Indoor Terminal Positioning Using Wireless Time-of-Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to accurately specify the position of terminals carried or operated by users, particularly in disasters, manage worker hours without business PCs, secure order terminals indoors, and authenticate message posters on social networks.
Innovation Solution
A system using wireless devices to calculate distances based on signal propagation time for terminal positioning, specifying evacuation routes, managing worker hours, securing order devices, and authenticating message posters through machine-trained models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used to manage the position of order terminals, then the position can be tracked, but the accuracy is poor particularly indoors and alarm malfunction easily occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless devices as intermediary components installed throughout the facility to mediate position detection. These devices create a local positioning network that works independently of GPS, providing accurate indoor positioning through wireless signal interaction between the terminal and multiple wireless devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic positioning system with a local wireless positioning system. This substitution eliminates dependence on satellite signals that fail indoors, using instead a distributed network of wireless devices that communicate via local wireless protocols for accurate indoor positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If time cards are used to manage worker hours, then working hours can be recorded, but it is difficult to manage workers in various working manners including gig workers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning system that serves multiple functions: tracking gig workers, monitoring employees in facilities, managing order terminals, and providing emergency location data. This single system replaces multiple specialized systems (time cards, GPS trackers, manual logging) with one adaptable platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables workers to automatically record their presence and working hours through the positioning function, without requiring manual time card submission. The terminal's position data automatically logs work hours when within facility boundaries, eliminating manual intervention and improving reliability.
3Ease of operation
If evacuation information is transmitted through televisions and radios, then information can be disseminated, but it is not easy to present appropriate evacuation locations and routes for people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal evacuation routes and locations for different facility zones before emergencies occur. When a terminal detects an emergency situation, the system immediately retrieves and transmits the pre-prepared evacuation information specific to that terminal's location, eliminating the need for real-time route calculation during crises.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the facility into multiple zones with pre-defined evacuation routes for each zone. This segmentation allows the system to provide location-specific evacuation guidance rather than generic information, ensuring each person receives appropriate directions based on their precise position within the facility.
4Reliability
If message posting is allowed without position verification, then communication freedom is maintained, but reliability and authenticity of message posters cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the terminal's position information is continuously monitored and used to verify message authenticity. The system provides feedback by checking whether the terminal is in an authorized location before allowing message posting, and can trace the origin of posted messages back to their physical location for accountability.
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
Accurately specifies terminal positions, manages worker hours, secures order devices, and authenticates message posters, enhancing disaster response and message reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a position specifier that specifies a position of a terminal carried or operated by a user based on a distance between each of a plurality of wireless devices and the terminal
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel system that specifies a position of a terminal carried or operated by a user. A system comprising at least one computer apparatus is provided. The system comprises a position specifier that specifies a position of a terminal carried or operated by a user based on a distance between each of a plurality of wireless devices and the terminal. The terminal may be a mobile terminal carried by a first user. The system may further comprise an evacuation location specifier that specifies an evacuation location satisfying a predetermined condition based on the specified position of the mobile terminal.