Indoor Outdoor Tracking Device Using Sensor Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking technologies fail to accurately locate items indoors and outdoors, especially when moved between facilities, and often lack detailed location information within facilities, leading to misplacement and theft issues.
Innovation Solution
A tracking device that uses satellite-based GPS data for outdoor location and activates sensors like wireless signal strength and inertial sensors for indoor localization, broadcasting signals to access points to determine precise indoor positions, even without pre-existing facility maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional tracking technologies are used, then outdoor tracking is possible, but indoor tracking accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between GPS-based outdoor tracking and sensor-based indoor tracking modes. The tracking device activates different sensor sets (wireless signal strength, inertial, magnetic field, barometric) depending on whether it detects indoor or outdoor environment, enabling accurate tracking across both environments without using a single static approach
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters used for localization based on environment. Outdoors, it uses satellite-based GPS coordinates. Indoors, it switches to measuring wireless signal strength from access points, inertial sensor data, magnetic field characteristics, and barometric pressure to determine location, thereby adapting parameters to suit each environment's characteristics
2Measurement precision
If GPS satellite data is used for tracking, then outdoor location is determined, but indoor location determination fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces intermediary sensors (wireless signal strength sensor, inertial sensor, magnetic field sensor, barometric sensor) that act as mediators for indoor localization when GPS is unavailable. These sensors indirectly determine position by measuring environmental characteristics and comparing them against stored facility data, enabling reliable indoor tracking without direct satellite signals
3Reliability
If detailed indoor location tracking is implemented, then item misplacement is prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing facility layout data, access point locations, and sensor calibration information before tracking begins. This pre-stored reference data enables the device to quickly determine indoor position by comparing real-time sensor readings against the pre-established environmental model, reducing real-time computational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system segments functionality into modular components: GPS receiver for outdoor, wireless signal strength sensor for indoor Wi-Fi positioning, inertial sensors for dead reckoning, magnetic field sensor for orientation, and barometric sensor for floor level detection. Each segment handles specific aspects of tracking, making the overall complex system manageable and maintainable
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are activated for indoor localization, then positioning accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device performs periodic sensor activations and measurements rather than continuous operation. It periodically determines location by activating sensor sets only when needed for position updates, and uses lower-power sleep modes between measurements, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system activates only the necessary subset of sensors based on current tracking needs and environmental conditions. Not all sensors operate at full capacity simultaneously; instead, the system selectively engages sensors appropriate for the current localization task, reducing energy consumption while achieving sufficient positioning accuracy
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
Enables efficient and accurate real-time tracking of items both indoors and outdoors, including within specific areas like floors and aisles, ensuring effective monitoring and management across multiple facilities.
Implementation Method 1
The tracking device may periodically provide satellite based data, such as Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) data to provide details pertaining to the outdoor location of the tracking device
Implementation Method 2
The tracking device may provide the signal data and sensor data, when in the indoor location state, to an access point in the indoor facility for localization
Implementation Method 3
In the indoor location state, the tracking device may activate one or more sensors, such as wireless signal sensing devices, a wireless signal strength sensor, an inertial sensor
Implementation Method 4
an inertial sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a barometric sensor and an ambient lighting sensor
Implementation Method 5
a magnetic field sensor, a barometric sensor and an ambient lighting sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for tracking an item using a tracking device associated with the item are described. The method, executed in a processor of the tracking device, comprises identifying a location state of the tracking device as one of an indoor location and an outdoor location relative to an indoor facility, based on at least one of satellite based data and connectivity to an access point in the indoor facility. Upon identifying the location state as the indoor location, a wireless transceiver and one or more sensor devices may be activated. The sensor devices may include at least one of a wireless signal strength sensor, a wireless signal connectivity sensor, an inertial sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a barometric sensor, and an ambient light sensor. Further, indoor localization data gathered by the sensor devices may be provided for localization.