Multi-Module Positioning System with Selective Signal Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies, including GPS, fail to effectively locate missing persons such as senior citizens with Alzheimer's disease and young children, as there is no reliable method to determine their current position once they go missing.
Innovation Solution
A position indicating system comprising a device with multiple modules (WLAN, GPS, and RFID) that can selectively output or receive signals to generate and transmit position information to an external device, utilizing wireless networks, GPS, and RFID techniques to accurately determine and communicate the location of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS technology is used to determine location, then position accuracy is improved, but the system cannot function in locations without satellite signal coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple position indicating modules (GPS module, WLAN module, RFID module) into a single integrated system. This allows the device to utilize satellite-based GPS positioning when available, while seamlessly switching to WLAN or RFID-based positioning in areas without satellite coverage, thereby resolving the contradiction between position accuracy and location coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The position indicating device is designed with multi-functional capabilities by incorporating different positioning technologies (GPS, WLAN, RFID) that can operate in various environments. This universal design ensures the system can determine position both in open sky conditions and in indoor or signal-blocked areas, addressing the limitation of GPS-only systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple position indicating modules are integrated, then adaptability to different locations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a selecting module as an intermediary that manages multiple position indicating modules. This selector coordinates between GPS, WLAN, and RFID modules, determining which module to activate based on current environmental conditions. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall system complexity by providing a centralized control mechanism rather than requiring complex integration logic across all modules simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates position indicating modules based on real-time conditions such as signal availability and environmental context. Rather than operating all modules continuously or requiring fixed complex interactions, the system adapts its configuration dynamically, activating only the necessary modules for current positioning needs, thereby reducing effective complexity while maintaining adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A position indicating system includes: a position indicating device, a first reference device, and a second reference device. The position indicating device includes: a first position indicating module for outputting a first signal; a second position indicating module for outputting a second signal; and a selecting module coupled to the first position indicating module and the second position indicating module for selectively driving the first position indicating module to output the first signal or driving the second position indicating module to output the second signal. The first reference device is corresponding to the first position indicating module for receiving the first signal and generating first position information according to a position of the position indicating device. And the second reference device is corresponding to the second position indicating module for receiving the second signal and generating second position information according to a position of the position indicating device.