IoT Lock Location Detection Using Multi-Device Signal Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adoption of IoT devices is hindered by issues such as lack of standardization, connectivity challenges, and limited range of wireless technologies like Bluetooth LE, which restricts data transmission between IoT devices and hubs, and existing wireless lock systems struggle to accurately determine user location due to non-directional signal strength measurements.
Innovation Solution
A standardized IoT platform with a predefined networking protocol stack, an IoT hub connected via cellular or WiFi, and IoT devices equipped with low-power wireless communication technologies like Bluetooth LE, along with a method to accurately determine user location using signal strength measurements between IoT devices and hubs to differentiate between inside and outside positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If Bluetooth LE is used for wireless communication between IoT devices and hubs, then power consumption is reduced and battery life is extended, but communication range is limited and connectivity is lost when the hub is outside range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate devices (other IoT devices or relay nodes) that act as mediators to forward communications between the hub and distant devices. This extends the effective communication range beyond the direct Bluetooth LE range while maintaining low power consumption, as the relay devices can operate intermittently and the signal is hop-by-hop transmitted through the network.
2Adaptability or versatility
If signal strength measurements are used to determine user location in wireless lock systems, then location detection capability is added, but accuracy is insufficient because signal strength is non-directional and cannot reliably differentiate between inside and outside positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-dimension signal strength measurement to multi-dimensional location determination by incorporating data from multiple IoT devices positioned at different locations. By triangulating or multilaterating based on signal strengths from multiple sources, the system achieves directional awareness and accurate differentiation between inside and outside positions, adding spatial dimensions to the measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the IoT devices serve multiple functions: they act as both security sensors for monitoring user location and as communication relays for extending network range. This multi-functionality allows the same device to contribute to both location accuracy (through coordinated measurements) and connectivity (through relay operations), resolving the trade-off between these capabilities.
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 seamless connectivity and extended range for IoT devices, allowing for accurate user location detection and enhancing the functionality of IoT systems, including improved security and control over devices like smart locks.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a signal strength between the user device and the one or more IoT devices
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are described for implementing a wireless IoT lock. For example, one embodiment of a system comprises: an IoT lock configured to unlock a door in response to a wireless signal; a system calibration module to collect signal strength data indicating signal strength between a wireless device and the IoT lock and signal strength between the wireless device and one or more Internet of Things (IoT) devices and/or IoT hubs when the user is known to be outside of the door, the system calibration module to associate the signal strength data with the user location outside of the door in a location database; and a signal strength analysis module to determine whether the user is outside of the door by comparing the signal strength data in the location database with current signal strength data indicating signal strength between the wireless device and the IoT lock and the one or more of the plurality of IoT devices and/or IoT hubs; wherein the IoT lock is to be unlocked responsive to determining that the user is located outside of the door.