Virtual Beacon Transmitter Dynamic Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless systems face challenges in communicating and processing information as if beacon signals were received, even when they are not, due to the costs and difficulties associated with deploying, maintaining, and modifying physical beacon transmitters.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of virtual beacon transmitters and signals, which allow devices to simulate the receipt of beacon signals by generating messages indicating signal receipt based on location and other factors, without the need for actual signal transmission, enabling dynamic changes in transmitter location and power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical beacon transmitters are deployed to transmit beacon signals, then beacon signal information can be communicated to receiving devices, but the deployment, maintenance and modification costs increase and the system becomes less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical beacon transmitters by generating virtual beacon signals that replicate the functionality of real transmitters. These virtual signals are generated through software or simulation methods, allowing receiving devices to obtain beacon information without requiring actual physical transmitter deployment. The virtual beacon signals contain identical identifier and location information as would be transmitted by physical transmitters, thus maintaining communication reliability while eliminating deployment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical beacon transmitter system with an information-processing system. Instead of using physical hardware to transmit electromagnetic beacon signals, the system uses software-generated virtual signals that are processed and distributed through existing communication channels. This substitution eliminates the need for physical deployment, maintenance, and modification of transmitter hardware while preserving the essential beacon signal communication function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical beacon transmitters are used, then beacon signals can be transmitted, but moving and modifying transmitters becomes difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual copies of beacon transmitters that can be relocated and modified through software configuration rather than physical movement. The virtual beacon signals maintain all transmission characteristics including identifier, location, and signal properties, but their 'position' can be changed by updating software parameters. This allows instantaneous relocation and modification without the logistical challenges of moving physical hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic system where beacon transmitter characteristics are not fixed but can be changed on-demand. Virtual beacon signals allow the system to adapt transmitter location, power levels, and other parameters dynamically based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability enables easy reconfiguration of the beacon network without physical intervention, making the system highly adaptable to changing conditions.
3Loss of information
If devices lack the ability to receive transmitted beacon signals, then they cannot obtain beacon information, but deploying additional physical transmitters increases system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary information-processing layer that converts physical beacon signals into virtual representations that can be distributed to any device regardless of its receiving capabilities. The system acts as a mediator by processing beacon information centrally and generating virtual signals that can be transmitted through multiple channels (display, audio, data interfaces) to reach devices that cannot receive traditional electromagnetic beacon signals. This intermediary approach ensures universal information accessibility without requiring all devices to have identical receiving hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal beacon information system where a single virtual beacon signal generation mechanism serves multiple device types and communication channels. The virtual beacon signals can be output through various interfaces including visual displays, audio outputs, and data ports, making the system compatible with devices that lack traditional beacon receiving capabilities. This multi-functional approach allows one system to serve diverse device requirements without deploying multiple specialized physical transmitters.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus relating to use of actual and/or virtual beacons are described. Virtual beacons are virtual in that an actual beacon need not be transmitted but a rather a virtual beacon transmitter at a desired location may be considered to transmit virtual beacons. Beacon transmitter information indicates transmission power and location of actual and virtual beacon transmitters as well as information to be communicated by virtual beacons and is dynamically updated based on device movement, a schedule and/or the locations of devices in a group. Virtual personal beacons, virtual group beacons and virtual scheduled beacons are supported. A virtual personal beacon transmitter location is updated as the location of a device corresponding to the person moves. Reception of a virtual beacon is reported in a message sent to a wireless terminal or a component of the wireless terminal which acts upon receiving an indication of beacon reception.