Tracking Device Location Using Bluetooth Beacon Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking devices face challenges in accurately locating small items due to limitations in GNSS resolution and battery power consumption, especially in obstructed environments and when precise location determination is needed.
Innovation Solution
A mobile user equipment device with a tracking application that uses Bluetooth Low Energy beacon signals to determine the proximity of a tracking device without calculating actual distance, employing visual and auditory indicators to guide the user closer to the device, and automatically initiating short-range beacon signals when long-range methods fail or battery power is low.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS and triangulation techniques are used to determine location, then location information can be obtained, but the resolution is not good enough for small items and the battery energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination process into two distinct phases: a first mode using low-power methods (Wi-Fi, cellular triangulation, compass, accelerometer) for general location tracking, and a second mode using high-precision but high-consumption GNSS only when absolutely necessary. This segmentation allows the system to achieve adequate location resolution for small items while dramatically reducing battery energy consumption by avoiding continuous GNSS operation.
2Measurement precision
If GNSS circuitry is continuously operated to maintain location accuracy, then location precision is maintained, but battery power is exhausted quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the GNSS circuitry operate intermittently rather than continuously. The system periodically checks whether current alternative location methods (Wi-Fi, cellular) are sufficient, and only activates GNSS when the determined location accuracy falls below a threshold. This periodic activation maintains location accuracy when needed while extending battery operation duration by avoiding unnecessary GNSS consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the location determination system adaptive and flexible. The system dynamically switches between different location determination modes (first mode with alternatives, second mode with GNSS) based on real-time conditions such as required accuracy, availability of alternative signals, and battery status. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain accuracy when needed while conserving battery power during normal operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If short-range wireless communication is used for location determination, then battery energy is conserved, but the communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional location determination system that can operate with different communication methods depending on the situation. The system universally supports multiple location determination approaches (Wi-Fi, cellular triangulation, GNSS, inertial sensors) and can switch between them based on range requirements and power availability. This allows the system to use energy-efficient short-range methods when sufficient while falling back to longer-range methods when necessary.
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 allows for precise location determination of small items without excessive battery consumption, providing accurate proximity feedback to the user through visual and auditory cues, even in environments with poor GNSS reception.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile user equipment device with a tracking application that uses Bluetooth Low Energy beacon signals to determine the proximity of a tracking device without calculating actual distance
Implementation Method 2
The application provides an indication that the selected tracking device has been found by emitting an acoustic signal from an acoustic transducer of the user equipment device that repeats at a variable rate that corresponds to the updated signal strength values
Data Source
AI summary
An application running on a UE receives a command through a user interface or from a server to initiate the locating of a tracking device. The tracking device determines one or more hot spots it is close to. A server determines whether to instruct the tracking device to use its GNSS circuitry to determine its location based on a comparison of location information corresponding to the hot spot(s) and user selectable accuracy criteria. The UE may detect a beacon signal and determine an initial value corresponding to an initial signal strength of the beacon. The beacon may only broadcast for a predetermined period based on location scenario. The application produces a default initial indication, based on the initial signal strength and uses updated beacon signal strength values to adjust the indication relative to the default indication based on the updated signal strength value relative to the initial signal strength value.