Indoor Power Plant Location Tracking via Beacon Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Global Positioning System (GPS)-based augmented reality (AR) is ineffective in power plants due to the presence of iron structures, making it impossible to track locations and provide information in such environments.
Innovation Solution
A total power plant monitoring and controlling system using beacons, which includes location beacons and device information beacons, allows for precise location tracking and real-time information display via augmented reality, even in areas with iron structures, by utilizing Bluetooth low energy (BLE) signals and QR codes to simulate indoor GPS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS-based AR is used for location tracking in power plants, then location information can be provided in open spaces, but it becomes impossible to track locations in areas surrounded by iron structures and steel beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces beacons as intermediary devices that are placed throughout the power plant environment. These beacons act as mediators between the terminal device and the physical location, enabling position identification through signal reception rather than satellite-based GPS. The beacons transmit identification information that the terminal device uses to determine its location, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining location tracking reliability and adapting to indoor environments with iron structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic system with a local beacon-based signal system. Instead of relying on external satellite signals that are blocked by iron structures, the system uses locally generated beacon signals that can penetrate and operate within the power plant's indoor environment. This substitution enables location tracking to function reliably in previously inaccessible areas.
2Productivity
If manual location identification using drawings and experience is used, then no additional tracking infrastructure is needed, but operational efficiency decreases and accuracy relies on human expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the terminal device automatically receives beacon signals and determines its own location without requiring manual reference to drawings or reliance on operator experience. The system provides location information and device status automatically, enabling operators to quickly identify equipment and access relevant information, thus improving productivity while eliminating dependency on human memory and paper drawings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the terminal device continuously receives beacon signals, processes location information, and displays real-time device status and operational data. This continuous feedback mechanism provides operators with up-to-date information about equipment location and state, eliminating the need to rely on static drawings and improving both efficiency and accuracy of operations.
3Measurement precision
If beacons are deployed throughout the power plant for precise location tracking, then real-time information can be provided, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power plant environment into multiple zones, each covered by individual beacons. Rather than using a single complex centralized system, the location tracking function is segmented into multiple independent beacon units distributed throughout the facility. Each beacon independently transmits its identification information, and the terminal device processes these segmented signals to determine precise location, thereby achieving high measurement precision while keeping individual components simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the beacon system to serve multiple functions: location identification, device information provision, and operational status monitoring. The same beacon infrastructure that enables precise location tracking also provides access to device manuals, maintenance information, and real-time status data. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple information delivery functions into a single unified beacon network.
Data Source
AI summary
A power plant controlling method includes: receiving a beacon signal from a location beacon or a device information beacon, wherein the location beacon is mounted in a region of a power plant area requiring monitoring and controlling, the region including an employee circulation path, and the device information beacon is mounted at a device requiring identification; tracking a location of the beacon that transmitted the received beacon signal; and receiving information about devices within a radius set by a user based on the tracked location.