WiFi Triangulation for Continuous Person Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video monitoring technologies face challenges in achieving continuous monitoring of a target person, especially when they enter buildings, as cameras are often obstructed by objects and lose sight of the target due to limitations in camera placement and signal range.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring method utilizing WiFi detectors placed in a triangular configuration with an image capturing module, where the WiFi detectors can determine the MAC address of a target person's WiFi terminal by calculating distance ratios based on signal strength, allowing for continuous tracking even when the target enters a building.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If video monitoring technology using cameras is used to monitor target persons, then monitoring can be achieved in open areas, but cameras are obstructed by objects such as trees and advertisement boards and cannot acquire images when target persons enter buildings, resulting in monitoring failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines video monitoring technology with WiFi positioning technology into an integrated monitoring system. The server receives both video data from cameras and WiFi signal data from terminals, fuses these data sources, and performs comprehensive analysis to achieve continuous monitoring across different environments including both outdoor and indoor areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces WiFi signal detection as an intermediary mechanism to bridge the monitoring gap when cameras fail. WiFi detectors capture signal strength data from terminals, and the server uses this intermediary data source to maintain monitoring capability when direct visual monitoring via cameras is blocked or unavailable.
2Area of stationary object
If cameras are placed at main traffic accesses and entrances to monitor target persons, then monitoring coverage is established, but cameras are prone to obstruction and unable to track targets inside buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse monitoring scenarios. It can switch between video-based monitoring in outdoor areas and WiFi-based monitoring in indoor areas, providing universal monitoring capability across different environments and conditions rather than being limited to a single method.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes monitoring parameters dynamically based on environment. It transitions from optical parameter-based monitoring (video) to electromagnetic signal parameter-based monitoring (WiFi signal strength), adapting the monitoring approach according to whether the target is in outdoor or indoor areas.
3Device complexity
If only video monitoring is used, then simple camera placement can monitor outdoor areas, but monitoring fails when targets enter buildings due to camera limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into multiple independent components: video detection modules for outdoor monitoring, WiFi detection modules for indoor monitoring, and a fusion server that integrates data from both segments. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific environments while maintaining overall system reliability through coordinated operation.
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
Enables continuous monitoring of a target person by determining their location and trajectory using WiFi signal strength and MAC address, overcoming the limitations of camera obstructions and indoor signal loss.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining signal strength of WiFi signals of a plurality of terminals detected by the at least one WiFi detector at the appearance moment
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the application provide a monitoring method, server and system and an image acquisition device capable of obtaining a first distance ratio of the horizontal distances from three WiFi detectors to a target person. The application is also capable of obtaining a second distance ratio of the horizontal distances from the three WiFi detectors to a WiFi terminal based on the signal strength of WiFi signals. The application determines the MAC address of the WiFi terminal of the target person by matching the second distance ratios of various WiFi terminals with the first distance ratio, and monitors the target person according to the MAC address. Thus, the application achieves continuous monitoring of the target person.