Multi-Protocol Firefighter Locating for Range and Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locating devices for firefighters lack accurate and efficient methods to determine both the range and direction of wearable beacons in emergency environments, particularly in structures with obstacles, and often require sweeping motions that are impractical in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-protocol locating device with three interfaces: a first interface for extended coverage, a second for short-range distance measurement, and a third for refined directional precision, utilizing protocols like Zigbee, UWB, and Bluetooth AoA to integrate data for precise beacon tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single communication protocol is used for locating firefighters, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of location data deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locating device incorporates multiple communication protocol interfaces (first locating interface for Zigbee, second for UWB, third for Bluetooth AoA) to receive different types of locating signals. This multi-functional approach enables the device to operate across diverse communication standards, improving measurement precision by selecting the most appropriate protocol for each specific locating scenario rather than being limited to a single protocol.
2Measurement precision
If sweeping motions are required to determine beacon direction, then directional accuracy may be improved, but ease of operation and response time in emergencies deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical sweeping motions with electronic signal processing methods. The controller processes signals from multiple locating interfaces (UWB for range, Bluetooth AoA for direction) to calculate beacon position through computational algorithms rather than physical movement. This substitution maintains directional accuracy while enabling stationary operation, significantly improving ease of use and response time in emergency situations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple communication protocols are integrated, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication protocol interfaces into a single integrated locating device with a unified controller. The controller receives locating signals from different protocols (Zigbee, UWB, Bluetooth AoA) through separate interfaces but processes them through a common signal processing system. This merging approach improves measurement precision by leveraging multiple protocols simultaneously while managing device complexity through integrated architecture rather than separate standalone systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A locating device includes a first locating interface, a second locating interface, and a third locating interface each configured to transmit a different packet size over a different protocol. The locating device is configured to communicate with a beacon. Depending on the capability of the beacon, the locating device may selectively initiate a tracking routine.