Mobile-Terminal Location Broadcasting for Low-Power Connected Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connected objects with limited hardware and energy resources face challenges in determining their location accurately and efficiently without relying on energy-consuming GPS or mobile radio communication modules, which are costly and impractical for long-term autonomy.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a mobile terminal to receive and broadcast location data of nearby radio endpoints using low-energy communication protocols, such as Bluetooth, allowing connected objects to estimate their position without requiring GPS or mobile radio modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or mobile radio communication modules are used for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile terminals (smartphones) as intermediary devices that perform the energy-intensive location calculations and data processing. The connected object simply receives location data from these intermediaries via low-energy short-wave communication, thereby achieving accurate location determination without consuming significant energy itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex location determination functionality from the connected object and places it in external mobile terminals. The connected object only needs to receive pre-calculated location information through simple short-wave communication, eliminating the need for expensive GPS modules or mobile radio communication capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If GPS or mobile radio communication modules are used for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by having mobile terminals (which the users already possess) serve as external location determination devices. The location data is copied from these terminals to the connected object via short-wave communication, eliminating the need to manufacture expensive GPS or mobile radio modules in each connected object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the universality of mobile terminals, which users already carry for other purposes. These multi-functional devices perform the location determination task, making the connected object's design simpler and less expensive while still achieving accurate location tracking.
3Measurement precision
If WPS-type solutions with Internet connection are used, then location estimation is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to remote service access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having mobile terminals broadcast location data at regular intervals via short-wave communication. The connected object can receive this information passively or semi-passively, avoiding the continuous energy consumption associated with maintaining Internet connections and actively querying remote services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing mobile terminals to autonomously perform location determination and broadcasting without requiring the connected object to initiate requests or maintain active Internet connections. The connected object simply receives the pre-prepared location information through energy-efficient short-wave communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communicating an estimate of the location of at least one radio terminal to a connected object. The method is implemented by a mobile terminal and includes: receiving, at a given time, via at least one received radio signal, at least one identifier of a radio terminal; obtaining at least one estimate of the location of an identified radio terminal; associating, with each identifier, the location of the corresponding radio terminal and the time of reception of the corresponding radio signal; and broadcasting the aforementioned association via at least one radio signal to at least one connected object.