Bluetooth Location Transmitter for Indoor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GPS systems face challenges in determining the location of electronic devices, such as smartphones, in closed or indoor spaces due to signal obstruction by obstacles like building walls, which limits their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a location transmitting device with a sensor and a low-power transmitter, such as a Bluetooth transmitter, that detects wireless communication activity to transmit location data only when data transmissions from electronic devices are detected, allowing devices to determine their location using unique IDs or signal strength measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS signals are used to determine location, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the system fails in closed or indoor spaces due to signal obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of wireless transmitters and sensors that mediate between the electronic device and the location determination process. When GPS is unavailable, these intermediaries provide alternative location data through wireless signal exchanges, ensuring continuous location determination across both outdoor and indoor environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameters of the transmitter based on detection events. The transmitter switches between active transmission and low-power states, adjusting its behavior according to whether wireless communication activity is detected, thereby adapting to different operational conditions and energy requirements.
2Reliability
If the transmitter continuously transmits location data, then location information is always available, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous transmission, the system employs periodic or event-triggered transmission. The transmitter activates only when a sensor detects wireless communication activity from an electronic device, creating a rhythmic on-demand transmission pattern that reduces overall power consumption while maintaining location data availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter monitors its own operational needs by detecting wireless communication activity through integrated sensors. This self-service mechanism allows the system to autonomously determine when transmission is necessary, eliminating the need for external control signals and optimizing power usage based on actual demand.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of transmitting location data based on wireless communication activity can include a location transmitting device having a sensor communicatively coupled to a low-power transmitter. The transmitter (e.g., a Bluetooth™ transmitter) can transmit location data from which an electronic device can derive its location. The sensor can be a sensor configured to detect wireless data transmissions (e.g., cellular data transmissions). In one example, the transmitter can transmit location data in response to the sensor detecting data transmissions of an electronic device. The transmitter can remain in an idle, standby, or otherwise low-power state until the sensor detects data transmissions of an electronic device. In response, the transmitter can transmit data which can be received by the electronic device. The electronic device can then derive the electronic device's location from the data transmitted by the transmitter.