Wireless Mesh Network for Indoor Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object tracking systems face limitations such as line-of-sight issues, high cost, high power consumption, and limited scalability, making them unsuitable for applications requiring accurate, robust, and flexible tracking of objects indoors, outdoors, and underground.
Innovation Solution
A wireless mesh network based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard (ZigBee) is used to create a scalable environment for tracking tagged objects, employing small, low-power, and low-cost digital radios with extended battery life, and software for real-time location tracking, mapping, and reporting, which includes consideration of environmental factors and signal strength fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS is used for object tracking, then location tracking capability is provided, but line-of-sight issues prevent tracking through buildings and underground, and location accuracy is limited to 5-15 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate tracking devices positioned at strategic locations (buildings, towers, underground facilities) that act as mediators to relay tracking signals. These intermediaries enable tracking through environments where direct GPS satellite contact is blocked, extending coverage to indoor and underground locations while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If GPS units with remote communications are used, then tracking function is provided, but cost exceeds $250 per unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple tracking functions into centralized tracking stations rather than requiring each object to have an independent expensive GPS unit with communications capability. The tracking capability is combined at infrastructure level, allowing multiple objects to be tracked using shared resources, thereby reducing per-unit cost significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service tracking where objects emit simple tracking signals that are passively received and processed by the tracking network infrastructure. Objects do not require active communications modules or expensive processing units, as the tracking intelligence resides in the infrastructure, enabling low-cost object tags.
3Ease of operation
If WiFi is used for tracking, then wireless communication is provided, but power consumption is high with battery life of 0.5-5 days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission where objects send tracking signals at intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action dramatically reduces power consumption compared to continuous WiFi transmission, while still providing adequate tracking capability. The system balances communication frequency with power conservation needs.
4Ease of operation
If Bluetooth is used for tracking, then wireless communication is provided, but transmission range is limited to 1-10 feet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested tracking architecture where Bluetooth provides short-range communication between objects and nearby tracking devices, which then relay information through intermediate nodes to achieve long-range tracking. This nested structure combines Bluetooth's low-power advantage with extended range through hierarchical relaying.
Data Source
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AI summary
Real-time location systems and methods use small, battery operated sensors and radios. The radios conform to the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. The radios are attached to objects to form mobile nodes. Fixed nodes are positioned to define a wired or wireless mesh network representing an area in which the objects can be monitored and tracked. The real-time location systems/methods provide robust, flexible and highly scalable systems/methods for remotely, accurately, efficiently, and/or readily tracking and securing objects (e.g., equipment, inventory, people) at a relatively low cost.