Connected Object Geolocation via Smartphone Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geolocation methods for connected objects are energy-intensive, costly, and require additional equipment, making it difficult to accurately locate moving objects without increasing infrastructure costs or consuming excessive power.
Innovation Solution
Connected objects use wireless reception means to receive location data from nearby terminals, calculating their own geolocation information based on this data, with a precision datum that accounts for the number of occurrences, and periodically activate/deactivate reception to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or dedicated geolocation modules are used in connected objects, then geolocation precision is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where dedicated geolocation modules act as mediators between connected objects and the geolocation system. These modules are equipped with GPS receivers and calculation units that independently determine position, then communicate location data to connected objects via wireless transmission. This mediator architecture allows connected objects to obtain accurate geolocation information without incorporating power-intensive GPS hardware themselves, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the geolocation function from connected objects and places it in separate dedicated modules. The GPS receiver and calculation means are taken out of the connected object and relocated to standalone geolocation modules that can serve multiple objects. This extraction allows connected objects to maintain minimal power consumption while still accessing precise geolocation data through wireless communication from the extracted geolocation functionality.
2Measurement precision
If GPS modules are incorporated in connected objects, then geolocation capability is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the GPS module from the connected object and places it in a separate dedicated geolocation device. This extraction removes the volume burden from connected objects while preserving geolocation capability. The standalone module contains the GPS receiver and calculation means, allowing connected objects to remain compact while still accessing precise location information through wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal geolocation module that can serve multiple connected objects simultaneously. This single multi-functional module replaces what would otherwise be multiple individual GPS units required for each object. The universal module receives signals from multiple satellites and provides geolocation services to numerous connected objects via wireless communication, thereby reducing overall system volume while maintaining full geolocation capability.
3Measurement precision
If triangulation calculations are performed using fixed base stations, then geolocation precision is improved, but infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs smartphones with GPS capabilities as universal geolocation terminals that can serve multiple connected objects. Instead of requiring dedicated fixed base stations for each object, a single smartphone can perform triangulation calculations and provide geolocation services to multiple objects within its range. This universal approach significantly reduces infrastructure costs while maintaining precision through the smartphone's integrated GPS receiver and calculation means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables smartphones to perform self-service geolocation by using their own GPS receivers and calculation units to determine position information. These smartphones then share their location capabilities with connected objects, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated infrastructure. The smartphone's operating system and application software automatically handle the geolocation calculations, providing a self-sufficient solution that reduces external infrastructure requirements.
4Measurement precision
If directional antennas with signal steering are used, then geolocation precision is improved, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software-based signal processing to copy and simulate the functionality of complex directional antenna systems. Instead of physically implementing expensive directional antennas with mechanical steering mechanisms, the patent employs software algorithms that process signals from omnidirectional antennas to achieve similar geolocation precision. This software copying approach maintains measurement accuracy while dramatically reducing hardware complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical directional antenna systems with electronic and software-based solutions. Instead of using physically steerable directional antennas that require complex mechanical components, the patent uses fixed omnidirectional antennas combined with software-based signal processing and triangulation calculations. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving geolocation precision through computational methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A connected object, which is able to calculate its own position without using embedded elements specific for doing this. The connected object possesses a wireless receiver for receiving signals coming from a plurality of located terminals. The signals include location data for locating the located terminals. The connected object calculates a piece of geolocation information of its own position based on a plurality of location data coming from the various located terminals.