Route Identification Using Wireless Beaconing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle owners often struggle to find their vehicles in large, crowded parking lots due to the difficulty in identifying their vehicle among many similar ones, especially when they are of common colors.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that detect unique identifiers from wireless communication devices along a route using a short-range wireless communication protocol, allowing users to track their route and receive indicators to guide them back to their vehicle by reversing the order of detected symbols and changing their presentation based on proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless beaconing devices are deployed throughout a parking lot to enable route tracking, then users can easily find their vehicles, but the device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to independently deploy beacon devices in their vehicles without requiring centralized infrastructure. Each user's vehicle becomes a self-contained navigation aid for others, eliminating the need for extensive parking lot infrastructure installation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon devices serve multiple functions: they act as location markers for route tracking, provide directional guidance to other users, and can potentially serve as emergency contact points. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems.
2Measurement precision
If the system tracks and presents multiple unique identifiers along the route, then navigation accuracy improves, but the information processing and presentation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential navigation information from the complete route data - specifically presenting sequential beacon identifiers and directional cues rather than displaying all detected identifiers. This extraction simplifies the user interface while maintaining navigation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The route is segmented into discrete segments between consecutive beacons, with each segment presented as a separate navigation instruction. This segmentation breaks down complex route information into manageable, actionable steps for the user.
3Loss of time
If the system provides real-time directional indicators based on detected beacons, then users can quickly locate their vehicles, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic beacon transmissions rather than continuous monitoring. Beacons transmit their identifiers at regular intervals, allowing the tracking device to operate in a lower-power state between transmissions while still accumulating sufficient navigation data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system rapidly processes and presents navigation information in sequential steps, enabling users to quickly reach their destination. This speed compensates for the energy expenditure by minimizing the total duration of active tracking, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method (400, 500) of identifying a route traveled. The method can include, while traveling away from an initial location (115), detecting a unique identifier for each of a plurality of wireless communication devices (125) along the route. The method also can include presenting an indicator (210) that indicates a relative distance from at least one of the wireless communication devices while traveling toward the initial location. Detecting the unique identifier for each of the plurality of wireless communication devices can include detecting a media access control (MAC) identifier or an Internet protocol (IP) address for at least one of the communication devices.