Wireless Position Detection Using Signal Strength Zone Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote health monitoring systems face challenges in accurately detecting the presence or absence of individuals within monitored zones, leading to potential false alarms and inefficiencies due to the need for manual activation/deactivation and the inability to differentiate between non-emergency situations and actual emergencies, especially when individuals are unable to interact with the system.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a combination of fixed and mobile sensors connected via a wireless network to create a zone map, determining the position of a mobile sensor within a zone by comparing signal strengths, and using cross-checks with exit door sensors to verify presence or absence, thereby reducing false alarms and ensuring continuous monitoring without user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion sensors are used to monitor individual presence, then the system can detect lack of movement, but it cannot differentiate between non-emergency situations (sitting in chair, lying in bed) and actual emergencies, leading to false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring zone is divided into multiple sub-zones (e.g., bedroom zone, living room zone, bathroom zone) using wireless access points as boundary markers. The mobile sensor's position is segmented into specific locations within the dwelling, allowing the system to understand context (e.g., lying in bed vs. sitting in chair) and reduce false alarms by recognizing normal inactivity patterns in specific zones.
Solution Approach 2:
A mobile sensor (e.g., wearable device or key fob) is introduced as an intermediary between the individual and the fixed motion sensors. This mobile sensor continuously communicates its position to the monitoring system, providing precise location data that helps differentiate between emergency and non-emergency situations without requiring the individual to actively interact with the system.
2Loss of information
If the individual must actively turn the system on and off when leaving and returning, then the system can know whether the individual is home or away, but this added step can be forgotten causing the system to be ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the individual's presence or absence without requiring manual activation. The mobile sensor continuously transmits position information, and the monitoring system automatically updates the presence status based on whether the mobile sensor is within the dwelling boundaries, eliminating the need for the individual to remember to turn the system on or off.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection by continuously monitoring for the mobile sensor's presence in the dwelling. Before any emergency situation arises, the system is already tracking the individual's location, so when the individual leaves or returns, the status is immediately updated without requiring any action from the individual.
3Reliability
If manual emergency call buttons are used, then emergency medical providers can be contacted, but the individual is unable to press the button when fallen, rendered unconscious, or cognitively impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects emergencies through the mobile sensor's position data and motion sensor information without requiring the individual to press a button. When the mobile sensor detects a fall or remains stationary in an unusual location for an extended period, the system automatically initiates emergency contact, enabling individuals who are fallen, unconscious, or cognitively impaired to still receive assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback from mobile sensors and motion detectors about the individual's position and activity level. This real-time feedback allows the system to automatically recognize emergency situations (such as unexpected falls or prolonged inactivity in critical zones) and trigger emergency responses without requiring manual input from the individual.
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 effectively determines the presence or absence of individuals within monitored zones, reducing false alarms and ensuring continuous monitoring, even when individuals are incapacitated or unable to interact, by using signal strength comparisons and cross-checks with exit door sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a number of wireless access points 222-1, 222-2, 222-3, and 222-N. The signal strengths of a number of communications between the mobile sensor 226 and the number of wireless access points 222-1, 222-2, 222-3, and 222-N are determined
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices, and systems for position detections of an individual. One method to detect a position of an individual includes creating a zone map by mapping locations of a number of fixed sensors in a zone and signal strengths of a number of communications between the fixed sensors and at least two wireless access points. The method also includes determining signal strength values of a number of communications between the wireless access points and a mobile sensor and comparing the signal strength values of the number of communications between at least two wireless access points and the mobile sensor with the zone map to determine the mobile sensor's position in relation to the zone.