Geolocation Accuracy vs Energy Consumption in IoT Signal Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geolocation methods for radio signal transmitting devices in the Internet of Things, particularly those using long-distance communication technologies, face challenges with accuracy and energy efficiency, as they require complex and energy-consuming satellite guidance systems or triangulation methods that do not always provide the necessary precision.
Innovation Solution
A method that adapts the geolocation accuracy by using a network of first and second receiving stations, where the signal transmitting device switches between emitting signals at different frequencies based on geographical location, allowing for precise geolocation with reduced power consumption by activating infrastructure only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS satellite guidance is used for geolocation, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the geolocation function from the signal transmitting device itself and relocates it to a centralized server. The device simply transmits signals at different frequencies, while the server performs the complex triangulation calculations using reception data from multiple stations, eliminating the need for onboard GPS or complex processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces receiving stations as intermediary elements that collect signal data and transmit it to the server. These stations act as mediators between the signal transmitting device and the geolocation calculation system, enabling accurate positioning without requiring the device itself to have sophisticated location capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If triangulation method using multiple receiving stations is used, then geolocation capability is improved, but infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving stations serve multiple functions: they receive signals at different frequencies, measure signal characteristics, transmit data to the server, and enable geolocation calculations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated equipment for each task, simplifying the overall infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by having receiving stations continuously monitor and store signal reception data before geolocation is needed. This pre-collection of data reduces the complexity of real-time calculations and allows the server to perform accurate triangulation when required without needing complex real-time processing infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If continuous signal transmission at high frequency is used, then geolocation accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal transmitting device transmits signals periodically rather than continuously, and switches between different frequencies based on the required geolocation accuracy. The device transmits at the first frequency for general location tracking and only activates the second frequency when higher precision is needed, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining accuracy when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic frequency switching where the transmission frequency adapts to the current operational requirements. The device dynamically switches between first and second frequencies based on whether high precision geolocation is needed, allowing the system to optimize energy consumption according to actual usage patterns rather than maintaining constant high-power transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for geographically locating a signal-emitting device (1), the geographical location method comprising: providing first data of the reception by a plurality of first receiving stations (5) of a first radio signal (4) emitted at a first frequency; - calculating a first geographical position of the signal-emitting device (1); - detecting that the geographical position of the signal-emitting device (1) is comprised in a second predefined geographical area (9); - emitting a signal to instruct the emission of a second radio signal (21), - providing second data of the reception of the second radio signal by a plurality of second receiving stations (11) according to a second frequency; and - calculating a second geographical position of the signal-emitting device (1).