the number of times specified in the programming, and, if applicable, until the power source is depleted. The duration of the cycles and any other related aspects will also be determined by the programming.

[0074] Furthermore, the registered and authorized user of the website may at any time instruct the device to be located to execute any of the cycles indicated in the previous paragraph through "External Data Reception."

[0075] Also, when the device to be located and the locating device have one or more radio modules with one or more antennas, respectively, the instruction to activate a specific cycle may be given from the locating device. In these cases, that is, when the user selects one of the indicated cycles, the cycle in which the device to be located is currently located will be interrupted so that it can begin the cycle determined by the user.

[0076] Finally, it is important to note that all functions performed by the components of the devices to be located and the locator, as well as the location system itself, including the timing of the cycles for obtaining and transmitting location data, querying information, and general instructions, are regulated by software specifically designed for that purpose and can be modified through it.

[0077] It is noted that, in relation to this date, the best procedure known to the applicant for putting the invention into practice is the one that is clear from this description.

Claims

System for localization via GPS, telemetry by radio base stations and ultra-wideband, comprising: A device to be located, which has an electronic card, a radio module with its antenna that allows connection to the Internet and telemetry by radio base stations, a GPS module with its antenna, a UWB module with its antenna, a microcontroller and a power source, which allows the device to be located by the locating device or through a website hosted on a server; and A locating device comprising an electronic card, a microcontroller, a power source and a UWB module with its antenna, which allows the device to be located to be located. Location system according to claim 1, characterized in that the device to be located also contains one or more radio modules with one or more antennas that enable telemetry by radio base stations. Location system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the device to be located also contains two or more GPS modules with one or more antennas. Location system according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the device to be located also contains one or more radio modules with one or more antennas for point-to-point communication. Location system according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that the device to be located also contains one or more microphones. Location system according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that the device to be located also contains one or more storage memories. Location system according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that the device to be located also contains one or more devices that vibrate, buzz and / or produce sounds. Location system according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the location device also has one or more devices that display visual information. Location system according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that the location device further contains one or more radio modules with one or more antennas. Location system according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, claim 7, claim 8 or claim 9, characterized in that the location device further contains one or more storage memories. Location system according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, claim 7, claim 8, claim 9 or claim 10, characterized in that the location device further contains one or more devices that vibrate, buzz and / or produce sounds. A device that has an electronic card, a radio module with its antenna that allows connection to the Internet and telemetry via radio base stations, a GPS module with its antenna, a UWB module with its antenna, a microcontroller and a power source, which allows the device to be located through a website hosted on a server. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that it further contains one or more radio modules with one or more antennas that enable telemetry by radio base stations. The device according to claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that it further contains two or more GPS modules with one or more antennas. The device according to claim 12, claim 13 or claim 14, characterized in that it further contains one or more radio modules with one or more antennas. The device according to claim 12, claim 13, claim 14 or claim 15 characterized in that it further contains one or more microphones. The device according to claim 12, claim 13, claim 14, claim 15 or claim 16, characterized in that it further contains one or more storage memories. The device according to claim 12, claim 13, claim 14, claim 15, claim 16 or claim 17, characterized in that it further contains one or more devices that vibrate, buzz and / or produce sounds. A device comprising an electronic board, a microcontroller, a power source, and a UWB module with its antenna, which allows it to connect to another device that uses UWB. The device according to claim 19, characterized in that it further contains a device that displays visual information. The device according to claim 19 or claim 20, characterized in that it further contains one or more radio modules with one or more antennas. The device according to claim 19, claim 20 or claim 21, characterized in that it further contains one or more storage memories. The device according to claim 19, claim 20, claim 21 or claim 22, characterized in that it further contains one or more devices that vibrate, buzz and / or produce sounds. Location system comprising: A device to be located that has an electronic card, a radio module with its antenna that allows connection to the Internet and telemetry via radio base stations, a GPS module with its antenna, a UWB module with its antenna, a microcontroller and a power source, which allow the device to be located by the locator device or through a website hosted on a server; and A locator device that is already in the state of the art and that uses UWB technology. Location system according to claim 24, characterized in that the device to be located also contains one or more radio modules with one or more antennas that enable telemetry by radio base stations. Location system according to claim 24 or claim 25, characterized in that the device to be located also contains two or more GPS modules with one or more antennas. Location system according to claim 24, claim 25 or claim 26, characterized in that the device to be located further contains one or more radio modules with one or more antennas. Location system according to claim 24, claim 25, claim 26 or claim 27, characterized in that the device to be located also contains one or more microphones. Location system according to claim 24, claim 25, claim 26, claim 27 or claim 28, characterized in that the device to be located also contains one or more storage memories. Location system according to claim 24, claim 25, claim 26, claim 27, claim 28 or claim 29, characterized in that the device to be located also contains one or more devices that vibrate, buzz and / or produce sounds.

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