Synchronized Multi-Device Location Network for Low-Interference Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location and micro-location technologies using WiFi, BLE, and beacons face issues with high costs, short battery life, limited tag capacity, manageability, security, and inability to handle large numbers of tags, and lack of true micro-location capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plurality of devices where at least one device from a first portion can receive and send data to another device, with synchronized communication times, allowing for precise location determination using synchronization packets and time slot management to minimize collisions and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If WiFi infrastructure is used to transmit location signals, then location accuracy is improved, but battery life deteriorates due to high current consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of location signals at controlled intervals rather than continuous transmission. Devices transmit location information periodically, allowing the system to maintain location accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous WiFi signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary devices that relay location information between source devices and destination devices. This intermediary approach allows location data to be transmitted using lower-power communication methods while still achieving accurate location determination through the relay network.
2Adaptability or versatility
If BLE advertisement packets are used for location determination, then device compatibility is improved, but battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic transmission to BLE advertisement packets, where devices transmit location information at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This maintains compatibility with BLE-based devices while extending battery life by reducing the frequency of transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts transmission parameters such as power level, transmission interval, and packet content based on conditions like device battery status, location stability, and network density. This allows the system to maintain compatibility across devices while optimizing power consumption for each specific scenario.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple access points are used to handle large amounts of tags, then tag handling capacity is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into hierarchical levels with master devices coordinating multiple slave devices. Each master device manages a subset of tags and coordinates with other masters, dividing the overall system complexity into manageable segments while maintaining the capacity to handle large numbers of tags across the distributed network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces master devices as intermediaries between slave devices and the central system. These master devices aggregate data from multiple slaves, perform local coordination, and reduce overall system complexity by handling communication and coordination tasks at an intermediate level.
4Measurement precision
If site surveys are conducted to compensate for multi-path reflections, then location accuracy is improved, but implementation time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where devices automatically perform calibration and adapt to their environment without requiring manual site surveys. Devices collect environmental data during normal operation, automatically adjust their location calculations to account for multi-path effects, and continuously refine their positioning accuracy through self-learning algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary environmental characterization during the device setup phase, collecting data about the installation environment and pre-calculating correction factors for multi-path reflections. This preliminary action reduces the need for time-consuming site surveys later while maintaining location accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to systems, methods, and processor readable media for distributing digital data for location, asset tracking and asset management purposes. Certain embodiments relate to systems, methods, and devices used within such applications where at least a substantial portion of the devices are capable of interacting with one or more neighbouring devices, and then by synchronous in time.