Wireless Sensor Network Localization Without Anchor Nodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless sensor network localization methods require anchor sensors, which can be costly and impractical in scenarios where sufficient fixed sensors are not available, such as in mobile sensor networks like those used by firefighters.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates the geometry of sensor arrays from relative distance measurements and determines absolute positions within a predefined environmental plane, using constraints like authorized positions and trajectories, without the need for anchor sensors, employing techniques like particle filtering and environment graphs to achieve precise localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If anchor sensors are used to determine absolute positions, then localization precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the localization function from dedicated anchor sensors and distributes it across all mobile sensors through peer-to-peer distance measurements. Each sensor acts as both a locator and a locatee, eliminating the need for separate anchor infrastructure while maintaining localization capability through collaborative geometry calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes all sensors multi-functional by enabling each sensor to perform both measurement and localization tasks simultaneously. The same sensor hardware that collects environmental data also participates in determining its own position and the positions of others, eliminating the need for specialized anchor sensors.
2Measurement precision
If anchor sensors are deployed, then absolute position determination is enabled, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service localization where sensors determine their own positions using measurements from other sensors in the network. Each sensor actively participates in the localization process by providing distance measurements and receiving calculated positions, eliminating the need for energy-consuming dedicated anchor sensors that would continuously transmit reference signals.
3Measurement precision
If anchor sensors are installed, then localization capability is provided, but installation constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static anchor-based localization system to a dynamic peer-to-peer system where any sensor can serve as a reference for others. The localization capability adapts to the movement and distribution of sensors in real-time, allowing deployment in environments where fixed anchor installation is impossible, such as mobile firefighter teams or temporary sensor deployments.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of locating sensors (C1, C2...Cn) of a network of sensors that are able to communicate with one another by radio link. According to the invention, this method is adapted to receive, from sensors of the network of sensors, measurements of relative distances between sensors of the network; to calculate a geometry of the network of sensors on the basis of the distance measurements received, said geometry comprising nodes representative of sensors of the network of sensors; and to determine an absolute position of the sensors by anchoring of the geometry calculated in an absolute reference frame on the basis of constraints tied to an environmental plan of the network of sensors. The invention also relates to a locating device (LOC) implementing the method of management.