Directional Beacon Azimuth Positioning via Signal Strength Differences
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor positioning systems face limitations in accuracy and complexity due to the need for multiple beacons, leading to increased costs and system complexity, especially in environments where GPS signals are weak or unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A method using a beacon that transmits three or more radio signals with unique identifiers, allowing for the calculation of signal strength difference values to determine the azimuth of a mobile device relative to the beacon, thereby improving positioning accuracy with reduced system complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple beacons are used to improve positioning accuracy and coverage, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon transmits multiple radio signals in different directions (first, second, third signals) with different orientations. Each signal carries directional information, allowing the mobile device to determine azimuth by comparing signal strengths from different directions. This segmentation of transmission directions enables accurate positioning without requiring multiple physical beacons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a directional dimension to the beacon transmission. Instead of using multiple beacons positioned at different locations, a single beacon transmits signals in multiple directions (different spatial orientations). The mobile device determines position by analyzing signal strength differences across these directions, effectively adding a directional dimension to the positioning approach.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple beacons are deployed to expand coverage area, then coverage is improved, but equipment cost and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single beacon is designed to perform multiple functions: it transmits radio signals in multiple directions (first, second, third signals) simultaneously, providing both wide coverage and accurate azimuth determination. This multi-functional beacon replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate beacons, reducing equipment and installation costs while maintaining coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon achieves expanded coverage by transmitting signals in multiple directional dimensions rather than requiring multiple beacons positioned throughout the space. By utilizing different transmission orientations from a single location, the system covers a wider area without the cost of deploying additional physical beacons.
3Measurement precision
If more beacons are used to improve positioning resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon segments its transmission into multiple directional signals (first, second, third signals) with different orientations. Each signal provides positional information from a specific direction. By comparing signal strengths from these segmented directional transmissions, the system achieves high positioning resolution using a single beacon instead of multiple beacons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves improved positioning resolution by utilizing directional dimensions in signal transmission. Instead of adding more beacons, a single beacon transmits signals in multiple directions, and the mobile device calculates precise position by analyzing signal strength differences across these directional dimensions.
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 enables more accurate indoor positioning with fewer beacons, reducing equipment and installation costs while maintaining or improving positioning accuracy, and is compatible with existing mobile electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
A method using a beacon that transmits three or more radio signals with unique identifiers
Implementation Method 2
determining the received signal strength of each of the received radio signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a position of a mobile electronic device with respect to a beacon is provided. The beacon transmits three or more radio signals having unique identifiers in different directions within a plane. The method includes receiving the radio signals and determining the received signal strength of each of the received radio signals. The method also includes calculating signal strength difference values for pairs of the received radio signals and determining an azimuth of the mobile electronic device relative to the beacon based on the calculated signal strength difference values for the pairs.