Dual-band RTLS Using Segmented Locating Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Real-time location systems face challenges in accurately tracking assets in complex environments due to conditions that complicate communication between wireless tags and reference points, such as reduced signal penetration and interference.
Innovation Solution
A real-time location method using short-range radio frequency beacon signals transmitted by tracking tags, received by wide-angle and narrow-angle locating device nodes, which transmit long-range signals over a wide area network with spread spectrum modulation, allowing for accurate asset tracking by associating tags with nodes based on received signal strength indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If short-range radio frequency beacon signals are used for tracking tags, then location precision within rooms is improved, but signal penetration and communication reliability deteriorate in complex environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tracking infrastructure into multiple types of locating device nodes (wide-angle and narrow-angle nodes) that work together. Each node type has specialized reception capabilities, and the system segments the signal transmission into short-range beacon signals for precision and long-range signals for reliability, with each segment handling specific aspects of the tracking task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary locating device nodes that receive short-range beacon signals from tracking tags and then transmit long-range signals to centralized locations. These intermediary nodes act as mediators that convert the short-range precise signals into long-range reliable communications, solving the penetration problem while preserving location accuracy.
2Area of stationary object
If wide-area network backhaul is used for centralized location determination, then communication coverage is improved, but transmission speed and real-time performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The communication architecture is segmented into two functional layers: short-range beacon signal transmission for rapid local communication between tags and nearby locating nodes, and long-range network backhaul for centralized data aggregation. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize for its specific function, maintaining real-time performance locally while achieving wide area coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic beacon signal transmissions from tracking tags at optimized intervals. This periodic action allows the system to balance real-time tracking requirements with network bandwidth constraints, transmitting location data only when necessary while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple types of locating device nodes are deployed, then location resolution is improved, but device complexity and system cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by deploying different types of locating device nodes (wide-angle and narrow-angle) in different spatial locations based on specific coverage requirements. Wide-angle nodes are placed in areas requiring broad coverage, while narrow-angle nodes are positioned where precise directional tracking is needed, optimizing the overall system performance without uniformly increasing complexity everywhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating device nodes are designed with multi-functionality, capable of receiving both wide-angle and narrow-angle beacon signals, and of transmitting both short-range and long-range communications. This universality allows a single node type to perform multiple functions, reducing the need for highly specialized equipment and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 method enables precise asset location determination within rooms and efficient backhaul to a centralized location, improving resolution and reducing errors in tracking assets across a site.
Implementation Method 1
A short-range radio frequency signal transmitter of at least one tracking tag transmits a beacon signal which includes unique identification information
Implementation Method 2
The beacon signal is received at a received signal strength with one or more signal receivers of one or more wide-angle locating device nodes each including at least one omnidirectional signal receiver and one or more narrow-angle locating device nodes each including at least one directional signal receiver
Implementation Method 3
At least one of a long-range radio frequency transmitter of the one or more wide-angle locating device nodes and a long-range radio frequency transmitter of the one or more narrow-angle locating device nodes transmits, using a spread spectrum, long-range modulation over a wide area network, the locating signal
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes a real-time location system for tracking assets at a site. The system includes one or more tracking tags for carrying by or on the assets, one or more locating device nodes and a processing application. Each tracking tag includes a short-range radio frequency signal transmitter configured to transmit a beacon signal with unique identification information of the tracking tag. Each locating device node includes a signal receiver configured to receive the beacon signals at a received signal strength and a long-range radio frequency transmitter configured to transmit, using a spread spectrum, long-range modulation over a wide area network, locating signals including the unique identification information of the tracking tag and a received signal strength indicator representing the received signal strength. The processing application is configured to associate tracking tags and locating device nodes based upon the received signal strength indicator.