Server-Based Location Accuracy for IoT Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lower-capability devices, such as IoT devices, face challenges in determining their location with acceptable accuracy due to constraints on processing capability, storage, and battery power, limiting their ability to provide precise location information.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a server determines the location of a measurement device by collecting and processing positioning signal measurements from a subset of available signal sources, allowing for batch processing and averaging of data to achieve accurate location determination, while reducing the power consumption and processing load on the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lower-capability devices perform location determination locally, then device independence is maintained, but location accuracy deteriorates due to processing and power constraints
Solution Approach 1:
A server acts as an intermediary between the lower-capability measurement device and the positioning signal sources. The server receives measurements from the device, processes them to determine location, and returns the location information. This mediator approach allows the device to maintain simplicity while achieving accurate location determination through the server's processing power.
Solution Approach 2:
The location determination function is segmented between the measurement device (which collects measurements) and the server (which performs processing and location calculation). This segmentation allows each component to operate within its capability constraints - the device remains simple while the server provides the necessary processing power for accurate location determination.
2Measurement precision
If lower-capability devices continuously monitor positioning signals, then location accuracy improves, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic action where the measurement device takes measurements at specific intervals or when triggered, then transmits them to the server for processing. This periodic approach reduces battery power consumption while still enabling accurate location determination through multiple discrete measurements collected over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device performs self-service by autonomously collecting positioning signal measurements and transmitting them to the server without requiring continuous power-intensive processing. The device leverages its limited processing capability only for measurement collection and data transmission, while the server handles the power-intensive location determination calculations.
3Measurement precision
If the server processes all available positioning signal measurements, then location accuracy improves, but system complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The server applies partial action by selectively processing a subset of positioning signal measurements rather than all available measurements. The server can identify and process only the necessary measurements required to achieve sufficient location accuracy, avoiding unnecessary processing time and resources while still meeting the accuracy requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a location of a measurement device includes determining, at a server: measurement times of first positioning signal measurements, of first positioning signals from first positioning signal sources and/or a subset of positioning signal sources of second positioning signal sources. The method includes sending at least one measurement command from the server to the measurement device to cause the measurement device to obtain the first positioning signal measurements in accordance with the measurement times and/or obtain second positioning signal measurements of second positioning signals sent from the subset of positioning signal sources. The method includes: receiving, at the server from the measurement device, measurement data corresponding to the first positioning signal measurements and/or the second positioning signal measurements; and determining, at the server, the location of the measurement device based on the measurement data.