Height Calibration in Wireless Location Tracking Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing height calibration methods for wireless location tracking networks are cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring devices to be shut down and brought to a separate calibration facility, which can lead to inaccurate location tracking due to uncalibrated height sensors.

Innovation Solution

A system where location tracking nodes, including a calibration node, can perform height calibration during operation, allowing uninterrupted location tracking and invisible calibration, using air pressure measurements to correct height sensor values without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the calibrated device is brought to a separate calibrating device for height calibration, then the height sensor accuracy is improved, but the calibration process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight sensor accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-calibration where the mobile tag automatically performs height calibration using barometric pressure measurements from its own barometer and altitude information from location tracking nodes, eliminating the need for manual intervention or separate calibration facilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Barometric pressure measurements serve as an intermediary to transfer altitude information from location tracking nodes to the mobile tag's height sensor, enabling indirect calibration without direct physical connection to calibration equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the calibrated device is brought to a separate calibrating device for height calibration, then the height sensor accuracy is improved, but the calibration process becomes cumbersome and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight sensor accuracyVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Location tracking nodes perform dual functions: they track the position of mobile tags and simultaneously provide altitude reference information for height calibration, eliminating the need for separate dedicated calibration equipment

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

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile tag automatically receives and applies calibration data from location tracking nodes without requiring manual configuration or complex user interaction, simplifying the calibration process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the calibrated device is shut down during calibration, then the calibration accuracy is improved, but the location tracking operation is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidlocation tracking continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile tag continues to perform location tracking operations throughout the calibration process, receiving altitude reference information and barometric pressure measurements without interruption, ensuring continuous useful action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs calibration actions in the background using pre-collected barometric pressure data and altitude information from location tracking nodes, allowing calibration to occur without interrupting the main location tracking function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 ensures accurate height estimation and location tracking by calibrating height sensors in real-time, reducing errors and the need for manual calibration, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of wireless location tracking networks.

Implementation Method 1

a height sensor, configured to estimate a height of the mobile tag at a given time based on air pressure measurements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBarometric pressure measurement: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

At least one beacon has a barometer for measuring local air pressure. The air pressure information is transmitted by the beacons with the position finding signals.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir pressure signal transmission: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2594953B1Height calibration process
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 9SOLUTIONS
  • EP2594953B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2594953B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2594953B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

There is provided a system for carrying out a height calibration process in a wireless location tracking network, comprising: a plurality of location tracking nodes (120 to 130) disposed to cover an area, wherein the plurality of location tracking nodes (120 to 130) is configured to carry out location tracking in the area; a mobile tag (400) configured to communicate with at least one location tracking node (120 to 130) at a given time at least for the purposes of determining the location of the mobile tag (400), characterized in that the mobile tag (400) comprises a height sensor (410) configured estimate the height of the mobile tag (400); and at least one location tracking node of the plurality of location tracking nodes (120 to 130) is a calibration node (420) configured to co-operate in carrying out a height calibration process during operation of the location tracking network, wherein the height of each calibration node (420) is known.