Location Tags for Precise Indoor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for locating wireless communication devices within specific geographical areas, such as multi-story buildings, lack precision and do not provide accurate GPS positions, leading to inefficiencies in device tracking and messaging.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing programmable location tags with wireless transceivers, capable of determining the most practically near location tag to a wireless communication device, which then requests and provides detailed location information, enabling precise location awareness and area-specific messaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS is used for location determination, then location information can be obtained, but GPS does not work reliably in multi-story building environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces location tags as intermediary devices deployed throughout the building environment. These tags act as mediators between the wireless device and the location determination system, providing reliable location information in GPS-denied environments by creating a localized reference framework that works independently of satellite signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the building environment into discrete zones, each marked by individual location tags. This segmentation approach transforms the continuous GPS coverage problem into a discrete tag-based location system, where each tag represents a specific spatial segment that can be independently identified and tracked
2Measurement precision
If multiple location tags are deployed to improve precision, then location precision improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs location tags with universal functionality that simplifies system complexity. Each tag serves multiple purposes: it provides location identification, enables precision measurement through standardized signaling, and integrates with the wireless device's existing communication capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components and simplifies system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where wireless devices periodically query location tags and receive location information. This continuous feedback loop allows the system to maintain precision while managing complexity through standardized interaction protocols, where the device automatically processes tag responses without requiring complex decision-making algorithms
3Area of stationary object
If location tags are placed on different floors, then multi-floor location coverage is achieved, but determining the most practically near location tag becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the location tag system into the vertical dimension by deploying tags across multiple floors. Each tag is associated with specific floor information, transforming the traditional two-dimensional location problem into a three-dimensional solution. The wireless device can determine its vertical position by identifying tags on different floors, enabling accurate multi-floor location awareness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-associates each location tag with metadata including floor number and accessibility information. This preliminary action of organizing tag data before runtime allows the wireless device to efficiently filter and select the most practically near tag without complex real-time analysis, reducing the difficulty of tag selection in multi-floor environments
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for precisely locating a mobile device at a precise geographical distance and messaging to communication devices carried by persons in specific areas is disclosed. The method utilizes at least two elements, a mobile device and at least one location tag. When activated, the mobile device will interact with all of the location tags in range and determine the location tag most practically near. The mobile device will then download detailed local information from the location tag most practically near. The messaging system may be used to selectively send messages to communication devices known to be within range of location transmitters or tags in a predetermined area.