Hybrid Beacon Positioning via Iterative Error Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for locating objects within a delimited area, such as hospitals or workshops, face challenges in reliability and precision due to signal orientation and obstacles, and mobile beacons have limited operating life due to battery power constraints.
Innovation Solution
A method that collects and processes multiple types of signals, including electromagnetic and ultrasonic signals of varying frequencies, along with environmental data, to determine the spatial positions of mobile beacons, reducing error values through iterative calculations until convergence is reached, thereby enhancing accuracy and extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional radio signal-based location methods are used, then mobile beacons can be located within the area, but the reliability and precision of position determination deteriorate due to signal orientation dependence and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal types (electromagnetic signals from fixed beacons and ultrasonic signals from mobile beacons) into a hybrid location system. This merging of different signal modalities allows the system to overcome the limitations of individual signal types, as ultrasonic signals are less affected by orientation and obstacles compared to radio signals, thereby improving both reliability and precision of position determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central server as an intermediary that collects data from multiple fixed beacons and mobile beacons, performs iterative calculations to determine positions, and resolves the technical contradictions. The server acts as a mediator that processes the hybrid signal data and computes accurate positions by minimizing error values through iterative optimization, overcoming the limitations of direct peer-to-peer signal-based location methods.
2Measurement precision
If mobile beacons continuously transmit and receive signals for location determination, then position accuracy is maintained, but energy consumption increases reducing operating life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic location determination instead of continuous operation. Mobile beacons transmit ultrasonic signals and receive electromagnetic signals at specific intervals, allowing the system to maintain position accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption. The periodic measurement approach ensures that batteries are not continuously drained, thereby extending the operational life of mobile beacons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables mobile beacons to autonomously determine their positions using the hybrid signal approach and iterative calculation method. Each mobile beacon participates in the location process by transmitting its own ultrasonic signals and receiving signals from other beacons, reducing the need for continuous centralized control and minimizing overall system energy consumption while maintaining accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If multiple signal types are collected and processed through iterative calculations, then position accuracy and reliability improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs iterative calculation with error value minimization as a feedback mechanism. The system continuously refines position estimates by comparing calculated positions with expected positions based on signal measurements, adjusting the estimates to minimize error values. This feedback approach systematically reduces complexity by providing a clear convergence criterion, allowing the system to achieve high accuracy without requiring overly complex processing algorithms.
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 provides precise and reliable location determination of mobile beacons while reducing energy consumption, allowing for extended operating times without battery replacement.
Implementation Method 1
the collection by at least some of the mobile and fixed beacons of values representative of first signals emitted by at least some of the mobile and fixed beacons
Implementation Method 2
said at least one second signal is an ultrasonic signal emitted by one of the fixed beacons, the ultrasonic signal being of variable emission frequency
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the spatial positions of mobile beacons (C) in an area (1) containing fixed beacons (B), comprising: a step a) comprising: the collection by some of the beacons of values (R1, R2, R3) representative of first signals emitted by some of the beacons; and the collection by each mobile beacon of a value (U) representative of a second signal, the second signal and the first signals being of different natures; and a step b) of determining a sequence of sets of estimated positions in which: each set of estimated positions is associated with an error value representative of a set of differences between the values collected in step a) and theoretical values determined by modeling; and the error values associated with successive sets of estimated positions are decreasing, the sequence stopping when a convergence criterion is reached.