GPS WiFi WiMAX Location Detection Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location detection systems in processing facilities face challenges when GPS signals are unavailable, as they often rely solely on GPS for location sensing, leading to gaps in tracking people and assets, especially indoors where GPS signals are not accessible.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize both GPS and WiFi or WiMAX transceivers to determine geographical location, switching to WiFi or WiMAX sensing when GPS is not possible, allowing continuous location tracking by sending signals to a location monitoring application through the transceiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS alone is used for location sensing, then location accuracy is improved, but location availability deteriorates indoors where GPS signals are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS receiver and WiFi/WiMAX transceiver into a single location detecting device that uses both systems to determine location. The controller integrates signals from both GPS and WiFi/WiMAX networks to provide continuous location tracking, switching between or combining the two methods to maintain both accuracy and availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The location detecting device is designed with multi-functionality to operate in various environments. It can use GPS for outdoor location determination and WiFi/WiMAX for indoor location determination, making the system universally applicable both indoors and outdoors without requiring separate devices for different environments.
2Measurement precision
If GPS only is used for location tracking, then outdoor location sensing is accurate, but indoor location tracking becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between GPS and WiFi/WiMAX based on signal availability and environmental conditions. The controller continuously monitors which positioning method is available and switches between them to maintain optimal location tracking performance both indoors and outdoors.
Solution Approach 2:
The WiFi/WiMAX transceiver acts as an intermediary positioning method that supplements GPS when GPS signals are unavailable. It provides the necessary location data for indoor environments where GPS cannot function, bridging the gap in location capability.
3Device complexity
If a single location sensing method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but tracking continuity deteriorates when signals are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges GPS receiver and WiFi/WiMAX transceiver into a unified location detecting device with a single controller that manages both systems. This integration provides continuous location tracking by switching between methods while maintaining manageable system complexity through unified architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus and method are provided for location detection using GPS or WiFi/WiMAX. The apparatus includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a transceiver, and a controller. The transceiver is a WiFi or WiMAX transceiver. The controller determines whether GPS location sensing is possible and, if so, receives geographical location data from the GPS receiver. If GPS location sensing is not possible, the controller determines whether location sensing via the transceiver is possible and, if so, receives geographical location data from the transceiver. The controller sends a signal based on the location data to a location monitoring application via the transceiver. The controller may send a signal to the location monitoring application that no location sensing is possible.