Multi-Level Building Position Tracking via Signal Strength Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking emergency responders in multi-story buildings face challenges such as poor visibility, limited transmission range, and positional errors due to environmental factors like smoke, debris, and changing air pressure, making it difficult to accurately locate responders in real-time, especially in large, complex structures.
Innovation Solution
A portable transponder system that uses signal strength estimations from multiple receivers to determine the location of a responder within a multi-level building, employing a Majority Rule and Stability Rule algorithm to calculate the level and position, integrated with existing wireless communication systems and emergency tracking modes to enable precise tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inertial navigation systems with barometers are used for tracking, then three-dimensional position tracking is achieved, but positional errors increase over time and barometric readings become inaccurate due to fire-induced air pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fixed reference transponders installed throughout the building as intermediary reference points. The mobile transponder compares its signal strength readings against these known reference points to calculate its position, replacing the unreliable inertial navigation system with a relative positioning method that uses the building's existing wireless infrastructure and fixed reference points for continuous position verification.
2Measurement precision
If triangulation or electromagnetic field strength properties are used for tracking, then location determination is possible, but multiple reflections of radio waves inside buildings make the approach difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple transponder devices that transmit identification codes and signal strength information without complex processing capabilities. The positioning intelligence is centralized in the base station software, which processes signal strength readings from multiple receivers to determine position. This distributes the complexity to the software layer rather than requiring complex hardware in each transponder unit.
3Measurement precision
If disposable mesh communication elements are used for tracking, then location determination may be possible, but the elements are wasted and present a nuisance for property owners to clean up when not in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the building's existing wireless communication infrastructure (WiFi access points, wireless network devices) for dual purposes: normal communication functions and emergency tracking functions. The same wireless devices that provide internet connectivity also serve as receivers for transponder signals, eliminating the need for separate disposable tracking elements and repurposing existing infrastructure for emergency response tracking.
4Loss of information
If Mayday radio systems are used for tracking, then first responders in need of help can be broadcast, but the systems do not provide sufficient location precision to direct movement to safe positions or needed locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous bidirectional communication where mobile transponders periodically transmit their identification codes and signal strength readings to base stations, and base stations provide feedback by acknowledging receipt and potentially directing transponders to specific receivers for more accurate positioning. This continuous feedback loop enables real-time position updates and precise location determination throughout the emergency response.
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
The system provides accurate and reliable real-time tracking of emergency responders, overcoming environmental challenges and positional errors, allowing for effective resource direction and safety management in large, multi-story buildings.
Implementation Method 1
a portable transponder configured to transmit a signal including an identification code; a plurality of receivers to receive the signal
Implementation Method 2
a signal strength estimator to produce a signal strength estimation of the received signal received by the at least one receiver
Data Source
AI summary
System and method to locate a person in a multi-level building, including: a portable transmitter coupled to the person, the portable transmitter configured to transmit a signal comprising an identification code; a plurality of receivers located in a multi-level building to receive the signal, substantially each receiver producing a received signal, wherein at least a first receiver is located on a first level and at least a second receiver is located on a second level, wherein the second level is different than the first level; a signal strength estimator coupled to at least one receiver, the signal strength estimator configured to produce a signal strength estimation of the received signal received by the at least one receiver; and a processor configured to receive the signal strength estimations, and from the signal strength estimations calculate a level of the multi-level building on which the person is located.