Remote Control Positioning via Wireless Mesh Beacons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in determining the location and orientation of a remote control unit (RCU) within a mesh network, particularly when IR signals are used for control, as they may not reach the intended controller device due to range, direction, or subtended angle issues.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a remote control unit with top and bottom wireless orientation beacons, which provide location information to a controller device. This device processes the information to determine the RCU's position and orientation within a mesh network formed by multiple wireless mesh beacons, generating a map of the area and ensuring correct signal reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IR signals are used for control, then the controller device can receive control signals from the RCU, but the IR signals may not reach the controller device due to range, direction, or subtended angle limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless mesh beacons as intermediary devices that establish a mesh network to relay location and orientation information between the RCU and controller device. These beacons act as mediators that enable indirect communication of positional data, allowing the system to determine RCU location without direct line-of-sight IR communication requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical requirement of direct IR line-of-sight communication with a wireless electronic positioning system. Instead of relying on physical alignment and direct signal transmission, the system uses wireless mesh beacons to electronically determine and communicate RCU position and orientation data to the controller device.
2Measurement precision
If wireless mesh beacons are deployed throughout the area, then the location and orientation of the RCU can be accurately determined, but the device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless mesh beacons are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as location reference points, orientation reference points, and communication relays within the mesh network. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each purpose, thereby managing complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar positioning to three-dimensional spatial positioning by utilizing vertical placement of beacons and calculating positions in three-dimensional space. This adds a vertical dimension to the positioning system, improving accuracy while distributing beacons more efficiently through the space.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining a location and an orientation of a remote control unit within a mesh network. A remote control unit (RCU) includes a top wireless orientation beacon at a first end and a bottom wireless orientation beacon at a second end. The top wireless orientation beacon and the bottom wireless orientation beacon provide location information to a controller device. A plurality of wireless mesh beacons are disposed in a predetermined area to form a mesh network, and the controller device uses the plurality of mesh beacons to generate a map of the predetermined area. The controller device processes location information obtained from the RCU to determine a position and orientation of the RCU relative to the controller device in the map of the predetermined area.