RTLS Signal Accuracy Correction via Dampening Factor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current real-time location systems (RTLS) face inaccuracies in tracking mobile devices due to varying signal strengths, especially when the device is in a dampening environment like a pocket or backpack, leading to inconsistent and inaccurate location tracking.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine if a mobile device is in a dampening state and calculate a corrective dampening factor to adjust signal strength readings, using sensors like gyroscopes, accelerometers, and proximity sensors to differentiate between open and dampened states, and apply this factor to correct signal strength measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signal strength monitoring is used for location tracking, then location tracking capability is provided, but measurement accuracy deteriorates when device is in dampening environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of dampening state using sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor) before signal strength measurement, and pre-calculates the dampening factor based on device orientation and environmental conditions. This allows the system to compensate for signal dampening in advance, improving measurement accuracy without waiting for inaccurate readings to occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the signal strength measurement parameters by applying a dampening factor that adjusts the raw signal strength readings based on detected environmental conditions. When dampening is detected, the system modifies the measurement parameters to compensate for the expected signal attenuation, thereby maintaining accurate location tracking despite environmental interference
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to detect dampening state, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages sensors that are already present in modern mobile devices (accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor) for additional dampening detection functions. These sensors originally serve other purposes but are repurposed to detect device orientation, movement, and environmental conditions that indicate dampening states, thereby improving measurement accuracy without adding dedicated hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mobile device's own existing sensors to detect and characterize the dampening environment, and then uses this self-detected information to automatically adjust signal strength measurements. The device serves itself by utilizing its inherent capabilities to compensate for its own measurement limitations, eliminating the need for external correction systems
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for increasing accuracy of wireless based Real-Time Location System (RTLS) devices is disclosed. The method comprising determining whether a mobile device is in a dampening state and determining a wireless dampening factor if the mobile device is in the dampening state. The dampening factor is applied to a plurality of wireless signal strength readings to correct inaccurate readings caused by the dampened state. The system comprises a sensor module for determining whether a mobile device is in a dampening state, and a dampening factor calculator for determining a dampening factor, when the mobile device is in the dampening state.