Mesh Node Indoor Positioning Using Relay Signal Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite-based positioning technologies fail to provide seamless and accurate positioning indoors due to insufficient signal penetration through walls and roofs, necessitating alternative solutions for indoor positioning.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a network of transmitters and mesh nodes that form a wireless mesh, where each node monitors environmental parameters and performs measurements on radio signals, relaying results through a gateway node to a server for determining the position of devices within a site, even in areas with limited cellular or WLAN coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite-based positioning technologies are used outdoors, then positioning accuracy is improved, but signal penetration through walls and roofs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces terrestrial transmitters (such as WLAN access points, Bluetooth beacons, or cellular base stations) as intermediary devices to relay positioning signals indoors. These transmitters receive satellite signals outdoors and retransmit them indoors, enabling seamless positioning transition from outdoor satellite-based systems to indoor terrestrial-based systems without requiring separate infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes terrestrial transmitters perform dual functions: serving as both communication infrastructure (providing WLAN, Bluetooth, or cellular services) and as positioning signal sources. This eliminates the need for dedicated positioning infrastructure indoors, allowing existing terrestrial transmitters to support both networking and positioning functions simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated indoor positioning solutions are deployed, then indoor positioning performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing terrestrial transmitters to serve dual purposes as both communication infrastructure and positioning signal sources. By making these transmitters universal, the system avoids deploying separate dedicated positioning infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining indoor positioning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the positioning function with existing communication infrastructure. Instead of creating separate positioning systems, the patent combines positioning capabilities with WLAN access points, Bluetooth beacons, or cellular base stations, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Measurement precision
If model-based positioning is implemented, then positioning capability is improved, but infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing terrestrial transmitters perform dual functions as communication infrastructure and positioning signal sources. This universality eliminates the need for dedicated positioning infrastructure, reducing infrastructure requirements while maintaining positioning capability through model-based approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables terrestrial transmitters to automatically serve dual purposes without requiring additional dedicated positioning infrastructure. The existing transmitters self-serve as both communication and positioning elements, reducing the need for external positioning-specific infrastructure deployment.
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
Enables efficient monitoring and tracking of devices and environmental parameters within a site by forming a wireless mesh network that ensures measurement results reach a server, supporting seamless positioning and surveillance without additional infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
Each of a plurality of transmitters, which are distributed to fixed locations of a site, transmits radio signals in regular intervals
Implementation Method 2
at least one mesh node performing measurements on radio signals transmitted by at least one transmitter of the plurality of transmitters
Data Source
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AI summary
Each of a plurality of transmitters (120), which are distributed at fixed locations of a site, regularly transmits radio signals. A mesh node (111) performs measurements on radio signals transmitted by at least one transmitter (120) and transmits messages including results of the measurements. The mesh node belongs to a plurality of mesh nodes, each configured to monitor at least one environmental parameter at the site. A gateway node (130) receives messages transmitted by the mesh node directly and/or via at least one other mesh node of the plurality of mesh nodes, wherein each of the plurality of mesh nodes is configured to receive messages from other mesh nodes of the plurality of mesh nodes and to forward received messages. The gateway node transmits received messages to a server that is configured to monitor mesh nodes at the site based on results of measurements.