Wireless Node Mesh for Indoor Tag Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor positioning systems for tracking people and items are time-consuming and expensive to install due to the need for cabling to connect detectors or antennas to a central controller, and they often impose limitations on tile placement and installation complexity.
Innovation Solution
A network of independent wireless nodes installed inside a building, configured to be wirelessly connectable, providing overlapping coverage for locating wireless tags without the need for wired connections, using a layer unit such as floor tiles with embedded wireless nodes that can determine their arrangement and transmit signals for trilateration-based positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cabling is used to connect detectors or antennas to a central controller, then the positioning system can accurately locate wireless tags, but the installation becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cabling requirement from the positioning system by making nodes independent and wirelessly connectable. Each node contains its own transceiver and processing capabilities, eliminating the need for physical cable connections to a central controller while maintaining positioning functionality through wireless message exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cabling system with a wireless communication system. Instead of physically connecting nodes via cables to a central controller, nodes communicate their positions and receive positioning requests wirelessly, substituting the mechanical connection infrastructure with electromagnetic signal transmission.
2Measurement precision
If cabling is used to connect detectors or antennas to a central controller, then the positioning system can accurately locate wireless tags, but the installation becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive cabling infrastructure by enabling independent wireless operation of each node. Nodes communicate position information and receive positioning requests through wireless messages, eliminating the need for costly installation of cables, connectors, and central controller wiring while preserving trilateration-based positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the expensive mechanical cabling system with a wireless communication system. Each node equips its own transceiver and processes positioning requests independently, replacing the need for centralized wired infrastructure with distributed wireless communication, thereby reducing installation costs while maintaining positioning functionality.
3Reliability
If floor tiles are made with electrically conductive threads for intelligent floor covering, then nodes can be connected, but the installation becomes difficult and tile placement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the conductive thread requirement from floor tiles by making nodes independently operable without physical connections. Each node functions autonomously with its own transceiver, eliminating the need for electrically conductive threads in flooring materials while maintaining node-to-node communication through wireless signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical connection system based on conductive threads with a wireless communication system. Nodes exchange position information and positioning requests via wireless messages rather than electrical connections, allowing flexible tile placement without requiring specialized conductive flooring materials or complex joining procedures.
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 solution allows for easy installation and flexibility in tile placement, reducing installation time and costs while enabling accurate tracking of wireless tags within the building without the need for complex cabling, allowing for seamless integration into various building layouts.
Implementation Method 1
each node being included in a layer or respective layer unit for installation inside a building and configured to be wirelessly connectable to at least one other node... providing overlapping wireless coverage for locating the tag by reference to the spaced arrangement
Implementation Method 2
Each wireless node may include means for determining a range to a neighbouring wireless mode, for example such as means for determining a time of arrival of a received signal
Implementation Method 3
means for determining a value of signal strength of a received signal
Data Source
AI summary
A network for locating a wireless tag comprises a plurality of wireless nodes. The nodes are not connected together by a wired network. Each node is included in a floor tile for installation inside a building and configured to be wirelessly connectable to at least one other node. When the floor tiles are installed, the plurality of nodes form a mesh or grid and provide overlapping wireless coverage for locating the tag by reference to the mesh.