Network Control Node for IoT Device Positioning via Mobile Trilateration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT systems for building control and automation lack efficient methods to determine the precise location of stationary devices within a network, relying on manual configuration methods like numbering or descriptive labeling, which are prone to errors and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a network control node to determine the position of stationary devices through trilateration or multilateration with the assistance of non-stationary devices, allowing for precise positioning by integrating additional positional data from non-stationary devices into the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration methods (numbering or descriptive labeling) are used to determine device positions, then the system is simple to implement, but the positioning accuracy and reliability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-stationary devices as intermediary elements that facilitate position determination between stationary devices. These non-stationary devices move through the environment and establish positional relationships with multiple stationary devices, enabling indirect position determination that achieves high accuracy without requiring direct line-of-sight or complex infrastructure between all stationary devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary position determination using non-stationary devices before finalizing the network map. By having non-stationary devices traverse the environment and establish positional relationships in advance, the system can accurately determine positions of stationary devices that may be difficult to locate directly, improving overall positioning accuracy before the network is fully operational
2Measurement precision
If non-stationary devices are used to determine positions through trilateration, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the time required for position determination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs non-stationary devices that dynamically move through the environment to establish positional relationships. By utilizing the motion and multiple position measurements of non-stationary devices over time, the system can determine positions of stationary devices with high accuracy. The dynamic nature allows a single non-stationary device to gather multiple measurement opportunities, reducing overall time compared to static measurement methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses non-stationary devices to create virtual copies or representations of positional relationships. By having non-stationary devices measure and record distances to multiple stationary devices, the system builds a computational model that can be solved through trilateration, achieving accurate position determination without requiring physical presence at each stationary device location simultaneously
3Loss of information
If multiple sets of stationary devices are used for trilateration, then the completeness of network maps improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes non-stationary devices universal elements that can work with multiple different sets of stationary devices. A single non-stationary device can establish positional relationships with various stationary devices across different locations and technologies, enabling the system to merge maps from different ranging technologies and coordinate systems without requiring dedicated infrastructure for each technology
4Productivity
If manual configuration is used for device positioning, then the implementation is straightforward, but errors and inefficiencies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service positioning where devices automatically determine their positions through the network control node using trilateration with non-stationary devices. This eliminates the need for manual configuration by technicians, significantly improving productivity and reducing human errors while maintaining high reliability through automated measurement and calculation processes
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 accurate and efficient determination of stationary device positions, even in areas with limited wireless communication range, by leveraging non-stationary devices to supplement positioning data and merge maps with different ranging technologies, enhancing the completeness of IoT network maps.
Implementation Method 1
determining, by a network control node, at least one non-stationary device position of a non-stationary device within a target location by trilateration or multilateration between the non-stationary device and a first set of stationary devices comprising a plurality of stationary devices having known positions
Implementation Method 2
determining, by the network control node, a stationary device position of a further stationary device by trilateration or multilateration between the non-stationary device and a second set of stationary devices, the second set of stationary devices comprising a plurality of stationary devices having known positions and the further stationary device
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for determining a position of a stationary network device using a non-stationary device are described. One method includes determining, by the network control node, at least one non-stationary device position within a target location by trilateration or multilateration from distance measurements between the non-stationary device and a first set of stationary devices having known positions (302). The method further includes determining by the network control node, a stationary network device position of a further stationary network device by trilateration or multilateration between the non-stationary device and a second set of stationary devices, the second set of stationary devices comprising a plurality of stationary devices having known positions and the further stationary network device (304). The first and second sets of devices may be overlapping, identical, or non-overlapping.