LPWAN Positioning Message Encoding with Partial Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) technologies, such as Sigfox Atlas, face limitations in network bandwidth, leading to reduced positioning accuracy and availability due to limited message sizes, which prevents the inclusion of crucial data like signal strength measurements, resulting in inaccurate positioning and the inability to use advanced indoor positioning methods.
Innovation Solution
A method that employs lossy encoding to include more identifier information and signal strength data in positioning messages by allowing up to two full and three partial identifier information pieces, along with signal strength information, within limited bandwidth messages, enabling the transmission of additional data over low-bandwidth protocols like Sigfox.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard positioning message format is used with LPWAN technologies, then message size is limited to fit bandwidth constraints, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to exclusion of signal strength measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier information is segmented into full identifier (complete MAC address) and partial identifier (truncated MAC address). This segmentation allows the message to include multiple identifier types with different data volumes, enabling both complete identification and signal strength data within bandwidth constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The message format parameters are changed to include a variable number of full and partial identifiers (e.g., one full identifier plus two partial identifiers instead of three full identifiers). This parameter change optimizes the balance between identification completeness and available bandwidth for signal strength measurements
2Reliability
If more identifier information is included in positioning messages, then positioning accuracy improves, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of including complete identifiers for all detected radio nodes (excessive action), the system includes one full identifier and two partial identifiers (partial action). This partial approach provides sufficient positioning information while conserving network bandwidth for signal strength measurements
3Adaptability or versatility
If signal strength measurements are included in positioning messages, then advanced positioning methods become available, but message size exceeds LPWAN bandwidth limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The message structure parameters are optimized to include exactly one full identifier (6 bytes) and two partial identifiers (2 bytes each), totaling 10 bytes for identifiers. This leaves sufficient space in the message for signal strength measurements while staying within typical LPWAN message size limits
Data Source
AI summary
Inter-alia, methods are disclosed for decoding an optimized message format utilizable for positioning. The methods may include obtaining at least one encoded sample measurement comprising: at a maximum two full identifier information of respective radio nodes; at a maximum three partial identifier information of respective radio nodes, wherein a part of a respective full identifier information of the respective radio nodes is comprised; and at least one signal strength information of the respective radio nodes; and resolving a respective partial identifier information of the maximum of three partial identifier information of respective radio nodes to determine their respective full identifier information. Corresponding apparatus(es), computer program(s) and system(s) are disclosed.