Remote Beacon Signal Control for Battery-Constrained Device Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for locating electronic devices using signals are limited by the need for network connectivity and power consumption, which can deplete the device's battery before it can be found, especially in areas without cellular or satellite coverage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling and locating a remote signal using two-way communication between a search device and a target device, where the search device measures signal strength, approximates proximity, and adjusts the target device's signal configuration to optimize power consumption, allowing for location without reliance on large-scale networks and minimizing battery drain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the target device transmits signals continuously to enable location tracking, then the location accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases and depletes the battery before the device can be found
Solution Approach 1:
The target device transmits beacon signals at periodic intervals rather than continuously. The search device receives these periodic signals and uses signal strength measurements to track the target's location over time, achieving location accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The search device measures the signal strength of received beacons and provides feedback about the target's location and power status. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of transmission parameters, allowing the system to maintain location tracking accuracy while optimizing power consumption based on real-time conditions.
2Area of stationary object
If the target device uses high transmission power to extend signal range, then the search area coverage is improved, but the battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple search devices distributed across the search area, each operating at lower transmission power. Collectively, these devices cover the entire search area, while the target device uses minimal transmission power to reach any single search device, thereby extending battery life while maintaining comprehensive search area coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The target device transmits beacons periodically at low power, and the search area is covered by multiple search devices that scan for these signals. This periodic low-power transmission combined with distributed search devices achieves full area coverage without requiring high transmission power, thus preserving battery life.
3Measurement precision
If the target device requires network connectivity to transmit location information, then the location data accuracy is improved, but the system becomes inoperative in areas without cellular or satellite coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The search device acts as an intermediary that receives beacon signals from the target device and performs trilateration using multiple received signals to determine location. This eliminates the need for the target device to have network connectivity or GNSS capabilities, enabling operation in remote areas while maintaining location accuracy through the intermediary search devices that do have positioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the target device's electronic network connectivity requirement with a signal-based passive beacon transmission. Location determination is achieved through signal propagation physics and trilateration mathematics rather than through network infrastructure, enabling operation in areas without cellular or satellite coverage while maintaining location 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
Enables efficient location of electronic devices independent of cellular or satellite connectivity, extending the target device's battery life and ensuring successful signal detection by optimizing signal transmission and consumption during the search process.
Implementation Method 1
The second electronic device may be configured to measure a strength of the first wireless signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling and locating the source of a remote signal, comprising a first electronic device configured to transmit a first wireless signal containing information concerning a power level of the first electronic device, and a second electronic device configured to: measure a strength of the first wireless signal; approximate a proximity of the second electronic device to the first electronic device; identify, based on the approximated proximity and the information concerning the power level of the first electronic device, one or more changes to a configuration of the first wireless signal for optimizing power consumption of the first electronic device during a search for the first electronic device; and instruct the first electronic device, via a second wireless signal, to transmit the first wireless signal with the at least one or more identified configuration changes.