Adaptive RTLS Locator Selection for Vehicle Location Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing real-time location systems (RTLS) for determining the location of portable devices relative to objects, such as vehicles, face inaccuracies due to varying environmental conditions, leading to inconsistent location determinations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that determine the environment of an object based on received signal characteristics of wireless communications, allowing for the selection of appropriate locators or adapters to accurately determine the location of a portable device relative to the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single locator function is used to determine location based on signal strength, then the system is simple to operate, but the measurement precision varies significantly across different environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between different locator functions (first locator for outdoor environments, second locator for indoor environments) based on detected environmental conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high measurement precision across varying environments without requiring a completely complex system redesign, as the switching mechanism is triggered automatically by environmental sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by selecting different locator functions with different signal processing characteristics based on the environment. The first locator uses signal strength with one set of parameters optimized for outdoor conditions, while the second locator uses signal strength with different parameters optimized for indoor conditions, allowing accurate location determination in both environments.
2Reliability
If the system adapts to different environmental conditions using multiple locators, then the reliability of location determination improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the location determination function into two specialized locators: a first locator optimized for outdoor environments and a second locator optimized for indoor environments. Each locator is tuned to handle the specific challenges of its target environment, improving overall reliability. The environmental sensor further segments the operating conditions to trigger the appropriate locator.
Solution Approach 2:
An environmental sensor acts as an intermediary between the physical environment and the locator selection mechanism. The sensor detects environmental characteristics (such as signal reflection patterns or temperature) and triggers the selection of the appropriate locator function, mediating between environmental conditions and system response without requiring direct complex analysis within the locators themselves.
3Ease of operation
If conventional key fob systems are used instead of RTLS, then the reliability is higher in varying conditions, but the ease of operation and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The RTLS system is designed to be universal across different environments (indoor and outdoor) by incorporating multiple locator functions that can handle various conditions. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain ease of operation like conventional systems while achieving the reliability needed for Phone as a Key applications in diverse settings, eliminating the need for environment-specific systems.
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 accurate location determination of portable devices relative to objects by adapting to different environmental conditions, enhancing user experience and reliability compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna configured to communicate wirelessly with the portable device via a communication link
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining location information of a portable device relative to an object based on an environment of the object is provided. The system and method may determine an environment of the object based on a received signal characteristic of communications transmitted from a first object device disposed on the object. Based on the determined type of environment or a characteristic thereof, a locator or an adapter, or both, may be selected for determining location information about a portable device relative to the object.