Floor Plan Device Registration Using RF Fingerprint Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional building systems face challenges in efficiently learning and registering distributed devices, as they require manual input and physical presence for device location mapping, leading to time-consuming and error-prone processes, especially in large installations with varied communication technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a central panel or server that discovers, localizes, and authorizes devices using a mobile device, allowing flexible sequencing of device registration steps, including verification of signal quality and use of pre-defined thresholds, and utilizing RF signal fingerprints for precise location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual input and physical presence are used for device location mapping, then device registration can be completed, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (physical presence at device locations, hand-written notes, manual data entry) with automated electronic systems. Mobile devices capture device locations and communication technologies automatically, eliminating the need for technicians to physically visit each device and manually record information, thus reducing both time and errors
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables devices to self-register and self-localize through automated discovery protocols. Devices automatically provide their location information and communication technology details to the central panel without requiring manual intervention, allowing the registration process to occur autonomously and efficiently
2Quantity of substance
If traditional device registration methods are used, then device locations can be recorded, but the process requires complete walkthrough of the building and is error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal registration system that handles multiple device types, locations, and communication technologies through a single integrated process. The central panel and mobile device platform can register any device anywhere in the building using the same automated protocol, eliminating the need for separate manual procedures for different scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical process of walking through the building with automated electronic discovery and localization. RF signal fingerprints and other automated technologies capture device locations without requiring physical traversal of the entire building, dramatically improving productivity while capturing complete device information
3Measurement precision
If RF received signal strength is used for triangulation, then relative device positions can be estimated, but the method is not always accurate for computing distances within buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for localization from simple RF signal strength triangulation to a multi-parameter approach including RF signal fingerprints, device identifiers, and floor plan data. This combination of parameters provides more reliable and accurate location determination in complex building environments where single-parameter methods fail
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces floor plan maps and device tables as intermediary reference structures that mediate between raw signal data and final location determination. These intermediaries provide contextual information about building layout and device identities, enabling more accurate position computation by combining signal data with spatial and identification context
4Adaptability or versatility
If different learning and registration procedures are used for each communication technology, then each technology can be properly registered, but installers must understand and use multiple different procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal registration platform that automatically adapts to different communication technologies (RF, wired, wireless) through a single unified interface. The system detects the device type and automatically applies the appropriate registration protocol, allowing installers to register any device using the same simple process without needing to learn multiple different procedures
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 method streamlines the device registration process, reducing errors and time consumption by enabling automated localization and authorization, and accommodating diverse communication technologies, thus improving the efficiency of device learning and registration in complex installations.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing RF signal fingerprints for precise location determination
Implementation Method 2
verifying link quality with each of the devices before registering the devices with the central panel by comparing signal quality between each device and a central panel with a pre-defined threshold level
Data Source
AI summary
A method of registering distributed devices includes discovering a plurality of devices at a central panel or server, localizing the devices, and authorizing the devices with a mobile device communicating with the central panel or server. The method also includes registering the devices with the central panel. The model can include verifying link quality with each of the devices before registering the devices with the central panel by comparing signal quality between each device and a central panel with a pre-defined threshold level.