Self-locating Beacon Devices for Accurate Indoor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beacon systems require manual entry of location data, leading to human error and outdated information, and offer low accuracy and high latency, while high-precision systems like UWB are costly and not ubiquitously available.
Innovation Solution
Implementing location-capable beacon devices that can self-locate using UWB tags and Bluetooth transceivers, allowing for real-time location updates and accurate positioning without manual configuration, and integrating these with multi-tiered location service systems to provide varying levels of accuracy and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual entry of location data is used in beacon systems, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to human error and outdated information
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon device is equipped with a location-capable component (UWB tag) that automatically determines and updates its own location information without manual intervention. The device self-services by autonomously acquiring location data from location service systems and maintaining an updated location record, eliminating human error while preserving system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the beacon device continuously receives location updates from location service systems and automatically refreshes its location information. This closed-loop feedback ensures the beacon maintains accurate, real-time location data without requiring manual updates, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
2Measurement precision
If high-precision UWB-based location systems are implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location-capability function into a separate, dedicated component (UWB tag) within the beacon device. This modular approach allows the beacon to gain high-precision location capabilities through the specialized UWB component without requiring the entire system to become complex. The location function is isolated and handled by the appropriate subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The UWB tag acts as an intermediary component that bridges the beacon device and the location service system. It handles the complex UWB communication and location calculation protocols, shielding the main beacon system from complexity while enabling high-precision location functionality. The intermediary manages the technical complexity internally.
3Device complexity
If static location information is used in beacon systems, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates when beacons are moved or relocated
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static location information to dynamic, real-time location updates. The beacon device continuously receives and updates its location information from the location service system, allowing the location data to adapt dynamically when the beacon is moved or relocated. This dynamic approach maintains reliability without requiring manual reconfiguration.
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 automatic and accurate location updates of beacon devices, reducing human error and latency, and provides a unified system that balances cost and precision across different applications, enhancing the reliability of location-based services.
Implementation Method 1
determining a location of the beacon device based on a time of flight of signals
Implementation Method 2
A WiFi receiver's location can be estimated based on the received signal strength from these APs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A system and method for locating a mobile device is disclosed. In a first embodiment, a system of provisioning multiple-tired location services is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of ultra-wideband devices forming a first level of a wireless infrastructure network and a plurality of location capable beacon devices forming a second level of the wireless infrastructure network. In a second embodiment, a method of providing location based services using location capable beacon devices is disclosed. In other embodiments a system for generating real-time safety alerts is further disclosed.