Integrated Wireless Location Detection Using UWB and WiFi
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems for process control applications face challenges in reliability and security due to the high cost and complexity of wiring, and they are not feasible for continuous precise real-time tracking in large industrial facilities, such as manufacturing plants and mines, where precise location detection of people and assets is necessary for safety, security, and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a location detection transmitter, multiple receivers, and a server that transmit and receive radio frequency signals in different formats to calculate the location of the transmitter, utilizing both Ultra Wide Band (UWB) and WiFi technologies to provide integrated wireless location detection, allowing for accurate tracking even in areas with limited infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication technologies (Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, RFID) are used to eliminate wiring costs, then deployment flexibility and ease of installation are improved, but reliability and security of the process control system deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wireless communication technologies (UWB and WiFi) into a single integrated location detection system. The transmitter can operate in either UWB mode or WiFi mode, and receivers can detect signals from both protocols. This merging allows the system to leverage the low-power characteristics of UWB for battery-operated tags while utilizing the infrastructure and range of WiFi, thereby improving both ease of installation and system reliability through technology diversification.
2Measurement precision
If continuous precise real-time tracking systems are deployed to cover large indoor or outdoor areas, then location tracking capability is improved, but system cost and infrastructure requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal location detection system that can function in both UWB and WiFi modes using the same hardware infrastructure. Existing WiFi access points can serve dual purposes: their primary networking function and their secondary function as location detection receivers. This multi-functionality reduces infrastructure complexity while maintaining precise location tracking capabilities, as the system can operate in WiFi mode where UWB infrastructure is unavailable and in UWB mode where higher precision is required.
3Measurement precision
If UWB technology is used for precise location tracking in large facilities, then location detection accuracy is improved, but infrastructure installation cost and complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system that can switch between UWB and WiFi operating modes based on environmental conditions and infrastructure availability. The transmitter dynamically selects its operating mode (UWB or WiFi), and the receivers dynamically adapt to detect the appropriate signal type. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to achieve high-precision UWB tracking when infrastructure is available while falling back to WiFi-based tracking in areas where installing UWB infrastructure would be costly or complex.
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
Enables reliable and precise real-time location tracking of people and assets in large industrial facilities, improving safety and operational efficiency by integrating UWB and WiFi technologies, which can operate without additional hardware installation in areas covered by existing WiFi infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
The LD transmitter is operable to transmit a first radio frequency (RF) signal in a first format and a second RF signal in a second format
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method are provided for integrated wireless location detection. The system includes a location detection (LD) transmitter that transmits first and second radio frequency signals in first and second formats, respectively. First and second LD receivers, respectively, receive the first and second signals and determine first and second information relating to a location of the LD transmitter. An LD server wirelessly receives the first and second information and calculates the location of the LD transmitter from one of the first and second information. The LD server may receive a signal indicating a preferred one of the first and second information and calculate the location from the preferred one of the first and second information.