Mobile Station Beacon Switching for Reliable Dead-Zone Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position estimation systems face challenges in reliably determining positions, especially in environments where GPS signals are weak or unavailable, such as tunnels or under roofs, and relying solely on short-range radios like Bluetooth can hinder necessary information acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A position estimation system that includes a beacon transmitter, a mobile station, and a position estimation apparatus, where the mobile station switches between transmitting positioning data using either a BLE or RF communication system based on the received beacon signal, allowing for more reliable position estimation by selecting the appropriate communication method based on signal strength and environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS signal is used for outdoor position estimation, then positioning accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates in dead areas (tunnels, under roofs)
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between GPS and BLE transmission methods based on signal availability. The mobile station detects whether GPS signal is available and automatically selects the appropriate transmission method, making the system adaptive to changing environmental conditions rather than relying on a single fixed method
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission parameter (method selection) based on environmental conditions. When GPS signal strength falls below a threshold or in dead areas, the system transitions from using GPS to using BLE beacon signals, adjusting the operational parameter to maintain functionality
2Reliability
If short-range radio (Bluetooth) is always used for position estimation, then reliability in dead areas is improved, but information acquisition capability deteriorates when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the transmission method based on environmental conditions and information needs. It can switch from BLE to GPS when available and when information acquisition is necessary, preventing permanent reliance on short-range radio that may not provide sufficient information in certain scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile station is designed with multi-functionality, supporting both GPS and BLE transmission methods. This universal design allows the system to utilize the most appropriate method for each situation, whether it's GPS for outdoor positioning or BLE for indoor dead areas, without being limited to a single method
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmission means are provided in mobile station, then adaptability to different environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than having all transmission means active simultaneously, the system uses dynamic switching to select the appropriate method based on environmental conditions. This reduces the effective complexity by having only the necessary components active at any given time while maintaining the capability to adapt to different environments
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile station autonomously detects environmental conditions and automatically selects the appropriate transmission method without requiring external control. The device monitors GPS signal availability and beacon signal reception, then independently decides which transmission means to use, reducing the need for complex external control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A position estimation system includes a beacon transmitter that transmits a beacon signal, a mobile station that receives the beacon signal from the beacon transmitter and transmits positioning data including ID information of the received beacon signal, and a position information server that estimates a position of the mobile station based on the positioning data transmitted from the mobile station, in which the mobile station includes a plurality of transmission means, and switches the transmission means for transmitting the positioning data based on the received beacon signal.