Multi-Antenna RSSI Switching for Accurate Indoor Vehicle Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In complex indoor environments, such as buildings or underground parking lots, the accuracy of location determination using received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values is compromised due to obstacles, leading to potential vehicle malfunctions, as the RSSI value measured may not accurately reflect the device's location, causing incorrect vehicle control operations.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that switch between multiple antennas with different coverage zones, using RSSI data to determine the target zone, where the first determination operation assesses proximity and the second operation confirms the target zone entry, enabling more accurate location determination and vehicle control operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single antenna is used for location determination, then the device complexity is low, but the location determination accuracy is insufficient in complex indoor environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation determination accuracyVSAvoidantenna system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the antenna system into multiple segments (multiple antennas with different coverage zones) to improve location determination accuracy. Each antenna covers a specific zone, and the system switches between antennas based on the device's location, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic antenna switching based on RSSI values and coverage zone information. The system dynamically selects the appropriate antenna for location determination, transitioning from a static single-antenna approach to a dynamic multi-antenna system, which improves accuracy without permanently increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple antennas with different coverage zones are used, then the location determination accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice location determination accuracyVSAvoidantenna switching system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-establishes coverage zones for each antenna and stores this information in advance. When location determination is needed, the system quickly switches to the appropriate antenna based on pre-calculated coverage areas, avoiding real-time complex calculations and reducing the perceived system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses RSSI values as feedback to determine which antenna's coverage zone the device is in. The system continuously monitors RSSI, compares it against threshold values, and switches antennas accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that manages complexity through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If RSSI-based location determination is used in indoor environments, then the implementation is simple, but the measurement accuracy is compromised due to obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidRSSI measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct coverage zones for different antennas, where each zone is optimized for specific spatial regions. This allows the system to maintain simple RSSI-based measurement while improving accuracy by selecting the antenna whose coverage zone best matches the device's local environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This approach enhances the accuracy of device location determination near vehicles, reducing the likelihood of vehicle malfunctions by using multiple antenna switching based on RSSI data, ensuring reliable vehicle control operations even in challenging indoor environments.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a received signal strength value of a wireless signal, that is, a received signal strength indication (RSSI) value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11889376B2Method and apparatus for determining location of device using multiple antenna switching
Publication Date: 2024.01.30 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • US11889376B2 patent drawing
  • US11889376B2 patent drawing
  • US11889376B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for determining a location of a device using multiple antenna switching. A method for determining a location of a device using multiple antenna switching according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a first determination step of determining whether a device enters a target proximity zone or a target zone on the basis of a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value received through a second antenna having a first coverage; a step of connecting a third antenna through antenna switching if it is determined that the device has entered the target proximity zone or the target zone in the first determining step; a second determination step of determining whether the device enters the target zone on the basis of a RSSI value received through the third antenna having a second coverage; and a step of confirming that the device has entered the target zone if it is determined that the device has entered the target zone in the second determination step.