Virtual Microlocation Boundaries Using Correlated Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for determining location accuracy using signal strength with directional antennas are limited by physical boundaries, external objects, and moving objects, leading to inaccuracies in location determination.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing spatially-correlated antennas to create microlocation zones by measuring signal characteristics such as time of flight and signal strength across multiple frequencies, and applying smoothing functions to mitigate environmental effects, allowing for precise location determination of portable devices relative to objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional systems use signal strength measurement with directional antennas to determine location, then the system can determine relative distance and position, but location accuracy deteriorates due to physical boundaries, external objects, and moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines signals from multiple spatially-correlated antennas to create microlocation zones. By merging the measurement capabilities of multiple antennas that experience different environmental conditions, the system achieves more accurate location determination that is less susceptible to individual antenna interference from physical boundaries, external objects, and moving objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial parameter of antenna arrangement by using multiple spatially-correlated antennas positioned to capture different signal characteristics. This parameter change allows the system to differentiate between signals affected by environmental factors and true location-based signal variations, thereby improving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If the system uses multiple spatially-correlated antennas to measure signal characteristics, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination function across multiple spatially-correlated antennas, with each antenna contributing specific measurement data. This segmentation allows the system to process location information in discrete, manageable units while achieving superior accuracy through the combined data from all antenna segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple spatially-correlated antennas serve multiple functions simultaneously: each antenna acts as both a signal receiver and an environmental reference point. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate reference sensors, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If the system applies smoothing functions to mitigate environmental effects, then location accuracy is enhanced, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies smoothing functions as a preliminary processing step to the raw signal data from spatially-correlated antennas before performing location calculation. By pre-processing the data to remove environmental noise and variations, the system reduces the complexity of subsequent location algorithms, thereby minimizing overall processing time while enhancing accuracy.
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
The system achieves enhanced location accuracy by defining virtual boundaries and mitigating environmental factors, enabling precise positioning of portable devices within microlocation zones.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of antennas may be configured to receive wireless communications, where a signal characteristic of the wireless communications is detected via an antenna signal output from each of said plurality of antennas
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of time-spaced measurements of the signal characteristic may be conducted to form a measured characteristic signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of creating microlocation zones by defining virtual boundaries using a system of one or more transmitters and receivers with one or more spatially-correlated antennas.