Locator Node Sniffs Sensor Signals for Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor network systems face challenges in accurately determining the position of mobile objects due to errors associated with long communication distances, the need for precise base station locationing, and the complexity of radio field strength measurements, which are affected by environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-net system that employs a locator node to sniff communication from sensor nodes, eliminating the need for accurate distance estimation between base stations and sensor nodes, reducing the requirement for time synchronization, and simplifying the computation of radio field strength fluctuations, while also eliminating the need for the sensor node to transmit a locationing signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the communication distance between base station and sensor node is extended to reduce installation density, then the installation interval of base stations can be extended, but the position determination accuracy deteriorates due to errors in distance estimation and radio field strength measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a locator node as an intermediary component between the base station and sensor node. The locator node sniffs communication signals from sensor nodes and transmits them to the base station, enabling position determination without requiring direct long-distance communication between base stations and sensor nodes. This intermediary approach maintains position accuracy while allowing extended installation intervals of base stations.
2Device complexity
If conventional trilateration methods are used with long communication distances, then base station installation can be sparser, but the errors in distance estimation and radio field strength measurements increase, deteriorating position accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The locator node acts as a mediator that receives communication signals from sensor nodes and forwards them to base stations. This eliminates the need for direct long-distance communication, thereby reducing errors in distance estimation and radio field strength measurements while maintaining simpler base station arrangement.
3Loss of information
If sensor nodes transmit locationing signals actively, then position information can be obtained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor node utilizes its existing communication signals for position determination purposes without needing to transmit additional dedicated locationing signals. The locator node sniffs these regular communication signals to extract position information, thereby achieving position acquisition while minimizing power consumption at the sensor node.
4Measurement precision
If precise time synchronization is implemented for trilateration, then position accuracy can be improved, but system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locator node intermediary eliminates the need for precise time synchronization between base station and sensor node. By sniffing and forwarding communication signals, the system can determine position without relying on time-critical measurements, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining position determination accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The position of a node is identified. There is provided a module for identifying the position of a node using a locator node that sniffs communication of the node in a sensor network system capable of continuously tracking a situational change in the state, position or the like of people or an object.