Indoor Contact Tracing Using Venue Positioning to Reduce False Positives
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact tracing methods, such as those using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ultrawide band (UWB), or ultrasonic techniques, face limitations including false positives due to physical barriers, inaccuracy in distance and direction estimations, and the inability to account for asynchronous transmission or indoor environments with poor signal quality.
Innovation Solution
The method involves estimating position information within a venue for each user over time using data from portable devices, establishing contact parameters, and determining contact between users based on estimated position information and these parameters, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ranging techniques (BLE, UWB, ultrasonic) are used to detect proximity between devices, then contact tracing can be performed, but false positives occur when devices are separated by physical barriers that prevent contact while allowing wireless communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the venue positioning system with reference points (such as Wi-Fi access points, Bluetooth beacons, or GPS satellites) - that mediates between the wireless communication capability and the physical barrier reality. This intermediary provides absolute position information that can distinguish whether devices are truly in proximity despite wireless signal transmission through barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/proximity-based ranging system with an electromagnetic field-based positioning system that uses reference points distributed throughout the venue. Instead of relying on signal strength degradation to determine proximity, the system uses calculated positions from multiple reference points to determine actual spatial relationship, substituting the flawed mechanical proximity detection with a more accurate electromagnetic positioning approach.
2Measurement precision
If ranging techniques are used for contact tracing, then proximity detection is possible, but distance and direction estimations are relatively inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function into multiple independent components: reference points distributed throughout the venue, position calculation modules that process signals from multiple reference points, and contact determination modules that analyze positional data. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, improving overall measurement precision through distributed sensing and multiple measurement vectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional signal strength-based proximity detection to three-dimensional position-based spatial analysis. By calculating absolute positions in 3D space using multiple reference points, the system gains both distance and directional information, enabling accurate determination of whether devices were in actual contact regardless of signal transmission path.
3Loss of time
If ranging techniques are used for contact tracing, then contemporaneous proximity can be detected, but asynchronous transmission through surfaces or contained environments at different times cannot be accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously tracking and storing position histories of devices before contact determination is needed. The system pre-calculates and stores positional data at multiple time points, creating a temporal database that can be queried later to determine if devices were in proximity at any point during their respective presence in the venue, enabling retrospective contact analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining continuous position tracking throughout the entire period of interest. Rather than intermittent sampling, the system continuously monitors device positions and records them at regular intervals, creating an uninterrupted temporal record that captures all possible contact scenarios including asynchronous transmissions at any time during the tracking period.
4Adaptability or versatility
If contact tracing systems are deployed in indoor venues with poor GNSS signal quality, then positioning may be unavailable, but the system must still function for contact tracing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional positioning system that can operate using different reference point technologies depending on the venue characteristics. The system can utilize Wi-Fi access points, Bluetooth beacons, or other electromagnetic infrastructure as reference points, making it universally applicable to various indoor environments regardless of their specific technological infrastructure or signal characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adapting the positioning methodology based on the specific venue characteristics and available reference points. The system can adjust its positioning parameters, reference frame, and calculation methods according to the environmental conditions, transitioning between different positioning algorithms or reference systems to maintain functionality in diverse indoor settings with varying signal qualities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for establishing contact tracing for a group of users within a venue. Position information in the venue may be estimated for each user over a period of time based at least in part on data from a portable device associated with each user. At least one contact parameter may be established so that contact between at least two users of the group of users during the period of time may be determined based at least in part on the at least one contact parameter and the estimated position information.