Location Tracking Tags Automating Mapping via Signal Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tag-based location tracking systems require manual and time-consuming processes for mapping tag locations and managing configuration parameters, especially in large spaces, which are prone to errors and costly when layouts change.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a processor and communication interface to receive tag identifiers and locations, determining remaining tag locations through intersection and triangulation operations based on broadcast power levels, and updates configuration data automatically across tags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual mapping methods are used to create tag location mappings, then the process is simple to implement, but the time consumption and labor effort increase significantly as the number of tags increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of mapping tags with an automated electronic system. The server automatically determines tag locations by processing signals from tags and mobile devices, eliminating the need for manual GPS coordinate entry and automatic mapping creation. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with an automated electronic system directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of implementation while dramatically reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service mapping where the server autonomously creates and updates tag location mappings without human intervention. The server receives signals from tags and mobile devices, automatically processes this data to determine tag locations, and updates the mapping database. This self-service capability allows the system to handle large numbers of tags automatically, resolving the time consumption issue while keeping the implementation simple.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual mapping methods are used, then the initial setup is straightforward, but the process becomes error-prone and costly when physical space layouts change
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring signals from tags and mobile devices to detect changes in physical space layouts. When layout changes are detected, the server automatically updates tag location mappings in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures high reliability and accuracy of mappings even when layouts change, while maintaining the simplicity of the overall process through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping system transitions from a static manual process to a dynamic automated system that continuously adapts to layout changes. The server dynamically updates tag locations based on real-time signal processing, ensuring mappings remain accurate despite physical space modifications. This dynamic approach maintains simplicity while significantly improving reliability compared to static manual methods.
3Ease of operation
If configuration parameters are changed manually by operators, then the process is easy to understand, but it becomes expensive and time-consuming when large numbers of tags need to be configured
Solution Approach 1:
The server implements a universal configuration management system that can remotely configure any tag in the network through a single interface. Instead of requiring operators to physically visit each tag, the server can broadcast configuration updates to multiple tags simultaneously, regardless of their location. This universal approach maintains operational simplicity while dramatically increasing configuration deployment speed and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary between the operator and the tags, enabling remote configuration without direct physical contact. The operator sends configuration commands to the server, which then relays them to the appropriate tags through wireless communication. This intermediary role simplifies the configuration process for operators while enabling rapid deployment across large numbers of tags, resolving the productivity issue.
4Measurement precision
If more tags are deployed to achieve 1 meter location accuracy in large spaces, then the measurement precision improves, but the quantity of tags and deployment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds the temporal dimension to location determination by continuously processing signals over time. Instead of relying solely on spatial density of tags, the server uses time-based signal processing and triangulation from mobile devices to achieve accurate location determination with fewer tags. This dimensional approach maintains 1-meter precision while reducing the total number of tags required in large spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A tag having a fixed physical location comprising a processor, a memory storing a first identifier, and a wireless communication interface configured to broadcast a first transmission including the first identifier. The processor is configured to receive, from the wireless communication interface, second identifiers of neighboring tags. The processor then configured to store the second identifiers of the neighboring tags in the memory and then modify the first transmission of the first identifier to include the second identifiers of the neighboring tags.