Intelligent Light Fixture Beacon Positioning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beacon technology for indoor positioning is limited by battery power constraints, leading to infrequent transmission and latency, and struggles with accurate location determination in environments with multiple beacons in close proximity, resulting in 'dead spots' and inaccurate location identification.
Innovation Solution
Intelligent fixtures transmit signals with different spatial resolutions using directional and omni-directional antennas, allowing mobile devices to determine their location more accurately by receiving signals with varying levels of precision, and using dedicated power sources to maintain continuous transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional beacons transmit infrequently due to battery power constraints, then energy consumption is reduced, but location accuracy and response time deteriorate due to latency and dead spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beacon functionality with a permanently powered light fixture, combining two previously separate functions (beacon transmission and lighting) into a single integrated system. This allows the beacon to access continuous power from the light fixture's electrical connection, eliminating battery constraints and enabling high-frequency transmissions for improved location accuracy while maintaining energy efficiency through centralized power management
Solution Approach 2:
The light fixture serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides illumination, transmits beacon signals for positioning, and acts as a node in the positioning network. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate battery-powered beacons, as the light fixture itself becomes the positioning transmitter, leveraging its permanent power connection to maintain continuous operation
2Area of stationary object
If multiple beacons transmit signals in close proximity, then coverage area is improved, but location determination accuracy deteriorates due to signal interference and difficulty in identifying the correct beacon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coverage area into distinct zones, each dominated by a specific light fixture beacon. By using directional lighting and positioning fixtures at regular intervals, the system creates non-overlapping or minimally overlapping coverage zones, allowing mobile devices to easily identify which beacon they are in without interference from distant beacons
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification mechanism where each beacon includes unique identifiers and transmission characteristics that allow mobile devices to distinguish between multiple beacons. The system uses these intermediaries (identifier signals, timing information) to resolve ambiguity when multiple beacons are in proximity, enabling accurate location determination even in dense deployments
3Device complexity
If beacons are battery powered and transmit infrequently, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to dead spots and latency
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixtures serve themselves as beacon transmitters, eliminating the need for separate battery-powered beacon devices. The existing light fixture infrastructure automatically provides the beacon function, using its permanent power connection and built-in transmitter capabilities. This self-service approach increases reliability without adding device complexity, as the lighting infrastructure already present becomes the positioning system
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 location accuracy and reduces latency by providing continuous and high-frequency signal transmission, improving indoor positioning and enabling efficient lighting control and building management.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a beacon signal using the first antenna, selectively coupling the transceiver to a second antenna having a second radiation pattern different from the first radiation pattern, transmitting a first communication signal using the second antenna
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer program products for determining the location of, and for communicating with a mobile device. An intelligent fixture transmits a first signal having a first spatial resolution and a second signal having a second spatial resolution. The spatial resolutions may be determined by a radiation pattern of the antenna broadcasting the signal. The mobile device receives at least one of the first and second signals, and determines an approximate location based thereon. An approximate location based on the first signal may be more accurate than an approximate location based on the second signal due to the different spatial resolutions of the signals. Location specific information may be transmitted to the mobile device based on the approximate location. The intelligent fixture may use an antenna having one spatial resolution for transmitting and receiving communication signals, and another antenna having a different spatial resolution for broadcasting beacon signals.