Mesh Network Device Location Using Low Bandwidth Signal Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating devices in a space require significant processing effort and often use high bandwidth communication protocols, which can be inefficient and costly, especially in large or complex environments.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing low bandwidth communication protocols in a mesh network, where electrical devices with transceivers send and receive signals to determine the location of other devices, with a gateway processing signal strength and ID information to accurately locate devices in real-time, enabling efficient device tracking and zone creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high bandwidth communication protocols are used for device location, then location accuracy can be improved, but processing effort and system cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing electrical devices in the mesh network as intermediary nodes to measure and report signal strength values. These devices act as mediators that collect location data and forward it to the gateway, eliminating the need for dedicated high-bandwidth communication infrastructure while maintaining location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the existing communication capabilities and processing power of the electrical devices themselves to perform location measurements and data reporting. Each device uses its own transceiver to measure signal strength and automatically reports this data, reducing the need for external high-bandwidth communication systems.
2Loss of time
If high bandwidth communication protocols are used for device location, then real-time tracking can be achieved, but communication cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous high-bandwidth communication, the system uses periodic signal strength measurements and reports. Devices measure signal strength at intervals and report changes in location data, achieving real-time tracking capability while significantly reducing communication frequency and energy consumption compared to continuous high-bandwidth protocols.
3Device complexity
If low bandwidth communication protocols are used in a mesh network, then processing effort is reduced, but location determination capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The location determination process is segmented into multiple components: individual devices measure signal strength independently, the gateway collects and aggregates these measurements, and location is calculated based on combined data from multiple nodes. This segmentation allows low-bandwidth communication at each node while achieving accurate location determination through collective measurement data.
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
This approach reduces processing effort and costs by using low bandwidth protocols, allowing for real-time location and zone organization of devices in various environments, including hazardous or large spaces, while meeting necessary safety and communication standards.
Implementation Method 1
the second controller measures a first strength of the first signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include a first electrical device having a first controller that includes a first transceiver, where the first transceiver sends a first signal using a first communication protocol. The system can also include a second electrical device that includes a second controller having a second transceiver, where the second transceiver receives the first signal, measures a first strength of the first signal, generates a first table that includes the first strength and a first ID of the first electrical device, and sends a second signal using a second communication protocol. The user system can also include a gateway that receives the second signal, where the second signal includes the first strength and the first ID of the first electrical device. The gateway can also determine a first location of the first electrical device using the first strength and the first ID of the first electrical device.