Directional Antenna Beacon for Indoor Positioning Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indoor positioning systems using omni-directional antennas often misidentify the closest beacon due to signal reflections and directional broadcast patterns, leading to inaccurate positioning determinations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing lighting fixtures with directional radiating elements, such as planar patch antennas, that transmit RF signals in a focused direction, minimizing reflections and improving signal accuracy by using a unique identifier for each fixture, which can be detected by a mobile receiver to determine its location within a facility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If omni-directional antennas are used to broadcast signals, then signal coverage is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to signal reflections and directional broadcast patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using directional antennas instead of omni-directional antennas. Each antenna is designed to broadcast signals in specific directional patterns (e.g., upward, downward, leftward, rightward) rather than uniformly in all directions. This localized signal transmission reduces unwanted reflections and interference from other directions, thereby improving positioning accuracy while maintaining adequate coverage area.
2Measurement precision
If directional radiating elements are used to improve signal accuracy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but signal coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the signal coverage into multiple directional segments. Instead of using a single omni-directional antenna that broadcasts uniformly in all directions, the system uses multiple directional antennas (e.g., four antennas arranged in a square pattern, each broadcasting in a specific direction). This segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive coverage area while improving positioning accuracy through reduced signal interference and reflections.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of indoor positioning by reducing signal interference and reflections, allowing for precise location determination of mobile devices using the strongest signal, which corresponds to the closest beacon, thereby improving the efficiency of indoor positioning systems.
Implementation Method 1
lighting fixtures with directional radiating elements, such as planar patch antennas, that transmit RF signals in a focused direction
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method, and system, the apparatus including a housing; a light source, disposed in the housing, including at least one source of illumination; a radio frequency (RF) transmitter located on or in the housing; and at least one directional radiating element at least partially enclosed by the housing and coupled to RF transmitter, the at least one directional radiating element directing a RF signal transmitted by the RF transmitter in a predetermined direction away from the housing.