Adaptive Radio Positioning for Battery-Efficient Mobile Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning systems face a challenge in achieving high accuracy while optimizing battery life in small, energy-constrained mobile units.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising mobile units, base stations, and a central unit that dynamically adjust energy density for radio message transmission based on location relative to a stationary reference, using triggers like magnetic fields or radio messages to conserve energy and enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mobile units transmit radio messages at high energy density continuously, then positioning accuracy is improved, but battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile unit dynamically adjusts its transmission energy density based on its current location relative to stationary references. The unit transitions between different transmission states (high energy density when near references, low energy density when far away), making the system adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by applying high energy only when necessary for accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission parameter (energy density) is changed based on the mobile unit's location. The system monitors position relative to stationary references and adjusts the radio message transmission energy density accordingly, switching between high and low energy states. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining positioning accuracy and conserving battery life.
2Measurement precision
If mobile units transmit radio messages at high energy density, then positioning accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile unit applies different transmission quality levels (energy densities) in different spatial locations. High energy density transmission is used locally when the unit is near stationary references where accurate positioning is critical, while low energy density is used in other areas. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing energy use according to spatial context.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuously transmitting at high energy density, the system applies partial action by using high energy density only partially - specifically when the mobile unit is in proximity to stationary references. This selective application of high energy transmission resolves the contradiction between achieving sufficient positioning accuracy and minimizing overall energy consumption.
3Loss of energy
If mobile units adjust transmission energy density dynamically, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile unit autonomously determines its own location relative to stationary references and independently adjusts its transmission energy density without requiring complex external control systems. The unit serves itself by making real-time decisions about transmission parameters based on its position, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the mobile unit continuously monitors its location relative to stationary references and uses this information to adjust its transmission energy density. This feedback mechanism enables automatic optimization of energy efficiency while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency improvements and device complexity.
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 achieves high positioning accuracy with reduced energy consumption by allowing mobile units to transmit at varying energy levels, conserving battery life and adapting to different positioning requirements.
Implementation Method 1
transmit, periodically, a first radio message containing identity information
Implementation Method 2
Each mobile unit in the set of mobile units is further configured to receive a second radio message as the trigger input
Data Source
AI summary
Each of multiple entities has a respective attached mobile unit that transmits, periodically, a first radio message with identity information of the corresponding entity. At least three base stations receive the first radio message; and based thereon, forward, via a transmission line, the identity information and timing information indicating when the first radio message was received. A central unit communicatively connected to the at least one transmission line receives, via the transmission line, the identity and timing information from the base stations, and based thereon determines a position of the respective entity. Each mobile unit alters an energy density at which the first radio message is transmitted in response to a trigger input being generated depending on a position of the mobile unit relative to a stationary reference. Thus, the energy resources in the mobile units can be economized while attaining a desired positioning accuracy wherever needed.