Directional Stationary Device Location Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location estimation systems using received signal strength indicators (RSSIs) face errors due to multipath and shielding effects, leading to inaccurate location estimation, and increasing the number of stationary devices to mitigate this issue increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating directional stationary devices with directional antennas to provide complementary information for identifying non-directional stationary devices used in location estimation, thereby reducing errors caused by multipath and shielding effects without increasing the number or location of non-directional devices, and allowing simultaneous location estimation and intercommunication using the same radio communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of stationary devices is increased to reduce location estimation errors, then location estimation accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments stationary devices into two functional types: non-directional devices that provide broad coverage RSSI measurements, and directional devices that provide complementary directional information. This segmentation allows the system to achieve accurate location estimation without needing to increase the total number of devices, as each type performs its specialized function efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The directional stationary device serves multiple functions: it provides complementary information for identifying the correct non-directional device, helps eliminate multipath errors, and maintains system operation. This multi-functionality allows one device to perform what would otherwise require multiple dedicated devices, reducing the total system cost.
2Measurement precision
If arithmetic processing is performed to use only high received signal strength indicators, then location estimation accuracy is improved, but the number of stationary devices must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The directional stationary device acts as an intermediary that provides complementary information to identify which non-directional device's RSSI reading should be used. This intermediary device enables the system to select the correct high-quality RSSI measurement without needing to increase the number of non-directional devices or perform complex arithmetic processing on multiple readings.
3Measurement precision
If antennas with different directivities are switched to reduce multipath errors, then location estimation accuracy is improved, but interconnection between stationary devices is disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of dynamically switching antennas which causes connection instability, the system uses a static configuration where directional and non-directional devices work together. The directional device continuously provides complementary information without switching, maintaining stable interconnection while still achieving dynamic error reduction through the combination of both device types.
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 location estimation while maintaining cost-effectiveness and enabling seamless intercommunication between stationary devices, reducing the reliance on erroneous RSSI readings from non-directional devices affected by multipath and shielding.
Implementation Method 1
a directional stationary device having a directional antenna configured to receive a radio signal transmitted by the mobile device
Implementation Method 2
three or more non-directional stationary devices having a non-directional antenna configured to receive a radio signal transmitted by the mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
A location estimation system includes non-directional stationary devices having respective non-directional antennas configured to receive a radio signal transmitted by a mobile device; and directional stationary devices having respective directional antennas configured to receive a radio signal transmitted by the mobile device. The non-directional stationary devices output, as pieces of location estimation information for estimating a location of the mobile device, pieces of information indicating received signal strength indicators of the received radio signal. The directional stationary devices output, as pieces of complementary information for identifying a non-directional stationary device used for location estimation from among the non-directional stationary devices, pieces of information indicating received signal strength indicators of the received radio signal.