Wireless Device Location via Multivariate Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for locating misplaced wireless devices, such as implantable medical device components, are unsatisfactory due to their reliance on satellite positioning systems, which provide inaccurate location data, especially indoors, and require users to interpret non-intuitive location information.
Innovation Solution
A method using a secondary wireless device to collect multivariate wireless data points associated with a direct wireless link between the primary wireless device and the secondary device, analyzed by an artificially intelligent search algorithm to estimate the location of the primary wireless device, with directional instructions provided to guide the user to the estimated location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite positioning systems are used to locate wireless devices, then location coverage is provided, but location accuracy deteriorates especially indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless signal characteristics (signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, time of flight) as intermediary measurements between the satellite positioning system and the final location determination. These intermediaries provide additional data that can be used to improve indoor location accuracy by supplementing or replacing satellite-based positioning when GPS signals are unavailable or inaccurate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from solely satellite-based coordinates to include multiple wireless signal parameters (signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, time of flight, angle of arrival). By measuring and analyzing these additional parameters, the system can determine device location through triangulation and multivariate analysis, achieving accurate indoor positioning independent of satellite signals.
2Loss of information
If conventional location techniques are used, then location information is provided, but user interpretation difficulty increases due to non-intuitive data
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing wireless signal characteristics and computing device location without requiring user intervention. The processor autonomously measures signal parameters, applies multivariate analysis algorithms, determines the device location, and generates actionable direction information, eliminating the need for users to interpret complex location data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual interpretation mechanism with an automated computational system. Instead of requiring users to manually analyze and interpret location coordinates and signal data, the system uses processors to automatically perform multivariate analysis, triangulation calculations, and direction computation, substituting mechanical user effort with electronic automation.
3Measurement precision
If multivariate wireless data collection is performed at multiple location points, then location estimation precision improves, but measurement complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by collecting wireless signal measurements at a sufficient number of location points rather than requiring exhaustive coverage of the entire spatial region. The system determines when enough data has been collected to achieve acceptable location precision and terminates the measurement process, avoiding unnecessary time consumption from excessive data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously analyzes collected wireless signal data and determines whether the location estimation has achieved sufficient precision. Based on this feedback, the system can terminate measurements early when the desired accuracy is reached or request additional measurements if precision is insufficient, optimizing the trade-off between measurement time and location 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
This approach provides a precise location of the primary wireless device, guiding the user to the exact location within a small radius, such as 100 centimeters, without requiring the user to interpret location data, and is effective both indoors and outdoors where GPS is unreliable.
Implementation Method 1
measuring at least one characteristic of a direct wireless link between a primary wireless device and a secondary wireless device
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for locating a misplaced primary wireless device (within a spatial region. In particular, the techniques presented herein use a secondary wireless device to collect a plurality of multivariate wireless data points within the spatial region. An artificially intelligent search algorithm analyzes the plurality of multivariate wireless data points to estimate the location of the wireless device. Directional instructions that guide the user to the estimated location of the primary wireless device are generated and then provided to the user.