Broadcasting Device Indoor Positioning Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing indoor positioning systems face challenges in reducing power consumption of communication terminals due to the high power requirements of wireless LAN transmitters, especially when used in conjunction with GPS receivers, which limits the overall efficiency of position determination in indoor environments.

Innovation Solution

A broadcasting device that broadcasts positional information and receives terminal identification information, allowing communication terminals to transmit this data back to the broadcasting device, which then relays it to a management system, minimizing the need for powerful transmitters in the terminals and optimizing power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wireless LAN transmitter is used to transmit positional information and terminal ID from the communication terminal to the access point, then the position management function is achieved, but the power consumption of the communication terminal increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition management functionVSAvoidpower consumption of communication terminal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The access point acts as an intermediary that receives positional information directly from the broadcasting device and manages terminal positions without requiring the communication terminal to transmit data over long distances. The access point collects terminal IDs and positional information separately, then correlates them to achieve position management while keeping terminal transmitter power low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the position management function into separate components: the broadcasting device transmits positional information independently, the access point receives and processes this information, and the communication terminal only needs to transmit its terminal ID with low power. This segmentation allows each component to operate efficiently without requiring high power from the terminal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If GPS receiver power consumption is reduced, then battery life is extended, but the total power consumption remains high due to the wireless LAN transmitter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceiver power consumptionVSAvoidtotal power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the positioning function with the existing wireless LAN infrastructure. The access point, which is already part of the wireless LAN system, is utilized to receive and process positional information from broadcasting devices and correlate it with terminal IDs. This merging eliminates the need for a separate high-power transmission system in the terminal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The access point serves as a mediator that consolidates positional information from broadcasting devices and terminal IDs from communication terminals, then performs the position correlation centrally. This approach allows terminals to use low-power transmission while still achieving accurate position determination through the intermediary's processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9268004B2Broadcasting device, position management system, broadcasting method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2016.02.23 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A broadcasting device includes a broadcasting unit configured to broadcast positional information indicating the position of the broadcasting device; and a receiving unit configured to receive, from a communication terminal receiving the broadcast positional information, terminal identification information for identifying the communication terminal and the positional information.