Emergency Exit Sign Beacon Module Indoor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional indoor positioning technologies face challenges such as high installation and maintenance costs, large measurement errors, and limited accuracy within buildings and between floors due to difficulties in signal penetration and restrictive service ranges, making them unsuitable for low-cost implementation.
Innovation Solution
An emergency exit sign equipped with a beacon module that periodically transmits a beacon signal, allowing for accurate indoor positioning through a portable terminal and positioning server, which determines user location based on signal strength, enabling low-cost system setup and rapid emergency response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional indoor positioning technologies (RF signal, infrared ray) are used, then positioning service can be provided indoors, but measurement error becomes large and system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the emergency exit sign function with indoor positioning beacon function into a single integrated device. The emergency exit sign housing contains both the emergency lighting/display components and the beacon module with antenna, merging two functions into one structure. This eliminates the need for separate positioning infrastructure while providing accurate positioning through the integrated beacon that transmits signals readable by portable terminals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RF signal based positioning is used, then indoor positioning service is enabled, but signal penetration through walls and between floors is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon module uses universal Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology that can penetrate walls and floors more effectively than traditional RF positioning systems. The same beacon signal can be received by any standard portable terminal with BLE capability, providing wide coverage throughout the building including between floors, while maintaining reliable signal detection accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If infrared ray based positioning is used, then positioning service is provided, but service range becomes restrictive and installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces infrared ray-based positioning with electromagnetic wave-based beacon technology. The beacon module transmits electromagnetic signals (Bluetooth Low Energy) that can penetrate obstacles and cover much larger areas compared to line-of-sight required infrared systems. This substitution provides both accurate positioning and extensive service range throughout the entire building.
4Measurement precision
If ultrasonic wave based positioning is used, then accurate measurement is achieved, but system installation cost becomes very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses low-cost beacon modules based on Bluetooth Low Energy technology that can be mass-produced at minimal cost. These inexpensive beacons are integrated into emergency exit signs that are already required in buildings, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated positioning infrastructure. The portable terminals use existing BLE capabilities, further reducing system cost while maintaining accurate positioning.
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 solution allows for accurate and cost-effective indoor positioning, facilitating rapid user location detection and evacuation routing during emergencies, reducing the need for extensive system installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The indoor positioning beacon module periodically wirelessly transmits a beacon signal including beacon ID to the external through built-in antenna
Implementation Method 2
The AC/DC converter converts the power source supplied from the power supply unit and supplies a driving power source to an indoor positioning beacon module
Implementation Method 3
The LED lamp is installed within the housing such that the lamp is positioned in rear of the display
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency exit sign having a beacon module for indoor positioning and an indoor positioning system using the same are provided. The emergency exit sign includes a power supply unit, an AC/DC converter, an indoor positioning beacon module, an LED lamp, and a charger. The power supply unit receives an input of a power source and supplies the power source. The AC/DC converter converts the power source supplied and supplies a driving power source. The indoor positioning beacon module periodically wireless transmits a beacon signal including a beacon ID through a built-in antenna. The LED lamp is installed within the housing such that the lamp is positioned in rear of the display. When a power source is not supplied from the power supply unit, the charger supplies a driving power source.