Fire Alarm Beacon Integration for Indoor Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing indoor localization systems face challenges in retrofitting buildings with wireless beacons for indoor positioning, as it is time-consuming and expensive to install and power these beacons, especially in environments where global navigation satellite systems do not function effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing devices within a fire protection loop, equipped with beacon transmitters that transmit wireless signals for indoor localization, powered by a power management circuit and rechargeable supply, allowing for efficient and cost-effective installation and operation, using protocols like Bluetooth, WiFi, or Zigbee, and capable of transmitting unique identification information for location determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wireless beacons are installed for indoor localization, then localization accuracy is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalization accuracyVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling fire safety devices to serve dual purposes: both fire detection and indoor localization. The beacon transmitter is integrated into existing fire safety equipment, allowing it to perform its original fire safety function while simultaneously providing localization services through wireless signal transmission. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated beacons, reducing installation complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the beacon transmitter functionality with fire safety devices by integrating the wireless transmission component into the fire alarm system. The beacon transmitter is combined with the fire detection and notification devices, creating an integrated system where a single component serves multiple functions - fire safety monitoring and indoor positioning. This consolidation reduces the number of separate installations required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If wireless beacons are installed for indoor localization, then localization accuracy is improved, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalization accuracyVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling fire safety devices to serve dual purposes: both fire detection and indoor localization. The beacon transmitter is integrated into existing fire safety equipment, allowing it to perform its original fire safety function while simultaneously providing localization services through wireless signal transmission. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated beacons, reducing installation complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes existing fire safety infrastructure to provide localization services without requiring separate dedicated beacons. The fire safety devices serve themselves by incorporating the beacon transmitter functionality, allowing the same hardware to perform both fire monitoring and positioning tasks. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional separate installations and reduces overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If beacon transmitters are powered continuously, then localization availability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalization availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by having the beacon transmitter operate in intermittent cycles rather than continuously. The transmitter activates during specific periods when localization is needed and remains inactive during other periods, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining localization availability when required. This periodic operation pattern allows the system to balance reliability with energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the power consumption of the beacon transmitter based on operational needs. The transmitter can transition between active and inactive states, and the power management circuit adapts the transmission schedule according to the building's requirements. This dynamic power management allows the system to maintain localization availability during critical periods while minimizing power consumption during non-critical periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3503054B1Integrated wireless beacon in fire alarm devices for indoor localization
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 AUTRONICA FIRE & SECURITY
  • EP3503054B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3503054B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3503054B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and system for communicating via peer to peer messages is disclosed. A method includes advertising availability of the peripheral via wireless messaging for a first period of time; triggering a message send event; determining a destination node; connecting to the destination node via wireless messaging; sending the message to the destination node; and entering a low power state for a second period of time, wherein the second period of time is longer than the first period of time.