Autonomous Mobile Device Localizing Wireless Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in precisely determining the location of radio transmitters in physical spaces, particularly due to interference and congestion from nearby wireless devices, and require active participation from the devices being localized, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous mobile device (AMD) gathers radio data as it moves through a space, using signal strength and multilateration algorithms to estimate the location of radio transmitters without modifying existing devices or generating additional network traffic, and can operate with various wireless protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional localization methods are used, then device location can be determined, but active participation from devices being localized is required which increases system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the target device (wireless device 106) actively participate in localization by responding to queries, the system inverts the approach: the autonomous mobile device 104 passively receives and measures radio signals 108 transmitted by the target device, and uses these signals along with its own location data to determine the transmitter's location without requiring any active participation from the target device
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous mobile device 104 performs localization measurements using its own onboard sensors 124 and processing capabilities, gathering radio data 134 and location data 140 independently as it moves through the physical space 102, without requiring external assistance or active cooperation from the wireless devices being localized
2Measurement precision
If precise localization is attempted in congested wireless environments, then location accuracy may improve, but interference from nearby wireless devices increases measurement difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous mobile device 104 collects radio data 134 and location data 140 at multiple physical locations 110 before performing localization calculations, gathering sufficient measurement data in advance to enable accurate determination of transmitter locations even in congested environments with multiple wireless devices 106
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the autonomous mobile device 104 as an intermediary measurement platform that travels through the physical space 102, collecting radio signal measurements 134 from various locations and using these intermediate measurements to calculate transmitter locations, thereby avoiding direct line-of-sight requirements and reducing the impact of local interference
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 AMD efficiently determines the location of radio transmitters with high accuracy and reduced network congestion, improving overall network efficiency and enabling precise localization of devices without active participation from the wireless devices.
Implementation Method 1
The radio data may include signal strength data indicative of a received signal strength of the radio signal received by the radio receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous mobile device (AMD) moves within a physical space. Various wireless devices with transmitters may be present, such as internet of things (IoT) devices, smartphones, tablets, user devices, and so forth. At different physical locations in the physical space a radio receiver of the AMD receives radio signals sent by transmitters sending data. Data is stored that is indicative of the physical location where the data was acquired, an identifier of the transmitter, and a received signal strength indication (RSSI). Estimated distances, each with respect to a different physical location, are determined based on the received signal strength. A plurality of the estimated distances and associated physical locations are used to determine an estimated location of a transmitter. For example, the estimated transmitter location may be determined as a point where the estimated distances coincide.