Indoor Tracking via Sensor Mesh Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indoor tracking systems face connectivity issues in areas like basements and during emergencies due to poor RF signal penetration and loss of power, making it difficult to track mobile units effectively without extensive bespoke infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A network of sensors, such as smoke detectors, is used to communicate with mobile units and route tracking data through neighboring sensors to a transmitter, which then establishes a communication link to a monitoring and control element, enabling tracking even in areas with poor RF reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard mobile RF communication means are used for indoor tracking, then connectivity to outside control systems is achieved, but tracking fails in areas with poor RF penetration like basements and during emergencies when power is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate sensors (smoke detectors, emergency call points, access control units) that act as mediators between mobile units and the outside control system. These sensors form a mesh network that relays tracking data through multiple hops to reach the transmitter, enabling communication in areas where direct RF connectivity is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the tracking function into distributed sensor nodes throughout the building. Each sensor can independently detect and relay tracking data, creating a distributed architecture that doesn't rely on a single centralized communication infrastructure. This segmentation allows the system to function even when parts of the building are inaccessible to external RF signals.
2Reliability
If bespoke transponder infrastructure is installed to improve RF connectivity in underground areas, then tracking coverage is improved, but the cost and complexity of infrastructure installation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing multi-functional building infrastructure (smoke detectors, emergency call points, access control units) serve the additional function of indoor tracking. By leveraging sensors already installed for safety and security purposes, the system achieves tracking coverage without requiring separate dedicated transponder infrastructure, thereby reducing installation complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing building infrastructure that is already deployed and maintained by the building operator. These sensors are self-powered and self-managed, eliminating the need for separate power and maintenance infrastructure for the tracking system. The existing infrastructure essentially serves itself by taking on the additional tracking function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If power is turned off during emergencies to ensure firefighter safety, then safety is improved, but connectivity to control systems is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of tracking functionality during emergencies by creating a mesh network among sensors that can operate independently of the main power supply. Sensors with backup power or energy harvesting capabilities can maintain tracking operations and relay data through the sensor network even when external power is cut, ensuring uninterrupted tracking during power outages.
4Strength
If facade materials with high RF blocking properties are used, then building insulation and security are improved, but RF signal penetration for mobile communication is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from relying on external RF signal penetration through building facades to using an internal mesh network of sensors. Instead of trying to penetrate the blocking facade material from outside, the system operates entirely within the building's internal space, using sensors positioned throughout the interior to create tracking coverage independent of facade RF properties.
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 allows for reliable tracking of mobile units in areas with poor connectivity by leveraging existing infrastructure, maintaining functionality during emergencies, and avoiding the need for extensive infrastructure installations.
Implementation Method 1
An indoor sensor according to the invention can for example carry an active or passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) element, which can serve for detecting a respectively passive or active RFID element attached to a person or asset to be tracked.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for indoor tracking of mobile units comprising a monitoring and control element (10) for processing tracking data of mobile units (12), a transmitter (14) for transmitting the tracking data via a communication link (16) to the monitoring and control element (10), and a network of sensors (18), wherein each sensor is adapted to communicate with mobile units located within a monitoring area (20) of the sensor and to route tracking data of mobile units over other sensors located in its neighborhood to the transmitter.