Magnetic Induction Tag for High-Accuracy Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless localization systems for movable objects or persons lack sufficient spatial and temporal accuracy for effective access/exit control and immediate response to critical tracking events.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing magnetic induction modules and RF transmitters in identification tags, where tags receive beacon messages as variations in a magnetic field, extract beacon information, and conditionally transmit localization messages, allowing for high spatial accuracy and energy-efficient communication, with sensitivity adjustment for access control and direct tag-to-tag communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ultrasonic signals with arrival time measurement are used for position determination, then position information can be obtained, but the spatial accuracy is insufficient for true access/exit control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial accuracyVSAvoidaccess control effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnetic field signals as an intermediary medium between the tag and beacon for precise position determination. The tag determines its position based on magnetic field signal strength from multiple beacons, providing the high spatial accuracy needed for access control that ultrasonic arrival time measurement cannot achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple received signals are used for RSSI triangulation, then location can be estimated, but the system complexity increases and requires multiple signals to be available simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation estimation accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tag performs autonomous position determination by independently measuring magnetic field signal strength from available beacons and calculating its location using triangulation algorithms. The system eliminates the need for complex centralized signal processing by enabling each tag to self-determine its position based on received signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If tags continuously transmit localization messages, then real-time tracking is achieved, but energy consumption increases and transmission medium contention worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking response timeVSAvoidtag energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous transmission, tags transmit localization messages periodically or event-driven based on position changes. The system achieves real-time tracking by updating positions only when necessary, reducing energy consumption and transmission medium contention while maintaining effective monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Area of stationary object

If magnetic induction module sensitivity is high, then detection range is increased, but false detections increase and access control precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidaccess control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic induction module sensitivity is dynamically adjusted based on operational requirements. The system can switch between high sensitivity mode for extended detection range and high precision mode for accurate access control by modifying the tuned circuit parameters, allowing adaptive optimization for different operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system achieves extremely high spatial accuracy and increased temporal accuracy, enabling efficient monitoring with reduced energy consumption and effective access control, while allowing for a larger number of tags to share the transmission medium.

Implementation Method 1

receiving, by means of the magnetic induction module, a first beacon message as variations in a magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3087409B1Localisation system
Publication Date: 2018.03.14 TELEVIC HEALTHCARE
  • EP3087409B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3087409B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention pertains to a method for detecting a tag (100) in an area monitored by one or more beacons (200), the tag (100) comprising a magnetic induction module (121) and a transmitter (140), the method comprising the following steps at said tag: receiving, by means of said magnetic induction module, a first beacon message as variations in a magnetic field, said first beacon message comprising beacon information; extracting said beacon information from said first beacon message; and conditionally on said beacon information, transmitting a localisation message by means of said transmitter (140).