Electronic Device Position Tracking via Dynamic Reference Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position locating methods for electronic devices, such as those using GPS, are less accurate for nonlinear movements and cannot reliably locate positions indoors, especially in sports settings where players' movements are complex and occluded.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising at least three electronic devices with a sensor module, communication module, and processor that dynamically sets devices as master, reference, or normal electronic devices to calculate positions using triangulation based on movement information and RF positioning technology, eliminating the need for a separate reference point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS signals are used for position locating, then outdoor position tracking is enabled, but accuracy deteriorates for nonlinear movements and indoor locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electronic devices worn by players as intermediary reference points between GPS satellites and the ground. These devices receive GPS signals and re-transmit position information to nearby devices, creating a distributed reference network that works both outdoors and indoors where direct GPS reception is unavailable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional GPS satellite-based positioning system with a peer-to-peer wireless communication system using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This substitution enables position tracking in indoor environments and for nonlinear movements by relying on direct device-to-device communication rather than satellite signals
2Measurement precision
If a separate reference point (anchor node) is used for position locating, then position can be determined relative to the reference point, but the system complexity increases and requires additional infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables electronic devices to serve themselves as reference points for position determination. Each device dynamically becomes a reference point for its neighbors based on relative position calculations, eliminating the need for pre-deployed anchor nodes or fixed infrastructure. The system self-organizes using algorithms that identify stable reference devices from the moving crowd
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reference point selection where devices transition between being tracked objects and reference points based on their relative positions and movement patterns. This dynamic role assignment allows the system to adapt to changing conditions without requiring fixed infrastructure, with reference devices being selected algorithmically from among the moving devices themselves
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for locating positions of electronic devices is provided. The method includes receiving, by a master electronic device, movement information of the electronic devices, and setting the electronic devices to a first reference device, a second reference device, or a normal electronic device, based on the movement information, calculating, by the first reference device, a distance between the first reference device and the second reference device and a distance between the first reference device and the normal electronic device, calculating, by the second reference device, a distance between the second reference device and the normal electronic device, and transmitting the calculated distance information to the first reference device, and calculating, by the first reference device, a position of the normal electronic device by a triangulation method, based on the distances among the first reference device, the second reference device, and the normal electronic device.