Adaptive Location Tracking via Mesh Network Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location tracking systems face challenges in indoor environments due to the inability of GPS signals to penetrate building walls and the dynamic nature of indoor settings, leading to dead zones and unreliable tracking.
Innovation Solution
A location tracking system utilizing a network of radio communication devices (LTS nodes) forming a mesh network, which adaptively calibrate operational parameters through an automatic calibration phase to maintain accurate tracking despite environmental changes, using Bluetooth technology for communication and adjusting transmission powers and detection thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed configuration of location tracking nodes is used, then the system is simple to deploy, but it creates dead zones and unreliable tracking when the environment changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic calibration that dynamically adjusts transmission powers and detection thresholds based on current environmental conditions. The system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where parameters are continuously optimized through calibration phases, eliminating dead zones while maintaining system simplicity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The location tracking system performs self-calibration automatically without requiring manual intervention. The control apparatus autonomously determines optimal operational parameters by analyzing measurement reports from tracking nodes and environment data, enabling the system to adapt to environmental changes independently.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration of operational parameters is performed, then tracking accuracy is improved, but the time and effort required for setup and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs calibration by having tracking nodes transmit test signals, collect measurement reports, and determine optimal operational parameters without human intervention. This self-calibration process eliminates the time-consuming manual configuration while maintaining high tracking accuracy through algorithmic optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a calibration phase that occurs automatically during system operation or setup. By performing calibration actions in advance and automatically, the system prepares optimal parameters before actual tracking begins, reducing both setup time and ongoing maintenance requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If transmission power is increased to eliminate dead zones, then coverage area is improved, but energy consumption and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission power as a variable parameter based on environmental conditions and coverage requirements. Through automatic calibration, the control apparatus determines optimal transmission power levels that provide sufficient coverage while minimizing energy consumption and interference, rather than using a fixed high power setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements location-specific transmission power adjustment where each tracking node operates at the minimum power necessary for its specific coverage area. The automatic calibration process analyzes measurement reports to determine local optimal power levels, ensuring adequate coverage without unnecessary energy consumption or interference in areas where full power is not required.
Data Source
AI summary
This document presents a location tracking system comprising a plurality of location tracking nodes disposed to cover an area where the location tracking is to be carried out, at least one mobile tag configured to communicate with at least one of said plurality of location tracking nodes at a time for location tracking purposes, and a control apparatus configured to control operational parameters of the plurality of location tracking nodes and the at least one mobile tag. The control apparatus and the plurality of location tracking nodes are configured to carry out an automatic calibration phase during operation of the location tracking system the location tracking nodes transmit and receive test signals between the neighboring nodes, and report measurement results to the control apparatus. The control apparatus then optimizes the operation parameters of the location tracking system on the basis of received measurement reports.