Mobile Device RF Signal Location Search Without Fixed Beacons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking systems for lost objects rely on expensive and complicated setups with fixed beacons, limiting their ability to determine the location of a tracking device outside their range.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mobile device to detect RF signals from tracking devices, combining GPS signals to calculate the device's geographical location without relying on fixed beacons, by generating sets of possible locations based on signal strength and moving the device to narrow down the position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed beacons are used to track lost objects, then the location can be determined within beacon range, but the system becomes expensive and complicated to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fixed beacon infrastructure from the tracking system. Instead of requiring beacons installed at fixed locations, the mobile device itself becomes the tracking instrument. The mobile device uses its existing GPS receiver and RF transmitter to determine the location of lost objects, extracting the tracking function from the complex beacon system and embedding it in the mobile device.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device performs tracking using its own built-in resources - GPS receiver for location data and RF transmitter for communicating with tracking devices. The system serves itself by utilizing the mobile device's existing capabilities rather than requiring external beacon infrastructure, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating setup complexity.
2Measurement precision
If fixed beacons are used to track lost objects, then location can be determined, but the system becomes expensive to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, permanent beacon infrastructure with inexpensive mobile devices that users already possess. The mobile device, which is a common consumer item, serves as the tracking instrument. This substitution dramatically reduces implementation costs while maintaining location determination capability through the mobile device's GPS and RF communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device performs multiple functions: it uses its GPS receiver to determine its own location, uses its RF transmitter to communicate with tracking devices, and processes the signal strength data to calculate distances. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated beacon hardware, reducing system implementation costs while maintaining tracking accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If the mobile device moves to multiple locations, then the precision of tracking device location determination improves, but the time required to locate the object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows the user to stop the location search at any point, even if multiple mobile device positions have not been collected. The system processes whatever data is available and provides the best possible location estimate based on partial information. This partial action approach reduces time loss while maintaining acceptable precision for the user's needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to the user about the tracking device's location based on data collected so far. As the mobile device moves and collects additional RF signal strength measurements, the location precision improves and is reflected in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows users to balance time investment against precision requirements, stopping when sufficient accuracy is achieved.
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 the user to locate lost objects without the need for expensive beacons, using a mobile device to determine the precise location of tracking devices through iterative positioning and signal strength analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The mobile device receives a first RF signal transmitted by the first device while the mobile device is at a first geographical location
Implementation Method 2
The mobile device determines the geographical location of the first device based on the first RF signal, the second RF signal, the first mobile device geographical location, and the second mobile device geographical location
Data Source
AI summary
A location search method using a mobile device in multiple locations. In one embodiment of the method, the mobile device receives a first radio frequency (RF) signal transmitted by a first device while the mobile device is at a first geographical location. The mobile device receives a second RF signal transmitted by the first device while the mobile device is at a second geographical location, which is different from the first mobile device geographical location. The mobile device determines a geographical location of the first device based on the first RF signal, the second RF signal, the first mobile device geographical location, and the second mobile device geographical location.