Adaptive Mobile Beacon Positioning for Dynamic Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning technologies relying on stationary infrastructure face challenges in providing consistent performance due to dynamic environments, particularly in applications like disaster response where high precision positioning of first responders and victims is crucial.
Innovation Solution
The system adaptively positions mobile signal sources by receiving beacon position data, computing anticipated coverage areas based on object trajectories, and wirelessly instructing moveable beacons to relocate for optimal coverage, utilizing a global controller and local controllers to manage mobile signal sources and ensure accurate and robust positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stationary infrastructure (fixed access points, beacons) is used for positioning, then the infrastructure is simple and stable, but the positioning performance becomes inconsistent in dynamic environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the stationary positioning infrastructure into a dynamic system by deploying mobile robots equipped with signal sources. These mobile signal sources can autonomously navigate and reposition themselves based on real-time coverage requirements, allowing the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions and maintain consistent positioning performance in dynamic scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robots perform self-positioning and self-navigation to optimal locations based on coverage area calculations. The system autonomously determines when and where to relocate signal sources without requiring manual intervention, enabling the infrastructure to self-adjust and maintain reliability in dynamic environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile beacons are deployed to improve coverage in dynamic environments, then adaptability increases, but the complexity of the positioning system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robots serve multiple functions: they perform their primary tasks (search, rescue, exploration) while simultaneously functioning as mobile signal sources for positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated positioning infrastructure, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coverage area calculation module as an intermediary that coordinates the positioning of mobile signal sources. This module computes coverage areas and determines optimal beacon locations, simplifying the control complexity by providing a centralized decision-making layer that manages the mobile beacons' movements based on calculated coverage requirements.
3Measurement precision
If beacons are frequently relocated to track moving objects, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but the time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates anticipated coverage areas and predicts future positions of tracked objects in advance. By proactively positioning mobile beacons to cover predicted locations before objects actually move there, the system maintains positioning accuracy without requiring continuous reactive relocation, thereby reducing time and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the actual coverage area and compares it with the anticipated coverage area. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust beacon relocation decisions based on real-time performance, relocating beacons only when necessary to maintain accuracy, thus optimizing the trade-off between positioning precision and time/energy expenditure.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided that generates a current coverage area by receiving beacon position data of current beacon locations, with at least some of the beacons being moveable beacons. Object position data is retrieved for current locations and trajectories of moveable objects in a geographic area that are currently being tracked by the beacons. An anticipated coverage area is computed based on comparing the object position data with the current coverage area. Instructions are then wirelessly transmitted to some of the moveable beacons in order to move the beacons to a different set of locations based on the anticipated coverage area.