Light Fixture RF Positioning Using Relative Signal Strength Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location determination methods using multiple measurement points are resource-intensive and prone to errors due to the complexity of processing signal strengths and angles, especially in environments where signal orientation and antenna gains are unknown.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple light fixtures with antennas and receivers to broadcast and receive RF signals, where a controller determines the relative signal strengths and scales them to accurately locate objects in a volume of space, reducing reliance on absolute distance calculations and improving accuracy through relative scaling methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measurement points are used to determine object location, then location accuracy is improved, but processing complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information (signal strength readings) from multiple measurement points and uses a simplified calculation approach. Instead of processing complete signal characteristics including angles and orientations, the system extracts merely the strength values and applies basic geometric relationships to compute location, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs lightweight computational methods that require minimal processing resources. The location calculation uses simple distance-based formulas rather than complex signal processing algorithms, enabling fast and resource-efficient location determination that can be performed with limited computational power.
2Measurement precision
If signal strength readings from multiple points are processed, then location determination is achieved, but processing effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes the geometric relationships between measurement points and implements a streamlined calculation sequence. By preparing the computational framework in advance and processing signal strengths through predetermined formulas, the system minimizes real-time processing time while maintaining accurate location determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex signal processing mechanisms with simpler geometric and mathematical calculations. Instead of using elaborate signal analysis techniques, the system substitutes straightforward distance-based computations that require minimal processing time yet achieve reliable location results.
3Measurement precision
If angle of arrival and angle of departure measurements are used, then location precision is improved, but system complexity and error susceptibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential signal strength information from the available measurements and discards more complex parameters such as angle of arrival and angle of departure. By focusing solely on signal strength readings and their geometric relationships, the system achieves location precision while avoiding the errors and complexities associated with angular measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters from angular measurements (prone to calibration and orientation errors) to signal strength measurements. This parameter transformation simplifies the measurement process, reduces error susceptibility, and maintains location precision through alternative geometric calculations based on distance derived from signal strength.
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
This approach simplifies location determination by using relative signal strength comparisons across light fixtures, reducing processing requirements and enhancing accuracy while being immune to orientation errors, thus providing a more efficient and precise method for locating objects in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrical device disposed in the volume of space and having a first antenna and a first receiver, where the first receiver, using the first antenna, receives the first signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include an object having a communication device, where the communication device of the object broadcasts a first signal from a first location within a volume of space at a first time. The system can also include a first electrical device and a second electrical device that receives the first signal in the volume of space. The system can also include a controller communicably coupled to the first electrical device and the second electrical device, where the controller determines a first strength of the first signal received by the first receiver, determines a second strength of the first signal received by the second receiver, scales the first signal relative to the second signal based on the first strength and the second strength, and determines a location of the object in the volume of space based on scaling the first signal relative to the second signal.