Wireless Network Node Selection for RF Presence Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless networks face inefficiencies when all devices are configured for RF-based presence detection and localization, as it reduces bandwidth for network communication, leading to suboptimal resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

A system and method to select a subset of devices in a wireless network based on their suitability for RF-based presence and localization, determining their suitability by assessing factors like hardware, software, RF characteristics, and environmental conditions, and configuring them to perform these functions while preserving bandwidth for network communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all devices capable of performing RF-based presence detection and localization are configured to perform this function, then the coverage and reliability of presence detection is improved, but the bandwidth available for network communication is reduced and resource utilization becomes suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepresence detection reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork communication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the device population into different groups based on their suitability for RF-based presence detection. Instead of configuring all capable devices, the system selectively configures only those devices that meet specific criteria (such as devices with sufficient processing power, appropriate antenna characteristics, and locations that provide good coverage). This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable presence detection while preserving network bandwidth for devices that are not designated for this function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different functions to different devices based on their individual characteristics and locations. Devices are evaluated based on their specific RF characteristics, processing capabilities, and spatial positioning. Only devices with suitable local properties (e.g., devices located in areas where their RF signals provide unique coverage, or devices with hardware specifically optimized for RF sensing) are configured for presence detection, while other devices maintain their primary network communication function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If all capable devices are configured for RF-based presence detection, then the measurement precision and coverage of location detection is improved, but the device's capacity to communicate wireless network traffic is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation detection precisionVSAvoiddevice communication capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by configuring only a subset of capable devices for RF-based presence detection rather than all devices. The system determines the minimum number of devices needed to achieve adequate coverage and precision, and configures only those devices. This partial configuration approach ensures sufficient location detection precision while leaving other devices available for network communication, thereby avoiding unnecessary consumption of device communication capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If a subset of devices is selected for RF-based presence detection, then network communication resources are preserved, but the complexity of device selection and configuration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork communication efficiencyVSAvoiddevice selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing pre-defined criteria and algorithms for evaluating device suitability before actual configuration. The system pre-assesses devices based on their hardware capabilities, RF characteristics, and spatial locations, and creates a suitability ranking or classification. This preliminary evaluation framework simplifies the subsequent configuration process, as the system can automatically select devices based on pre-established rules rather than requiring complex real-time decision-making during deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling devices to self-report their capabilities and characteristics to the configuration system. Each device provides information about its processing power, antenna properties, and location, and the system automatically processes this information to determine suitability. This self-service approach reduces the manual complexity of device selection, as the devices themselves provide the necessary data for evaluation, and the system autonomously makes configuration decisions based on pre-defined criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3844909B1Determining a suitability of network nodes for RF-based presence and/or location detection
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3844909B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3844909B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3844909B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A system (1) for selecting one or more devices in a wireless network for transmitting, receiving and/or processing a radio frequency signal for presence and/or location detection comprises at least one processor (5) configured to determine a suitability of each of a plurality of devices (11-15) for transmitting, receiving and/or processing a radio frequency signal for presence and/or location detection, select a subset of devices from the 5 plurality of devices based on the suitability determined for each of the plurality of devices, and instruct at least one of the subset of devices to act as a device for transmitting, receiving and/or processing a radio frequency signal for presence and/or location detection.