RF-Powered Indoor Beacons for Reliable Remote Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior positioning systems for tracking communication devices in remote locations, such as underground mines or isolated areas, face challenges with reliability due to the unavailability of traditional wireless network signals and GPS, and require frequent maintenance and battery replacements for beacons.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency network-based interior positioning system with battery-less beacons powered by the RF network, where each beacon emits a unique identifier that is communicated to a tracking controller, allowing for accurate spatial coordinate determination of communication devices, and includes a method for alerting on network disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery-powered beacons are used for interior positioning, then the system can operate autonomously, but maintenance frequency increases and reliability decreases due to battery-related failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery component from the beacon system entirely. The beacons are powered by the existing radio frequency network infrastructure through power injection, eliminating the need for separate battery power sources and their associated maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the communication function and power supply function into a single radio frequency network infrastructure. The same network that communicates positioning data also provides electrical power to the beacons through power injection, reducing system complexity and maintenance needs.
2Reliability
If traditional wireless network signals and GPS are used for tracking, then positioning can be achieved in open environments, but the system becomes unreliable in remote locations such as underground mines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning system that operates independently of GPS and traditional wireless networks. The system uses locally-deployed beacons that emit identifiers detectable by communication devices, creating a self-contained positioning infrastructure that works in remote environments where external signals are unavailable.
3Measurement precision
If beacons are deployed throughout the remote location, then tracking accuracy improves, but system complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the radio frequency network serve multiple functions: it provides communication for data transmission and simultaneously provides electrical power to the beacons through power injection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate systems needed and simplifies overall system complexity.
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
The system enhances reliability and reduces maintenance needs by eliminating battery-related failures, providing continuous tracking and rapid identification of network issues for improved operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a power injector injecting said electrical power to said communication signal
Data Source
AI summary
There is described an interior positioning system for tracking spatial position of communication devices within a remote location. The interior positioning system generally has: a radio frequency network distributed through said remote location; beacons spaced-apart from one another throughout said remote location and powered by said radio frequency network, each beacon locally emitting a corresponding beacon identifier which when received by a nearby communication device is communicated over said radio frequency network by said communication device; and a tracking controller being communicatively coupled to said radio frequency network, said tracking controller stored thereon tracking data associating each of said beacon identifiers to respective spatial coordinates, and instructions that when executed perform the steps of: receiving said beacon identifier communicated over said radio frequency network by said communication device, and determining spatial coordinates of said communication device by cross referencing said received beacon identifier to said tracking data.