Two-Way Signal Positioning Using Variable Power Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal positioning methods for indoor devices rely on fixed power signals, leading to limited accuracy due to signal attenuation and variations in signal strengths, resulting in considerable positioning errors without the use of additional sensors.
Innovation Solution
A two-way signal positioning method and system that employs transmission and reception of signals with different powers, using a processing module to set multiple transmission powers, detect signal strengths, and compute signal strength-distance functions to identify device locations without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed power signals are used for positioning, then the system is simple to implement, but the positioning accuracy is limited due to signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed power signals to variable power signals. The transmitting device dynamically adjusts its signal power across multiple levels, and the receiving device dynamically selects the appropriate power level based on received signal strength. This dynamic adaptation enables accurate positioning despite signal attenuation by allowing the system to compensate for distance-related power loss through multiple power levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the signal power parameter. Instead of using a single fixed power level, the system transmits signals at multiple different power levels and uses the variations in received power across these levels to calculate distance. This parameter change approach directly addresses the signal attenuation problem by providing multiple reference points for accurate distance measurement.
2Device complexity
If single-power signals are used for positioning, then the device complexity is low, but the positioning accuracy is limited by signal attenuation form
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single-power signal approach into multiple power level segments. The transmitting device segments its signal transmission into multiple discrete power levels, and the receiving device segments its reception process by selecting specific power levels for measurement. This segmentation allows the system to overcome the limitations of single-power signals while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces another dimension to the positioning problem by adding the power level dimension. Instead of relying solely on spatial dimension for positioning, the system incorporates power level as an additional dimension for measurement. This dimensional expansion from single-power to multi-power levels provides more information for accurate distance calculation without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If Bluetooth signal strengths are used without additional sensors, then the cost is reduced, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to significant signal strength variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the Bluetooth devices themselves to perform the positioning function without requiring additional sensors. The transmitting and receiving devices use their existing Bluetooth capabilities to exchange signals at multiple power levels and calculate distance based on signal strength variations. This self-service approach maintains low cost while improving accuracy through intelligent use of existing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using the received signal strength information to adjust and refine distance calculations. The receiving device measures signal strengths at multiple power levels and uses this feedback information to determine the appropriate power level for accurate distance measurement. This feedback mechanism compensates for signal strength variations and improves positioning accuracy without requiring additional sensors.
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AI summary
A two-way signal positioning method and a two-way signal positioning system thereof are disclosed. The method includes the following steps: controlling a locating device to be measured to transmit a plurality of positioning signals of a plurality of transmission powers; causing a plurality of known locating devices to receive the plurality of positioning signals and return a plurality of response signals to the locating device to be measured; recording the strengths of the plurality of positioning signals, the strengths of the plurality of response signals, the plurality of corresponding receiving times and the coordinates of the plurality of known locating devices to a database; identifying the known locating devices corresponding to the stronger signals; and obtaining a signal strength-distance function and a signal strength-distance standard deviation function from the database so as to identify the device location of the locating device to be measured.