Smart Radio Positioning via Proximate Device Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional communication devices used by frontline workers are often fragile, difficult to use in harsh environments, and lack reliable connectivity, leading to reduced accessibility and safety concerns due to inadequate signal reception and accuracy in position determination, especially in areas with interfering structures or limited cellular network coverage.
Innovation Solution
A smart radio device that determines its position using data from proximate devices via received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or time difference of arrival (TDOA) techniques, augmenting or replacing traditional GPS methods to provide accurate location services and enhance network connectivity, collaboration, and data collection for improved workforce monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional GPS methods are used for position determination, then position information can be obtained, but accuracy deteriorates in areas with interfering structures or limited cellular network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces proximate devices as intermediary elements that relay position information. When direct GPS signals are blocked or weak, the system uses signals from nearby devices to calculate position through multilateration, effectively using intermediaries to overcome signal obstruction issues in harsh environments
Solution Approach 2:
The smart radio device performs multiple functions: it acts as both a communication device and a positioning sensor. By enabling proximate devices to share position data, the system creates a universal solution that works both in open areas with GPS coverage and in confined areas with interfering structures, eliminating the need for separate positioning systems
2Reliability
If additional communication devices are carried to ensure connectivity, then communication coverage is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines communication and positioning functions into a single smart radio device. Instead of requiring separate communication devices and positioning systems, the solution merges these functions and leverages the network of proximate devices to provide both communication and location services through one unified device
Solution Approach 2:
The smart radio device is designed to perform multiple functions: voice communication, data transmission, and position determination. By making the device universal, workers don't need to carry multiple specialized devices, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability through the device's ability to switch between functions and use proximate devices for augmented capabilities
3Ease of operation
If traditional radios are used for communication, then simplicity is maintained, but communication services and position determination accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The smart radio maintains the simplicity of traditional radios for basic communication operations while adding advanced positioning capabilities through software and network integration. The device universally handles both simple voice communication and complex multilateration-based positioning, providing enhanced functionality without sacrificing ease of operation for core radio functions
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
The smart radio device offers a robust, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution for accurate position determination and enhanced communication, increasing workforce monitorability and safety by minimizing errors in position estimation and extending network coverage in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
determine a relative position from the proximate devices based on received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or time difference of arrival (TDOA) of the broadcast signals
Implementation Method 2
determine a relative position from the proximate devices based on received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or time difference of arrival (TDOA) of the broadcast signals
Data Source
AI summary
A device is capable of making position determinations using proximate devices. The device includes an antenna used to receive one or more sets of broadcast signals from one or more proximate devices communicatively coupled with the device. Each respective set of broadcast signals can include position data indicative of a position of a respective proximate device. The device can determine a characteristic associated with a reception of each respective set of broadcast signals to determine a relative distance between the device and each respective proximate device. The device can analyze each respective set of broadcast signals to determine the position of each respective proximate device based on the position data. The device can estimate its position based on the relative distance between the device and each respective proximate device and the position of each respective proximate device. In doing so, the device can generate an accurate position estimate.