Surface Waveguide Indoor Positioning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor positioning methods face challenges in accuracy, reliability, and suitability for both indoor and outdoor applications, particularly due to limitations in signal propagation and latency, which are inadequate for precise location detection in environments like hospitals or secure areas.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a surface waveguide with conductive elements arranged in patterns, embedded in surfaces like floors and sidewalks, employs signal emitters and receivers for multilateration and signal strength indication to determine object positions, incorporating frequency-selective layers and contactless coupling for precise location tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Wi-Fi signals are used for indoor positioning, then positioning can be achieved indoors, but accuracy and reliability are insufficient for critical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional Wi-Fi based electromagnetic positioning with a surface waveguide system that uses guided electromagnetic waves along a physical surface structure. This substitution enables more precise and reliable positioning by utilizing the controlled propagation of surface waves rather than traditional air-borne Wi-Fi signals, directly addressing the accuracy and reliability deficiencies in critical applications
Solution Approach 2:
The surface waveguide acts as an intermediary medium between the transmitter and receiver. By confining electromagnetic waves to a guided path along the surface, it provides a controlled propagation channel that eliminates the uncertainties of free-space Wi-Fi signal propagation, thereby improving both measurement precision and detection reliability
2Loss of time
If existing positioning methods are used, then basic location detection is possible, but latency and delays occur before detection
Solution Approach 1:
The surface waveguide system establishes a pre-configured propagation path before positioning is needed. The waveguide structure is pre-installed on the surface, creating an immediate communication channel when positioning is required, eliminating the setup delays associated with traditional Wi-Fi positioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The surface waveguide provides continuous electromagnetic wave propagation along the surface without interruption. This continuous guided wave transmission enables real-time positioning detection without the start-stop delays inherent in traditional methods, directly reducing detection latency and improving detection speed
3Adaptability or versatility
If GNSS satellites are used for positioning, then outdoor positioning is accurate, but signals are not available inside buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The surface waveguide system is designed to function universally in both indoor and outdoor environments. By utilizing the surface itself as the propagation medium, it adapts to different locations and conditions, providing consistent positioning capability whether the application is indoors or outdoors, thus achieving true multi-environment versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional satellite-based positioning to two-dimensional surface-based positioning. By confining electromagnetic waves to propagate along the surface rather than through the air volume, it creates a new dimensional approach that works effectively in both indoor and outdoor settings, eliminating the indoor/outdoor limitation of GNSS
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 system provides precise and reliable positioning of objects and people in various environments by leveraging surface waveguides with conductive patterns, enhancing accuracy and speed while minimizing latency, suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Implementation Method 1
The surface waveguide is configured to guide electromagnetic signals emitted from one or more emitters and to be coupled with one or more receivers associated with said surface waveguide
Implementation Method 2
The surface waveguide comprises two frequency-selective layers respectively supporting transverse-magnetic and transverse-electric modes with a same phase velocity
Implementation Method 3
The position of receivers (or emitter) can be determined, for example by multilateration or signal strength indication
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a system for locating an object on a surface waveguide. The surface waveguide is made of one or more 1D wires and/or 2D waveguides comprising conductive elements arranged in patterns. Emitters with known positions can couple with receivers coupled with the surface waveguide. The position of receivers can be determined, for example by multilateration or signal strength indication. Conductive elements can be sprayed or sewed or otherwise deposited onto surfaces such as a ground floor, a sidewalk or a road lane. Described developments comprise the use of absorbers, protective layers, unidirectional emitters, contactless coupling, and various arrangements comprising frequency-selective layers, arrangements in lattices, treillis or anisotropic surfaces. Signal processing aspects and software embodiments are also described.