Hybrid Localization with Cellular Modem BLE Emulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing localization solutions face challenges in seamlessly transitioning between areas with different location technologies, often requiring large form factors and additional hardware for hybrid localization, which are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that switch between modes of operation based on available wireless communication and short-range radio signal transmission, emulating short-range radio signals during idle periods of wireless communication to reuse existing hardware for localization, reducing the need for additional components and form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a device combines cellular modem with dedicated Bluetooth Low Energy transceiver for hybrid localization, then localization accuracy is improved, but device form factor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cellular modem is designed to perform dual functions: standard cellular communication and Bluetooth Low Energy emulation for localization. The same hardware components (power amplifier, antenna, RF front-end) are reused for both cellular operations and BLE positioning packet transmission during idle periods, eliminating the need for a dedicated BLE transceiver and reducing device form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cellular communication functionality and BLE localization functionality into a single integrated system. The cellular modem combines the power amplifier, antenna, and control unit to handle both cellular data transmission and BLE positioning packet emission, consolidating what would traditionally require separate hardware into one unified device.
2Measurement precision
If a device uses dedicated Bluetooth Low Energy transceiver for short range radio signal transmission, then localization accuracy in second area is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cellular modem is designed to perform dual functions: standard cellular communication and Bluetooth Low Energy emulation for localization. The same hardware components (power amplifier, antenna, RF front-end) are reused for both cellular operations and BLE positioning packet transmission during idle periods, eliminating the need for a dedicated BLE transceiver and reducing device form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular modem serves itself by utilizing its own idle periods to transmit BLE positioning packets. The control unit manages the modem's operations autonomously, switching between cellular communication mode and BLE emulation mode without requiring external coordination or additional control hardware, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a device switches between different localization technologies in different areas, then seamless tracking is improved, but transition detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the operational state of the cellular modem and detects transitions between first and second areas based on cellular signal conditions. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically switch between localization technologies (cellular-based in first area, BLE emulation in second area) seamlessly, with the control unit adjusting its behavior based on real-time area detection without requiring complex external coordination.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment a method for hybrid localization in a first area and in a second area comprises the following steps: operating (A) a device in a first mode of operation, while the device is in the first area in which a wireless communication is available, detecting (B) that the device transitions from the first area to the second area in which a short range radio signal transmission is available, switching (C) the device to a second mode of operation upon detection that the device transitions from the first area to the second area, wherein in the first mode of operation the device uses a first technology for localization, wherein in the second mode of operation the device uses at least a second technology for localization in which the device emulates the short range radio signal transmission during at least one idle period of the wireless communication.