Energizer-Aided Positioning of Ambient Devices in ESL Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fingerprinting techniques for indoor positioning of ambient IoT devices in retail environments suffer from inaccuracies due to signal interference, making it challenging to accurately determine the position of these devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of an energizer subsystem within an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) infrastructure, which transmits energizing radio waves to ambient IoT devices, enriches positioning measurements by providing ground truth data during the training phase and improves positioning accuracy during the testing phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional fingerprinting techniques are used for indoor positioning of ambient IoT devices, then the positioning system can be implemented with existing infrastructure, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces energizer transmission parameters as an intermediary element that mediates between the positioning system and signal interference. These parameters serve as a reference that helps distinguish actual device positions from interference patterns, thereby improving positioning accuracy without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in energizer transmission parameters (such as transmission power, time slots, beams, and channels) to create distinctive fingerprints for different locations. By monitoring how these parameters vary across locations and devices, the system can accurately determine device positions even in the presence of signal interference
2Measurement precision
If energizer transmission parameters are used to enrich positioning measurements, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the positioning system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing energizer infrastructure multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its primary purpose (powering ambient devices) and a secondary positioning function. The same energizer transmission parameters used for power delivery are also utilized for positioning measurements, eliminating the need for separate positioning hardware and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The energizer system performs self-service by generating its own transmission parameters that simultaneously serve as positioning references. The system uses its inherent operational characteristics (transmission power variations, time slot allocations, beam directions) without requiring external calibration or additional reference infrastructure
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 for ambient IoT devices by mitigating signal interference and leveraging energizer transmission parameters to determine the device's position within the environment.
Implementation Method 1
configuring a first subset of devices to transmit energizing radio waves for an ambient device... the ambient device based on the energizing radio waves from the first subset
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) systems that support positioning of ambient devices. In a first aspect, a method includes: configuring a first subset of devices to transmit energizing radio waves for an ambient device in a vicinity of the first subset; receiving, from a second subset of devices, positioning data relating to signal transmissions received by the second subset from the ambient device based on the energizing radio waves from the first subset; comparing the positioning data with ground truth data correlating devices with known locations; identifying, based on the comparing, at least one matching device for which the ground truth data matches the positioning data; and determining a position of the ambient device based on a corresponding known location of the at least one matching device. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.