IoT Pack Geofencing via UWB Ranging and Bluetooth Beacons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking systems for IoT devices, such as personal transport devices, lack fine-grained location precision, particularly in geofenced areas, due to limitations in Bluetooth, WiFi, and GPS technologies, leading to inaccuracies in determining device location within designated return areas.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a plurality of beacons arranged along the perimeter of a geofenced location, equipped with ultra-wide band and Bluetooth radios, that allows IoT packs to determine their location through Two-Way Ranging calculations, providing centimeter-accurate positioning by analyzing ultra-wide band signals and executing actions upon entry or exit from the defined area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If Bluetooth transceivers are used to track device location, then coverage area is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates (location accuracy is several meters away from actual position)
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tracking function by deploying multiple individual Bluetooth transceivers (beacons) throughout the coverage area. Each beacon independently tracks devices in its local vicinity, and the server aggregates data from all beacons to determine precise location. This segmentation allows broad coverage while maintaining high measurement precision through localized measurements.
2Area of stationary object
If GPS receivers are used for location tracking, then global coverage is improved, but use of energy deteriorates (constant communication with satellites consumes substantial data and battery life)
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the location determination function from the moving device (IoT pack) and places it in the stationary beacons. The IoT pack only needs to respond to queries from nearby beacons rather than continuously communicating with satellites. This extraction dramatically reduces energy consumption while maintaining local coverage precision.
3Area of stationary object
If WiFi hotspots are used for location determination, then urban area coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates (location determination is several meters divorced from actual physical location)
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces Bluetooth Low Energy beacons as intermediary devices between WiFi infrastructure and the IoT device. These beacons are deployed at precise known locations and serve as mediators that provide accurate location references. The IoT pack determines its position relative to these intermediary beacons, achieving centimeter-level precision rather than meter-level accuracy from WiFi alone.
4Reliability
If photo upload confirmation is required for device return, then verification reliability is improved, but loss of time deteriorates (users must take and upload photos manually)
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automated verification through the geofencing technology. When the IoT pack enters the designated return area, the beacon automatically detects its presence and confirms device return to the server. This eliminates the need for manual photo taking and uploading by the user, reducing return process time while maintaining verification reliability through automated geolocation data.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and computer readable media for detecting entry of an IoT pack into a geofenced location. The method may begin by broadcasting a Bluetooth inquiry message from a Bluetooth radio that forms a part of an IoT pack. Upon receipt of one or more responses to the inquiry message a Bluetooth radio that forms a part of a given beacon used to demark a geofenced location, the IoT pack energizes an ultra wide band radio that forms a part of the IoT pack and begins sending and receiving ultra wide band signals to an ultra wide band radios that form a part of the given beacon. Ranging information is calculated from the IoT pack to the one or more beacons on the basis of the received ultra wide band signals, which is analyzed to determine the location of the IoT pack relative to the geofenced location.