Wireless Floorplan Mapping for 3D IoT Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT systems for building control and automation lack an efficient method to determine the precise location and orientation of IoT devices within a building, relying on manual configuration methods like numbering or descriptive labeling, which are error-prone and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a wireless network control device to determine a building's floorplan by providing device position, type, orientation, and distance parameters, allowing for automatic assignment of devices to spaces and identification of vertical and horizontal planes, using a combination of device type values, orientation, and distance parameters to create a precise 3D map of IoT devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual configuration methods (numbering scheme or descriptive labeling) are used to determine device locations, then the system can be implemented with simple device specifications, but the accuracy and precision of device location determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to automatically determine their own locations and orientations using sensors and algorithms, eliminating the need for manual configuration. Devices self-configure by processing sensor data from accelerometers, gyroscopes, and other sensors to autonomously establish their position in the building floorplan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated electronic systems. Instead of manually assigning location labels or numbers to devices, the system uses electronic sensors, wireless communication, and computational algorithms to automatically determine device positions and orientations.
2Device complexity
If manual configuration methods are used for device location, then the device complexity remains low, but the productivity of network setup deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-equipping devices with necessary sensors and location-determination algorithms. During deployment, devices automatically execute pre-programmed routines to determine their positions and orientations, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration processes during network setup.
Solution Approach 2:
Devices automatically perform their own configuration tasks by processing sensor data and determining their locations without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability dramatically increases network setup productivity while keeping individual device complexity manageable through standardized sensor integration.
3Measurement precision
If automated floorplan determination is implemented using device parameters, then the device location precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the floorplan determination process into distinct functional modules: sensor data acquisition, orientation calculation, position determination, and floorplan construction. Each module handles a specific aspect of the problem, reducing overall system complexity while achieving high location precision through specialized processing at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal floorplan determination system that can handle multiple device types (smartphones, tablets, wearables, IoT devices) using the same core algorithms and sensor fusion techniques. This multi-functional approach reduces complexity by providing a unified solution rather than device-specific implementations.
Data Source
AI summary
A floorplan of a building including a wireless network is determined. The wireless network includes a wireless network control device and a further plurality of devices having an associated device type value. Each device has a device position parameter, a device type value, and at least one of a device orientation parameter and a device distance parameter. One or more device space distance parameter values is provided for some device type values which corresponds to the distance to a physical object (e.g., wall, floor, ceiling). The control device determines the floorplan of the building from the device space distance parameter, the device position parameter, the device type value and at least one of a device orientation parameter and a device distance parameter. The control device assigns the plurality of devices to spaces in the floorplan.