Smart Dual-Mode Tags RSSI Threshold Beaconing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location tracking systems in computer networks face challenges in efficiently managing battery life of mobile tags using ultrasound or infrared technologies, which provide room-level location accuracy but consume significant power, leading to unnecessary energy expenditure when not in use.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mechanism where a device in a network sends ultrasound or infrared beacons only when the received radio frequency signal strength exceeds a predetermined threshold, enabling the beacon transmission opportunistically and adjusting the signal strength threshold dynamically based on reception feedback to optimize energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound or infrared beacons are transmitted continuously to maintain room-level location accuracy, then location tracking precision is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic beacon transmission instead of continuous transmission. The mobile tag transmits ultrasound or infrared beacons at specific intervals or under specific conditions (such as when motion is detected or when RF signal strength indicates proximity to infrastructure), thereby maintaining location tracking capability while significantly reducing battery consumption compared to continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the beacon transmission behavior based on real-time conditions. The transmission frequency and timing are adapted according to detected motion, received RF signal strength, and location service requirements, allowing the system to optimize between location accuracy and energy consumption based on current operational context.
2Reliability
If beacon transmission frequency is increased to improve location accuracy, then location tracking reliability is improved, but energy expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the mobile tag monitors received RF signal strength from infrastructure elements and adjusts its beacon transmission accordingly. When the tag detects strong RF signals indicating proximity to known infrastructure, it can reduce transmission frequency since location can be inferred from RF triangulation. When RF signals are weak or motion is detected, transmission frequency increases to maintain reliable location tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes transmission parameters (frequency, power, timing) based on operational conditions. Transmission frequency is adjusted as a parameter based on detected motion, RF signal strength, and location service demands, allowing the system to maintain reliability when needed while conserving energy during stable conditions.
3Measurement precision
If the device uses ultrasound or infrared technologies for location tracking, then room-level location accuracy is achieved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RF beacons from infrastructure elements as an intermediary mechanism. Instead of relying solely on active ultrasound or infrared transmission from the mobile tag, the system leverages passive RF triangulation using infrastructure beacons as intermediaries. This hybrid approach allows the tag to achieve location accuracy through a combination of passive RF listening and selective active ultrasound/IR transmission, thereby extending battery life while maintaining room-level accuracy.
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
This approach significantly reduces battery consumption by limiting beacon transmissions to when the device is within range of the network, thereby extending the battery life of mobile tags while maintaining room-level location accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The device sends a burst of ultrasound or infrared beacons
Implementation Method 2
The device sends a burst of ultrasound or infrared beacons
Implementation Method 3
The device determines a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the received RF beacon
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a device in a network receives a radio frequency (RF) beacon. The device determines a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the received RF beacon. The device compares the determined RSSI to an RSSI threshold. The device sends a burst of ultrasound or infrared beacons when the determined RSSI of the RF beacon exceeds the RSSI threshold. The burst of ultrasound or infrared beacons is then used by a location service in the network to determine a physical location of the device.