Indoor Location Tracking Using Multi-Range Beacon Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beacon technologies are inefficient in providing accurate granular location information, which hinders navigation and emergency response in large buildings, as they typically transmit single-use signals without precise range control, leading to inaccurate tracking and cumbersome manual methods for responders.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses multiple beacons to transmit information at different ranges, allowing for more granular location tracking through Bluetooth Low-Energy signals, and an analytical server that processes data from these beacons to determine the precise location of devices within a building, generating graphical user interfaces for navigation and emergency response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple beacons transmit signals at different ranges, then location precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the indoor space into multiple zones, each monitored by beacons with different transmission ranges. Short-range beacons provide precise location data for specific zones, while long-range beacons provide broader area coverage, enabling hierarchical location tracking that improves precision without requiring a single complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional approach by using beacons at multiple range levels (short, medium, long) to create a multi-layered positioning system. This dimensional stratification allows the system to determine location precision by combining data from different beacon layers, effectively adding a 'range dimension' to the positioning capability
2Loss of time
If manual methods are used to locate victims, then device complexity is reduced, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device automatically transmits its location information to the server without requiring manual input from responders. The system self-updates location data by processing beacon signals and automatically generating graphical user interfaces, eliminating manual navigation efforts and reducing response time
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives location data from receiving devices and provides real-time feedback through graphical user interfaces that display victim locations and navigation paths. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables responders to quickly adjust their movements based on updated location information, significantly reducing response time
3Measurement precision
If beacons transmit single-use signals, then device complexity is reduced, but location accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges signals from multiple beacons with different transmission ranges to determine precise location. By combining short-range, medium-range, and long-range beacon signals, the system achieves higher location accuracy than any single beacon could provide, while the server handles the computational complexity of signal integration
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 solution enhances navigation efficiency and accuracy by providing detailed location information, enabling responders to quickly locate victims in emergencies and improving overall indoor navigation within large buildings.
Implementation Method 1
a first location information from a receiving device, the first location information being associated with a location of the receiving device received from a plurality of beacons within a building
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include an efficient and accurate method for presenting victim locations to emergency responders. The method disclosed can be used to track individuals still remaining in a building in case of an emergency. The method comprises determining a location for an individual by receiving a device identifier (e.g., combination of numbers and/or characters uniquely identifying a receiving device associated with the individual) and location information, received from one or more beacons, from the receiving device. The method comprises determining a first location associated with the receiving device based on the location information and/or the device identifier. The method comprises determining different locations associated with the individual as the individual moves and determining whether the individual is still within the building. The method comprises, displaying location information and instructions to reach the individual in case of an emergency.