Indoor 3D Tracking via Wi-Fi Checkpoints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GPS-based tracking systems are ineffective inside buildings and lack detailed elevation information, making it difficult to accurately monitor and track individuals in three-dimensional spaces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a tracking system that uses mobile devices and pre-installed checkpoint devices, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled devices, to provide three-dimensional location tracking by receiving and forwarding checkpoint data to a central server, allowing for real-time monitoring and mapping of individuals within multi-story premises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS-based tracking systems are used, then tracking can be performed in open outdoor spaces, but tracking becomes ineffective inside buildings and lacks detailed elevation information
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monitoring space into multiple three-dimensional zones using virtual fences defined by coordinate sets. Each zone can have independent parameters such as height restrictions, entry/exit rules, and alarm conditions. This segmentation allows the system to effectively track and manage personnel in complex indoor environments with multiple floors and restricted areas, overcoming GPS limitations in building interiors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication devices (such as smartphones or RFID tags) as intermediaries carried by personnel being tracked. These devices communicate with fixed receivers positioned throughout the building to determine three-dimensional location. This intermediary approach enables accurate indoor tracking without relying on GPS satellites, providing continuous position data including floor level and vertical elevation.
2Measurement precision
If traditional GPS tracking is used, then system complexity remains low, but measurement precision of location and elevation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional GPS tracking to three-dimensional monitoring by incorporating vertical elevation data through multiple receivers positioned at different heights and floors. The virtual fence definitions include height parameters and the system calculates three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z) to precisely determine personnel location including floor level and vertical position within the building structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of virtual fences with pre-defined three-dimensional coordinate sets, height restrictions, and monitoring rules before personnel enter the monitored area. This pre-setup approach allows the system to immediately provide precise location measurement upon personnel entry without requiring complex real-time calculations, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques tracking, monitoring, updating, and displaying location and related information based on telemetry information received from mobile devices carried in the field. Each tracked entity (e.g., person, robot) carries or is associated with a mobile device. When a mobile device enters within range of a checkpoint associated with a known position, the mobile device notifies a central server or other system (e.g., a peer device), which then makes the received information (or information derived therefrom) available to other devices and/or systems. In some cases, the checkpoint devices are wireless network access points, such as Wi-Fi routers, access points, media device, or the like.