Passive Beacon Localization Using Observatory Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing localization schemes involving active beacons are energy inefficient and not scalable due to the need for two-way communication, and they raise privacy concerns as they require devices to transmit signals, potentially exposing user location data.
Innovation Solution
A time of arrival localization scheme using a separate observatory device with a known distance to beacons, which receives and forwards timing information to devices, allowing them to determine their location without transmitting and reducing the need for synchronization, thus using only passive beacons that are energy efficient and scalable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If active beacons are used for localization, then localization accuracy is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal reception function from the mobile device and places it in a dedicated stationary observatory. This allows the mobile device to remain passive (only receiving signals) while the observatory handles all active signal exchange and processing, thereby improving energy efficiency without sacrificing localization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The observatory acts as an intermediary between the beacons and the mobile device. It receives signals from beacons, processes timing information, and forwards relevant data to the mobile device, enabling accurate localization without requiring the mobile device to actively transmit or process signals.
2Measurement precision
If two-way beacon communication is implemented, then localization capability is improved, but scalability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex two-way communication processing from the mobile device and consolidates it in the stationary observatory. This allows multiple mobile devices to be served by a single observatory, improving scalability while maintaining localization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The observatory is designed to serve multiple mobile devices simultaneously, performing the functions of signal reception, timing processing, and data forwarding for all devices. This universal approach enables the system to scale to support many devices without requiring each device to have full active beacon capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If devices transmit signals for localization, then location determination is improved, but privacy protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the mobile device transmitting signals to beacons (which exposes location data), the patent inverts the approach: beacons transmit signals to a stationary observatory, which then provides timing information to the mobile device. This reverses the flow of active communication, eliminating the need for the mobile device to transmit identifiable signals while still enabling accurate location determination.
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 enables accurate, energy-efficient, and scalable device localization while protecting user privacy by eliminating the need for direct synchronization and reducing data transmission from devices, allowing many devices to receive signals from a single beacon without privacy concerns.
Implementation Method 1
a time of arrival localization scheme using a separate observatory device with a known distance to beacons, which receives and forwards timing information to devices
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may receive a first signal from a first transmitting device at a first time. The electronic device may receive a second signal from a second transmitting device at a second time. The electronic device may access location information for the first transmitting device and the second transmitting device. The electronic device may receive a message from a second electronic device having a known distance relationship to the first transmitting device and the second transmitting device, wherein the second electronic device is configured to receive the first signal, the second signal, and the message including timing information of the signals. The electronic device may determine the position of the electronic device using the location information and the timing information, wherein the position is dependent on the known distance relationship.