Facility Device Location Estimation Using Relative Position Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location estimation methods for facility devices, such as air conditioners and lighting devices, require repetitive estimation processes to achieve sufficient accuracy, which is time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A location estimation apparatus that communicatively connects to known and unknown facility devices, using relative location information and installation specifications to estimate the absolute location of unknown devices with higher accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If repetitive estimation processes are used to improve location estimation accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting relative location information from multiple facility devices and storing installation specifications before the final estimation. This preparation work is done in advance so that when location estimation is needed, the system can quickly compute absolute locations using pre-stored reference data and specifications, avoiding time-consuming repetitive measurements while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces relative location information as an intermediary element between known and unknown locations. Instead of directly measuring absolute locations through repetitive processes, the system uses relative location data from multiple facility devices as a mediator to calculate absolute positions, reducing the need for repeated direct measurements while improving estimation accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple facility devices are used to provide relative location information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each facility device in the system is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a reference device providing relative location information and as a potential target for location estimation. This multi-functionality allows the system to use existing facility devices without adding specialized equipment, reducing overall system complexity while improving measurement precision through multiple data sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The facility devices themselves provide the relative location information needed for estimation without requiring external measurement equipment. Each device contributes its own relative location data to the network, enabling the system to improve accuracy through self-service rather than requiring additional complex external measurement infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
In a second facility device whose installation location is unknown, a relative location estimator measures a wireless signal transmitted by a first facility device whose installation location is known and estimates a relative location between the first facility device and the second facility device. In a controller, a relative location receiver receives information indicating the relative location sent by the second facility device. An absolute location estimator estimates an absolute location of the second facility device based on the relative location indicated by the information received by the relative location receiver, the installation location of the first facility device, and installation specifications stipulated for the facility devices.