Commissioning Indoor Positioning via Portable RSSI Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The commissioning of RF-enabled indoor positioning devices, such as those integrated into luminaires, is time-consuming and prone to errors due to the need for manual configuration and accurate location determination, especially in large venues with numerous devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a portable device with a secondary location estimating system and a primary location determination system, where the portable device collects RF signals from multiple devices at various locations, determines signal strength, and calculates the location of each device within the network, reducing manual intervention and increasing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration and location determination is used for each RF device, then accurate location determination can be achieved, but the commissioning process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service commissioning by allowing RF devices to automatically determine their own locations through wireless communication with portable devices. Each RF device autonomously participates in the commissioning process by receiving signals and providing response signals, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining accurate location determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated wireless communication systems. Instead of physically configuring each device manually, the system uses RF signals and automated algorithms to determine device locations, substituting human labor with electronic automation.
2Measurement precision
If manual configuration is required for each RF device, then location accuracy can be ensured, but the process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service commissioning by allowing RF devices to automatically determine their own locations through wireless communication with portable devices. Each RF device autonomously participates in the commissioning process by receiving signals and providing response signals, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining accurate location determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device serves multiple functions: it acts as a signal transmitter, a signal receiver, a location calculator, and a commissioning controller. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized devices or manual operations, simplifying the overall commissioning process.
3Productivity
If automated location determination is implemented, then commissioning time is reduced, but the system requires additional components and infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device serves multiple functions: it acts as a signal transmitter, a signal receiver, a location calculator, and a commissioning controller. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized devices or manual operations, simplifying the overall commissioning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device acts as an intermediary between the RF devices and the commissioning process. It mediates the location determination by transmitting signals to RF devices, receiving response signals, and calculating locations based on signal characteristics, thereby simplifying the interaction between system components.
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 significantly reduces the time and errors associated with commissioning RF devices by automating the location determination process, enabling faster and more accurate deployment of RF-enabled luminaires for indoor positioning services.
Implementation Method 1
a received signal strength indication (RSSI) value is determined of the collected, RF communication device identifying signal
Implementation Method 2
The RF receiver of the portable device collects an RF communication device identifying signal transmitted by at least one RF communication device
Implementation Method 3
a primary location determination service calculates a location in the service area of the RF communication device to be commissioned in the network based on, from each of the number of iterations, the determined RSSI values and the estimated indiscriminate location
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes radio frequency (RF) communication devices, for example, in luminaires, located in a service area offering a location determination service, and a portable device used in commissioning the communication devices. The communication devices transmit a primary location determination system's RF signals for receipt by the portable device. The portable device determines its location using a secondary system. The RF communication devices' transmitted RF signals include an identifier. A received signal strength indication (RSSI) of each signal received by the portable device is measured, and stored with an estimate of the portable device's corresponding location. The portable device is moved to another location to measure RSSI of RF signals. When the number of measurements or number of locations is sufficient, the locations of each of the respective luminaires or communication devices may be determined using the RSSI values and the portable device's estimated indiscriminate location.