Two-Level Beacon Localization for Low-Energy Tags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless localization systems for movable objects or persons face challenges due to complex processing at identification tags and high energy consumption, particularly in systems using ultrasonic signals and RFID tags.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a combination of signal characteristics and address-based localization, where beacons broadcast identification elements, and tags transmit these elements along with signal characteristics to perform efficient and accurate localization, reducing processing at beacons and energy consumption by using ultrasound for room-level accuracy and radio-frequency for longer-range coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic signals are used for localization, then localization accuracy is improved, but energy consumption at tags increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the localization process into two distinct levels: a first level using signal characteristics (RSSI, TOA) for coarse localization, and a second level using identification elements for fine localization. This segmentation allows the system to achieve accurate localization while reducing the processing burden and energy consumption at tags, as not all tags need to perform complex processing of all beacon signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by having tags selectively process beacon messages based on their operational needs and signal strength thresholds. Tags only engage in full processing (extracting identification elements) when necessary, rather than continuously processing all beacon messages, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining localization accuracy when needed.
2Measurement precision
If complex processing is performed at identification tags, then localization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the localization processing into two levels: a simpler first level that uses signal characteristics for coarse localization, and a more complex second level that uses identification elements for fine localization. This segmentation reduces the processing complexity at tags by allowing them to operate at the simpler first level unless higher accuracy is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where beacons provide identification elements that act as mediators between the tag and the final localization result. Tags receive and process these identification elements from multiple beacons, and the system uses this information to determine location without requiring tags to perform complex calculations themselves.
3Measurement precision
If large amounts of data are transmitted from beacons to tags, then localization accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary identification elements from beacon messages that tags need to process, rather than transmitting and processing all possible data. This extraction approach reduces the amount of data transmission and processing required at tags while maintaining the localization accuracy needed for the application.
4Area of stationary object
If more beacons are deployed for better coverage, then localization coverage is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beacon functionality into two parts: beacons that transmit identification elements and beacons that provide signal characteristics. This segmentation allows for more efficient use of beacons, where fewer beacons may be needed to achieve the same coverage and accuracy compared to a system where all beacons perform all functions.
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 reduces energy consumption and costs by minimizing processing at beacons, achieving efficient and accurate localization with reduced data transmission and power usage, while maintaining low complexity and cost-effective hardware.
Implementation Method 1
using a plurality of beacons to broadcast beacon messages
Implementation Method 2
whose arrival time they measure
Implementation Method 3
transmitted by radio waves to a central unit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention pertains to a method and system for determining a location of an identification tag (100) in a monitored area. The method comprises using a plurality of beacons (200) to broadcast (2010) beacon messages comprising an identification element relating to the originating beacon; receiving (2020) at a first set of beacons a localisation message from an identification tag (100), the tag having received (1010) a beacon message, extracted (1020) the identification element from the received beacon message, and transmitted (1030) information related to the identification element as part of the localisation message; performing (3010) a first level of localisation of the tag on the basis of characteristics of the respective copies of the localisation message received at the first set of beacons; and performing (3020) a second level of localisation of the tag on the basis of the information related to the identification element.