Wireless Asset Positioning via Dynamic Anchor Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless positioning technologies face challenges such as high costs and complexity in installing wired anchors, limited accuracy of signal-strength based ranging, inability to track mobile assets with battery-powered anchors, and issues with no-line-of-sight conditions and message collisions in dense networks.
Innovation Solution
The proposed system employs a computer-implemented method for positioning assets over a wireless network by building a low-resolution spatial topology, selecting participating anchors for ranging events, and executing these events to compute the position of tags and associated assets. This approach reduces message collisions, allows for battery-powered anchors, and improves positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wired anchors are used for positioning, then positioning accuracy and reliability are improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical anchor installations with wireless battery-powered anchors that communicate via radio frequency. This substitution eliminates the need for physical wiring infrastructure while maintaining the anchoring and positioning functions, thereby reducing installation complexity and cost while preserving positioning accuracy through RF-based ranging measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery-powered anchors are designed to be self-contained units that independently perform ranging measurements and communicate positioning data without requiring connection to external power or data infrastructure. Each anchor autonomously executes its positioning function, eliminating the need for complex wired installations while maintaining reliable operation.
2Device complexity
If battery-powered anchors are used, then installation cost and complexity are reduced, but ability to track mobile assets is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role assignment where any device in the network (anchor or tag) can switch roles based on motion detection. When a tagged asset is detected as mobile through accelerometer data, the system dynamically designates nearby anchors to perform tracking, enabling mobile asset tracking capability while maintaining battery-powered operation and simple installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is designed with universal functionality where any device can serve as either an anchor or a tag depending on its role in the positioning transaction. This multi-functionality allows the same battery-powered devices to support both stationary and mobile asset tracking applications, enhancing versatility without requiring specialized hardware for different scenarios.
3Device complexity
If signal-strength based ranging is used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flight time measurements as an intermediary parameter for determining distance between devices. Instead of directly using signal strength which is affected by environmental factors, the system measures the time of flight of radio frequency signals between devices and converts this to distance using the speed of light, providing more accurate positioning while maintaining relatively simple device implementation.
4Area of stationary object
If dense networks are deployed, then positioning coverage is improved, but message collisions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scheduling of ranging events where devices alternate between active transmission and sleep modes according to a predetermined schedule. This periodic action reduces the probability of simultaneous transmissions and message collisions in dense networks while maintaining comprehensive positioning coverage, as devices transmit at different time intervals rather than continuously.
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 reduced message collisions, lower power consumption, and higher positioning accuracy, enabling the tracking of mobile assets and reducing installation costs by eliminating the need for wired anchors.
Implementation Method 1
Ranging is the process of determining or estimating the distance between two objects or devices
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for positioning assets over a wireless network are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises: building, at a topology entity communicatively coupled to a wireless network a low-resolution spatial topology of said wireless network; selecting a list of a plurality of participating anchors for participating in a plurality of ranging events with a participating tag positionally associated with a designated asset; sending to the participating tag and to each of the participating anchors, an indication that a plurality of ranging events is to be executed therebetween; and executing, between the participating tag and each of the participating anchors, a ranging event of said plurality of ranging events; and computing, at a positioning engine a position of the participating tag and the designated asset based on a ranging information generated by the plurality of ranging events.