Vibration Triangulation Network for Indoor Target Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning techniques, such as those using RF signal triangulation, are limited in accurately determining the location of targets within enclosed spaces, especially for security and monitoring purposes, as they may not provide detailed movement patterns or be suitable for all environments.
Innovation Solution
A vibration triangulation network is established using vibration sensor devices placed throughout a building, which transmit notifications via short-range wireless communication, allowing for the creation of a vibration sensor map to pinpoint targets and trigger alarms based on detected movements, while filtering out known sources and excluding vibrations below a certain amplitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RF signal triangulation is used for positioning, then positioning can be achieved in open spaces, but positioning accuracy deteriorates in enclosed spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RF electromagnetic signal-based positioning with a vibration-based positioning system. Vibration sensors detect mechanical vibrations transmitted through the building structure (floors, walls, ceilings) to determine target locations. This substitution of the physical domain (from electromagnetic to mechanical) enables effective operation in enclosed spaces where RF signals are blocked, directly resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and environmental adaptability.
2Loss of information
If cameras are used for monitoring, then detailed visual information can be obtained, but the devices become visible and vulnerable to tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an indirect copy of the monitoring function by using vibration sensors to detect and track target movements through structural vibrations rather than direct visual observation. This indirect sensing method captures sufficient movement information for security monitoring while keeping the sensing devices hidden within the building structure, eliminating the visibility and tampering vulnerabilities associated with traditional cameras.
3Measurement precision
If vibration sensors are deployed throughout the building, then target location precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a centralized server that performs multiple functions: receiving vibration data from sensors, processing triangulation calculations to determine target locations, filtering out non-target vibrations, and generating location information. This multi-functional centralized approach allows the system to achieve high positioning precision through coordinated sensor networks while managing complexity through unified processing rather than distributed intelligence at each sensor node.
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 effectively detects and tracks the presence and movement of targets, providing detailed information on their paths and locations within a building, offering advantages over traditional sensors like cameras by being discrete and resilient to tampering, and can be integrated with security, monitoring, and business analytics systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the vibration sensor devices can include a vibration sensor, processor coupled with the vibration sensor
Implementation Method 2
determining a location of a target within the building based on at least a portion of the vibration notifications and a vibration sensor map associated with the building
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and systems are described for creating and operating a vibration triangulation network. The network can include vibration sensor devices placed in a building, such as a store or a house, which are able to pinpoint the location of a target, e.g., person, animal, etc., through triangulation. A described technique includes receiving vibration notifications from vibration sensor devices, determining a location of a target within the building based on at least a portion of the vibration notifications and a vibration sensor map associated with the building, and triggering an alarm event based on a detection of the target.