Proximity Beacon Location via Network Device RSSI

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for effective methods to locate low-power proximity beacons in wireless networks, particularly when they are used for tracking movement and operational statuses of portable equipment, as existing technologies are inadequate in accurately determining their positions within a region.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system that uses network devices to receive proximity beacon signals, generate RSSI reporting messages, and determine the position of network device-coupled proximity beacon transmitters based on these messages and network device map data, allowing for accurate location determination within a region.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If low-power proximity beacons are used for tracking portable equipment, then energy consumption is reduced and portability is improved, but location accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidlocation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces network devices as intermediary components that receive proximity beacon signals and perform RSSI-based position determination. These network devices act as mediators between the low-power beacons and the location tracking system, enabling accurate location determination without requiring the beacons themselves to have high power transmission capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct high-power transmission mechanics with signal strength measurement mechanics. Instead of using powerful transmitters to achieve long-range accurate tracking, the system uses RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) measurement to determine position based on signal attenuation characteristics, substituting mechanical transmission power with measurement-based positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If proximity beacons transmit at higher power to improve location accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by having network devices measure the signal strength from low-power beacons instead of having beacons transmit at high power. The position determination is achieved by measuring RSSI at the network device and calculating position based on signal attenuation, rather than using high-power transmission to directly enable positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the proximity beacons to use low transmission power, and compensates for the reduced signal strength by using RSSI measurement and position calculation algorithms that work with attenuated signals. The system adapts to the low-power parameter change by using measurement-based positioning instead of transmission-based positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If RSSI-based position determination is used, then location tracking capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation tracking capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes network devices perform multiple functions: they serve as both network infrastructure components and as position determination entities. By integrating RSSI measurement and position calculation capabilities into existing network devices, the system avoids adding separate dedicated positioning hardware, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining location tracking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables precise location tracking of proximity beacons, enhancing the ability to monitor and manage portable equipment within wireless networks, improving operational efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

A RSSI reporting message is generated at the network device based on the proximity beacon signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10694319B2Network device based proximity beacon locating

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 EXTREME NETWORKS INC

AI summary

A proximity beacon signal transmitted by a network device-coupled proximity beacon transmitter is received at a network device. A RSSI reporting message is generated at the network device based on the proximity beacon signal. A position of the network device-coupled proximity beacon transmitter with respect to the network device is determined using the RSSI reporting message. A location of the network device within a region is determined using the RSSI reporting message and network device map data for the region. The location of the network device-coupled proximity beacon transmitter in the region is determined based on the position of the network device-coupled proximity beacon transmitter with respect to the network device and the location of the network device within the region.