Access Point Positioning for Wireless Coverage and Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hazardous environments like refineries and nuclear power plants, workers may be exposed to harmful substances due to inadequate wireless coverage and positioning of access points, leading to delayed alerts and prolonged exposure risks.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines the optimal positioning of access points based on architectural and infrastructure attributes to maximize wireless coverage and accuracy, using test radio frequency tags and mobile access point measurement units to ensure comprehensive and accurate location tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If access points are positioned using conventional methods, then installation is simple, but wireless coverage and positioning accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning calculations and access point placement optimization before actual deployment. The processor determines optimal access point positions and test tag placements in advance based on layout information, allowing the physical installation to follow a pre-optimized configuration that ensures maximum positioning accuracy from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual trial-and-error positioning methods with an automated computational system. The processor automatically calculates optimal access point positions and test tag placements by analyzing layout information and performing positioning calculations, substituting mechanical adjustment processes with algorithmic optimization.
2Area of stationary object
If more access points are deployed to improve coverage, then positioning accuracy improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the spatial parameters of access point placement rather than simply increasing their quantity. The processor calculates precise positions for each access point based on the work area layout, ensuring optimal coverage with the minimum necessary number of devices. This parameter optimization approach achieves comprehensive coverage while minimizing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses test radio frequency tags placed at specific strategic locations to verify coverage and accuracy without requiring complete system deployment. This partial testing approach allows validation of coverage areas and positioning accuracy before full implementation, reducing the need for excessive access points.
3Use of energy by moving object
If access points are positioned to maximize coverage, then wireless signal strength improves, but positioning accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different optimization criteria to different locations within the work area. The processor determines specific positions for each access point and test tag based on local layout characteristics, ensuring that each location is optimized for both signal strength and positioning accuracy. This local optimization approach prevents the trade-off between coverage and precision by addressing both requirements at each specific location.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively monitors workers' locations and gas exposure levels, providing timely alerts and enabling swift evacuation from hazardous areas, thereby reducing exposure risks and ensuring worker safety.
Implementation Method 1
determine a placement in the work area of a test radio frequency tag... determine a positioning of the plurality of access points in the work area which substantially maximizes a coverage and an accuracy of locating the test radio frequency tag
Data Source
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AI summary
A system is described for relative positioning of access points in a real time locating system. The system may include a memory, interface, and processor. The memory may store layout information for a work area which includes architectural and infrastructure attributes. The processor may determine a number of access points to position in the work area based on the architectural attributes. The processor may determine a placement of a test tag in the work area based on the infrastructure attributes. The processor may determine a positioning of the access points in the work area which substantially maximizes coverage and accuracy of locating the test tag in the work area. The processor may determine a repositioning of one of the access points when the coverage and accuracy do not satisfy a threshold. The processor may provide a graphical representation of the positioning of the access points, when the threshold is satisfied.