Micro-location positioning system for workforce analytics
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of reliable and accurate methods to capture and analyze real-time workforce movements on-site, which hinders labor cost savings, productivity improvements, and operational efficiency in industrial settings.
Innovation Solution
A micro-location positioning system and analytics platform that uses a mesh network topology with beacons and sensors to provide precise, reliable, and private micro-positioning data, allowing for real-time tracking and analysis of workforce movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If GPS systems are used for workforce tracking, then coverage area is large, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large coverage area into multiple smaller zones, each with its own beacon. Sensors track workers by detecting which beacon zone they are in, providing both wide coverage and precise location data within each zone. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining large overall coverage while achieving high precision through localized measurement.
2Measurement precision
If mesh network topology with beacons is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beacons in the mesh network autonomously communicate position data to sensors without requiring centralized control or complex coordination. Each beacon independently broadcasts its location information, and sensors automatically process this data to determine worker positions. This self-service approach simplifies the system architecture while maintaining high positioning precision.
3Productivity
If real-time tracking of all workforce movements is implemented, then productivity analysis is improved, but loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system collects continuous positioning data from all sensors but only processes and analyzes data when workers enter or exit defined zones or when specific events occur. This partial processing approach maintains comprehensive tracking capability while significantly reducing the time and computational resources needed for data analysis, resolving the contradiction between real-time monitoring and processing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a workforce within a site using a wireless mesh network.