RTLS Calibration Using Reference and Adapter Locators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RTLS systems for determining the location of portable devices relative to vehicles suffer from inaccuracies due to varying environmental factors and device types, requiring user calibration that can lead to frustration when instructions are not followed correctly.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a reference locator trained on samples with truth information to determine location, and an adapter locator that adapts the reference locator for different device types and environments, using signal characteristics like RSSI, AOA, and TOF, with gradient descent optimization for parameter tuning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional RTLS system uses signal strength to determine location, then location determination is achieved, but accuracy varies significantly across different environments and device types
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by collecting signal strength samples at multiple known locations before actual use. This pre-collected data forms a lookup table that enables accurate location determination without requiring real-time calibration, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and environmental adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model of the physical environment through signal strength sampling at known locations. This digital replica (lookup table) stores the relationship between signal characteristics and positions, allowing the system to query location information without physical recalibration, thus maintaining accuracy across different environments.
2Measurement precision
If the system requires user calibration for each device-vehicle combination, then accuracy for that specific combination improves, but user frustration increases due to complex calibration instructions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic calibration in the background without requiring user intervention. The controller autonomously collects signal samples, processes the data, and populates the lookup table, eliminating the need for users to follow complex calibration instructions while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system completes the calibration process during manufacturing or initial setup, storing the results in a lookup table. This preliminary action ensures the system is ready for immediate use with high accuracy without requiring users to perform calibration procedures.
3Device complexity
If the system uses a fixed calibration function for all devices, then system complexity is reduced, but location accuracy deteriorates due to device and environmental variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal lookup table structure that can store calibration data for multiple device types and environments. This single data structure serves all calibration needs, maintaining low system complexity while enabling high accuracy through device-specific calibration data stored in the table.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the calibration parameters stored in the lookup table based on device type and environment rather than changing the fundamental system architecture. This allows the system to maintain simplicity while adapting to different devices and conditions through parameter variations in the calibration data.
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
Provides accurate location information with a high degree of confidence by adapting to different device types and environments, reducing user calibration complexity and improving system precision.
Implementation Method 1
a transceiver or master controller located within a vehicle and capable of communicating via radio frequency (RF) with a portable device
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining location information based on a reference profile for a reference device, and a system and method for determining the reference profile. The system may determine the reference locator with respect to the reference device based on a plurality of samples obtained with respect to communications between the reference device and an object device. An adapter locator may be determined for the reference locator for samples obtained with respect to communications between a test device and object.