Self-contained Positioning Assembly for Flexible Indoor Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor positioning systems, such as GPS and VLC, face limitations in accuracy and line-of-sight requirements, while Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons offer two-way communication but are typically integrated into luminaires, limiting mechanical options and requiring customization for each luminaire type.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained positioning assembly that includes a wiring compartment, power supply, housing, and electronic positioning beacon, allowing external installation and flexible orientation, which can receive external power and transmit positioning signals without being integrated into luminaires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons are integrated into luminaires, then positioning functionality is provided, but mechanical options and installation flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a power supply unit that can be integrated into existing luminaires and a positioning beacon unit that can be independently installed. This segmentation allows the positioning functionality to be decoupled from luminaire-specific constraints, enabling flexible installation in various locations without requiring customization for each luminaire type.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit is designed to be universal and compatible with multiple luminaire types, while the positioning beacon unit can be independently deployed. This universal design eliminates the need for custom retrofit kits for each luminaire type, allowing the same positioning system to be installed across different environments with varying luminaire configurations.
2Reliability
If VLC technology is used for positioning, then real-time location information is provided, but direct line-of-sight is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges VLC technology and BLE beacons into a hybrid positioning system. The VLC components provide high-accuracy positioning when line-of-sight is available, while the BLE components ensure continuous positioning capability even when line-of-sight is blocked. This combination maintains positioning reliability in all conditions by compensating for the weaknesses of each individual technology.
3Reliability
If GPS is used for positioning, then location information is obtained, but it does not work or is insufficiently accurate in indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces intermediate positioning technologies (VLC and BLE) that bridge the gap between GPS outdoor capability and indoor positioning needs. These intermediary technologies operate in the RF and optical domains, enabling positioning functionality indoors where GPS signals are unavailable, while maintaining sufficient accuracy for indoor navigation and location-based services.
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
Enables accurate and flexible indoor positioning without the need for direct line-of-sight, with consistent orientation and signal strength, facilitating better user device tracking and communication, and allowing for customizable installation layouts.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply disposed within the wiring compartment that is configured to convert the external power to low voltage power
Implementation Method 2
an electronic positioning beacon disposed within the housing and configured to receive the low voltage power and transmit electronic positioning signals in response
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained positioning assembly includes a wiring compartment that is configured to receive external power, a power supply disposed within the wiring compartment that is configured to convert the external power to low voltage power, a housing, a conduit that couples the wiring compartment with the housing, an electronic positioning beacon disposed within the housing, and wiring that transmits the low voltage power from the power supply, through the conduit, to the electronic positioning beacon within the housing. The electronic positioning beacon is configured to receive the low voltage power and transmit electronic positioning signals in response.