Radio Attenuation Mapping for Indoor Obstacle Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining wireless network characteristics indoors are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and inaccurate due to manual surveys, static 2D maps, and lack of precise attenuation value data, leading to inefficiencies in simulating network performance and sharing information.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that divide a space into finite elements, measure real signal strength values, calculate theoretical values using a propagation model, and set attenuation values based on tolerances to determine the location of attenuation objects, using transmitters and measurement devices to accurately map the area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual surveying is performed to determine wireless network characteristics, then measurement data can be obtained, but labor cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic measurement of wireless network characteristics by deploying measurement devices that autonomously collect signal strength data throughout the premises without requiring manual intervention. The devices self-organize into measurement paths and automatically transmit collected data to the server, eliminating the need for manual surveying while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual surveying process with an automated electronic measurement system. Instead of manually moving through premises and recording data, electronic measurement devices automatically collect wireless signal characteristics, and a server processes this data to generate network maps, substituting human labor with automated computational systems.
2Loss of information
If 2D maps are generated based on signal strength changes, then visual representation is provided, but the maps become static and misleading as they do not reflect network changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms static 2D maps into dynamic visual representations that automatically update when network conditions change. Measurement devices continuously monitor signal strength, and the server regenerates the visual maps based on current data, ensuring the representation remains accurate and reflective of the actual network state rather than becoming outdated static images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where measurement devices monitor wireless network characteristics in real-time, transmit data to the server, and trigger automatic regeneration of visual network maps. This feedback mechanism ensures the visual representation always reflects current network conditions, preventing the maps from becoming static or misleading.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless simulator tools are used to simulate network performance, then performance prediction is possible, but accurate attenuation values are hard to procure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of actual attenuation values in the premises before conducting network simulations. By first deploying measurement devices to collect real signal strength data and calculate actual attenuation characteristics of the building structures, the system establishes accurate baseline parameters that can then be used to configure and validate wireless simulator tools, ensuring simulation accuracy.
4Loss of information
If data is collected during surveying and simulation is performed separately, then comprehensive analysis is possible, but data sharing between tools is hampered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data collection and simulation functions into a single integrated system. A central server receives measurement data from all measurement devices, processes this data to determine attenuation values and generate visual network maps, and makes this processed data available to simulation tools. This unified architecture eliminates data silos and facilitates seamless information sharing between measurement and simulation components.
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
Facilitates a simple, fast, and accurate technique for determining attenuation objects, reducing costs and time while providing precise location and simulation of wireless devices, enhancing network performance assessment.
Implementation Method 1
providing a first transmitter to transmit radio signal with a first strength value... measuring a plurality of real signal strength values at interest-locations along the first path
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for determining area (202) in which attenuation object (204) is located in space (206), wherein space is divided to finite elements (210, 210a-d). The method comprises providing first transmitter (208, 302) to transmit radio signal with first strength value; moving measurement device (212, 304) along first path (214) and a plurality of real signal strength values at interest-locations (216a-b) along the first path; calculating theoretical signal strength value, for each of the interest-locations of the first path, using radio signal propagation model assuming a free propagation between the first location and the interest-locations; setting attenuation value for each of the finite elements, along lines (218a-b) connecting the first location and the interest-locations; and using locations of the finite elements with the non-free space attenuation value to determine the area in which the attenuation object is located.