Mobile Tag Mode Transition for Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining location information between objects, such as people or machinery, in various environments face challenges in transitioning between communication modes effectively, especially when wireless access to anchors is limited, leading to inefficiencies in location tracking and collision avoidance.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a mobile tag and anchors, where the mobile tag can transition between peer-to-peer and network communication modes, using techniques like TDOA and TW-TOA to determine its location, and can switch to anchor mode to assist other mobile devices in determining their positions, even when anchors are unavailable, by generating and following a communication schedule with anchor pairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the mobile tag uses network communication mode with anchors for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to disruptions when wireless access to anchors is limited or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile tag dynamically transitions between network communication mode (using anchors) and peer-to-peer communication mode (using other mobile tags) based on the availability and quality of wireless access to anchors. This dynamic mode switching ensures continuous location determination capability whether the tag is in an open area with anchor visibility or in a confined space where peer-to-peer communication is more reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
Other mobile tags serve as intermediary devices for location determination when anchor access is limited. Instead of relying solely on fixed anchors, the system uses mobile tags as intermediate reference points, enabling location determination through peer-to-peer time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements when the mobile tag cannot directly communicate with sufficient anchors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile tag transitions between communication modes, then adaptability to different environments is improved, but device complexity increases due to mode switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile tag continuously monitors the quality and availability of wireless access to anchors and uses this feedback to automatically determine when to switch between network communication mode and peer-to-peer communication mode. The system measures signal strength, anchor visibility, and communication reliability to trigger mode transitions, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration or external control.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile tag is designed with multi-functional communication capabilities, incorporating both network communication functionality (for communicating with anchors) and peer-to-peer communication functionality (for communicating with other mobile tags). This universal design allows the single device to operate effectively in diverse environments whether anchors are available or not, without requiring separate specialized devices.
3Reliability
If the system uses peer-to-peer communication mode, then reliability is improved when anchors are unavailable, but location determination efficiency decreases compared to anchor-based network communication
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the most efficient communication mode based on environmental conditions. When anchors are available and provide reliable coverage, the system operates in network communication mode for efficient location determination. When anchors become unavailable or coverage deteriorates, the system automatically transitions to peer-to-peer mode, accepting the efficiency trade-off to maintain continuous operation rather than failing completely.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining anchor pairs from among a group of anchors and a first mobile device that is operating in an anchor mode, where the determining the anchor pairs is based at least in part on anchor locations, and where the anchor locations are known by the server for the group of anchors and for the first mobile device; generating a schedule for communications between the anchor pairs and one or more second mobile devices; and providing the schedule to the anchor pairs, wherein the communications between the anchor pairs and the one or more second mobile devices enables each of the one or more second mobile devices to determine its respective device position. Other embodiments are disclosed.