Distributed Fence-Pole Geofencing for GNSS-Free Indoor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geofencing systems rely on GNSS, which can fail indoors, limiting their effectiveness in indoor environments.
Innovation Solution
A geofencing system using a group of fence-pole devices (FPDs) that communicate via D2D SL and refined beamforming to determine if a communication device is within a geofenced area, without relying on GNSS or network functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GNSS is used for geofencing, then outdoor location detection is reliable, but indoor location detection fails due to lack of GNSS coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the geofencing functionality into multiple independent fence-pole devices that can be distributed throughout the environment. Each device independently performs D2D communication and beamforming operations, allowing the system to function without centralized GNSS infrastructure and enabling operation in indoor environments where GNSS is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces D2D communication as an intermediary mechanism between fence-pole devices and target devices, replacing GNSS-dependent location services. This intermediary enables direct device-to-device signaling for geofence detection, bypassing the need for satellite-based positioning and network infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If D2D SL communication is used for geofencing, then GNSS dependency is eliminated and indoor operation is enabled, but device complexity increases due to beamforming requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Fence-pole devices perform autonomous beamforming operations without requiring external coordination or complex centralized control. Each device independently manages its own beamforming sequences, resource allocation, and geofence detection logic, simplifying the overall system architecture despite the technical complexity of individual device operations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple FPDs are deployed for accurate indoor geofencing, then location determination accuracy improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic beamforming sequences and measurement intervals rather than continuous operation. Fence-pole devices perform D2D communication and location measurements at scheduled intervals, reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate location accuracy for geofencing applications.
Data Source
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AI summary
A geofencing system (310) that does not rely on a GNSS or other like system. The geofencing system comprises a group of two or more fence-pole devices, FPDs, that define a geofenced area (399). Each FPD in the group is capable of making its own determination as to whether or not a certain communication device (377, 378) appears to be within the geofenced area. In one embodiment, if all of the FPDs have determined that the communication device appears to be within the geofenced area, then it is decided that the communication device is within the geofenced area. In another embodiment, if the group of FPDs consists of N FPDs and at least N-1 of the FPDs have determined that the communication device appears to be within the geofenced area, then it is decided that the communication device is within the geofenced area.