Indoor RTLS Using Ambiguous Electromagnetic Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional real-time location systems (RTLS) face challenges in accurately determining the location of objects within indoor environments due to ambiguous electromagnetic patterns from transmitters with unknown locations or changing transmission patterns, which affects the precision of object tracking.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize user devices to continuously generate mapping data structures by processing timestamped reports of unique identification and electromagnetic patterns, distinguishing between distinct and ambiguous patterns, and using external databases to derive locations, enabling accurate tracking of tagged objects by associating electromagnetic patterns with known locations and maintaining dynamic databases for tracking over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If transmitters with unknown locations or changing transmission patterns are used, then the coverage area of the RTLS is expanded, but the measurement precision of object location deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference objects with known locations as intermediaries between the transmitters and the location determination system. By measuring electromagnetic patterns from these reference objects, the system can establish a mapping between patterns and locations, enabling accurate object tracking even when transmitter locations are unknown or changing
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically updates the mapping data structure based on continuously received UD reports containing electromagnetic patterns and associated locations. This allows the system to adapt to changing transmission patterns and maintain location accuracy despite variations in the electromagnetic environment
2Measurement precision
If mapping data structures are continuously generated and updated from UD reports, then the location tracking accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
User devices automatically generate and transmit UD reports containing electromagnetic pattern measurements and location information. The system leverages the inherent capabilities of user devices to contribute data, eliminating the need for dedicated complex infrastructure while maintaining high tracking accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping data structure serves multiple functions: it stores the relationship between electromagnetic patterns and locations, enables location determination for tracked objects, and adapts to changing environmental conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a technique of operating a real-time locating system (RTLS) in an indoor environment. The technique comprises: obtaining from a UD a timestamped dataset informative of ID of a tagged object registered by the UD in its proximity, of ID of the UD and of ambiguous sample electromagnetic pattern (SEP) registered by the UD; and defining a location of the tagged object at a point-in-time in accordance with the location of the UD, the point-in-time corresponding to a timestamp of the dataset. The location of the UD is defined using a SEP map informative of associations, at point-in-time, between the SEPs and locations thereof. The SEP map is continuously generated by processing timestamped “UD reports” continuously received from a plurality of UDs, each “UD report” comprising data informative of a respectively registered SEP and a unique identification of a reported UD (IDUD).