Augmented Localization Devices for Room-Resolution Tag Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object location tracking systems using wireless tags and access points face challenges in achieving accurate room resolution localization due to limited infrastructure and high costs associated with adding access points, especially in buildings with complex interior walls and many small rooms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of augmented localization devices (ALDs) that are easier and cheaper to install, using low energy radio networks like BLE, and equipped with additional sensors such as occupancy sensors, IR beacons, and thermal cameras, to enhance the accuracy of wireless tag localization by providing additional data for trilateration and room fingerprinting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If access points are added to improve localization accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces augmented localization devices (ALDs) as intermediary components that bridge the gap between existing access points and the need for higher localization accuracy. These ALDs are deployed in rooms without requiring direct access point installation, serving as mediators that collect localization data and communicate with the central system through existing network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the localization infrastructure into three distinct components: existing access points (for Wi-Fi coverage), augmented localization devices (for enhanced localization data collection), and wireless tags (for tracking). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with ALDs handling the additional localization burden without requiring full access point deployment throughout the entire space.
2Measurement precision
If access points are added to improve localization accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The augmented localization devices are designed as cost-effective, easily deployable units that can be installed without permanent infrastructure modifications. Compared to the expensive and complex task of installing additional access points with power and network connections, the ALDs provide a more economical solution for achieving room-resolution localization in existing spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The ALDs serve as intermediary devices that leverage existing access point infrastructure for communication, eliminating the need for new power and network cable installations. This intermediary approach allows localization enhancement without the full cost burden of deploying additional access points throughout the entire building.
3Measurement precision
If access points are added to improve localization accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into access points, augmented localization devices, and wireless tags, the patent distributes functionality so that ALDs handle the complex data collection and processing tasks. This segmentation allows the access points to maintain their simple Wi-Fi coverage function while ALDs independently manage the enhanced localization requirements, making the overall system easier to operate and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The augmented localization devices autonomously collect localization data from wireless tags and communicate with the central system without requiring manual intervention or complex configuration. The ALDs self-manage their data collection and transmission processes, reducing the operational burden on system administrators while maintaining high localization accuracy.
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
This approach improves the accuracy of wireless tag localization in areas with low access point density and complex building structures, while reducing installation costs by eliminating the need for additional cable runs and power connections.
Implementation Method 1
wireless tags equipped with low energy radio frequency transmitters such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radios
Implementation Method 2
the distance between the tag and an access point receiving the tag's transmission can be approximated based on the signal strength of the transmission (the Received Signal Strength Indication or RSSI)
Implementation Method 3
the position of the tag can be estimated using trilateration based on the RSSI data
Implementation Method 4
equipped with additional sensors such as occupancy sensors, IR beacons
Implementation Method 5
thermal cameras, to enhance the accuracy of wireless tag localization by providing additional data for trilateration and room fingerprinting
Data Source
AI summary
A method for locating wireless tags is described. For each room of a plurality of rooms, occupancy data of the room is received from an occupancy sensor in the room. Location data of one or more wireless tags is received. The location data of each wireless tag indicates one or more probabilities that the wireless tag is in at least some of the plurality of rooms. It is determined, based on the location data and the occupancy data, which room of the plurality of rooms each wireless ag of the one or more wireless tags is located in.