Transmitter Positioning via Radio Wave Strength Inference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in accurately determining the position of a transmitter in a communication apparatus that moves with a user or object, as they rely on fixed or less accurate methods for radio wave strength measurements.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and system that utilize a management server to set candidate points for the transmitter's position based on radio wave strengths received by multiple receivers, and infer strengths at these points, allowing for precise specification of the transmitter's location using techniques like the Friis transmission equation and similarity evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed or simple methods are used for radio wave strength measurements, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The determination process is segmented into distinct functional units: a setting unit that defines candidate points, a measurement unit that collects radio wave strength data from multiple receivers, and a specifying unit that determines the transmitter position. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function efficiently, improving measurement precision while keeping individual component complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple receivers act as intermediaries between the transmitter and the determination system. These receivers collect radio wave strength measurements at different locations and transmit this data to the management server, which then specifies the transmitter position. This intermediary approach enables accurate position determination without requiring complex direct measurement equipment at the transmitter itself.
2Measurement precision
If multiple receivers are used to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receivers serve multiple functions: they act as measurement points for radio wave strength, provide spatial distribution data for triangulation, and function as communication nodes in the network. By making the receivers multi-functional, the system achieves improved measurement precision without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same hardware components perform multiple roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The receivers utilize their existing positions and communication capabilities to contribute to the transmitter location determination. Each receiver automatically provides its location data and radio wave strength measurements without requiring additional dedicated measurement infrastructure, allowing the system to leverage existing resources for improved precision.
3Device complexity
If candidate points are set based on one receiver's position, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from considering only the spatial position dimension to incorporating radio wave strength as an additional dimension for candidate point evaluation. Candidate points are initially set based on receiver positions, but then evaluated using radio wave strength measurements, creating a multi-dimensional assessment that improves precision without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters used for candidate point evaluation from purely geometric (distance between receiver and candidate point) to include radio wave strength characteristics. By incorporating signal strength as an evaluation parameter, the system can more accurately identify the true transmitter location among candidate points, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic evaluation.
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 enables accurate and efficient determination of the transmitter's position, even when the transmitter moves, by analyzing radio wave strengths and distances, improving communication system reliability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a setting unit that sets plural candidate points which are candidates of positions of a transmitter based on a position of one of plural receivers that receive radio waves from the transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus includes:a setting unit that sets plural candidate points which are candidates of positions of a transmitter based on a position of one of plural receivers that receive radio waves from the transmitter; anda specifying unit that specifies a position of the transmitter from among the plural candidate points by using (i) strengths of the radio waves which one or more receivers including a receiver other than the one receiver receive from the transmitter and (ii) strengths of the radio waves which are inferred to be received by the one or more receivers from the transmitter when it is assumed that the transmitter exists at each of the plural candidate points.