Wireless Tag Location Using Dual Beacon Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless location determining systems face challenges with scalability, complexity, and power usage, particularly in requiring extensive dedicated hardware and sophisticated mobile phones for accurate location tracking of movable objects.
Innovation Solution
A wireless location determining system utilizing existing base transceiver stations and mobile phones to detect beacon signals, allowing for coarse localization by base transceivers and precise localization by mobile phones without dedicated hardware, using a two-stage detection method with intermittent beacon signals to maximize battery life and reduce system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a vast number of mobile phones are deployed for location tracking, then location detection coverage is improved, but system complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The location determination process is divided into two distinct stages: a first stage using base transceiver stations for coarse location identification, and a second stage using mobile phones for precise location determination. This segmentation allows the system to leverage existing infrastructure for broad coverage while using mobile devices for targeted precision, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing base transceiver stations and mobile phones perform multiple functions. Base stations not only handle traditional communication but also perform coarse location detection. Mobile phones not only communicate but also perform precise location determination and relay location data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated location tracking hardware.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated RFID detection systems are installed for precise location, then location precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the precise location determination function from dedicated RFID systems and implements it using standard mobile phone capabilities. The mobile phones perform the precise location measurement using their existing sensors and communication protocols, eliminating the need for specialized detection hardware on the wireless tag.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex dedicated RFID detection systems with inexpensive, readily available mobile phones. The mobile phones serve as the detection devices for precise location measurement, leveraging their existing hardware and software rather than requiring specialized equipment.
3Reliability
If bidirectional communication is established with mobile phones, then location detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the wireless tag initiating bidirectional communication with mobile phones, the patent inverts the approach: mobile phones passively detect beacon signals transmitted by the wireless tag and autonomously determine location. The mobile phones then relay this location information to the server without requiring active communication from the tag, significantly reducing tag power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile phones perform the location determination function autonomously using their own sensors and processing capabilities. They detect the beacon signals, calculate their own location relative to the wireless tag, and relay this information without requiring continuous communication or control from the wireless tag, enabling the tag to operate in low-power mode.
4Reliability
If complex authentication requirements are implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity and setup complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication function from complex bidirectional communication protocols and implements it through simple unidirectional beacon signal transmission. The wireless tag merely transmits location information without requiring authentication, while the server validates the location data independently, significantly simplifying the overall setup.
Data Source
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AI summary
The wireless device (100), preferably a wireless tag (100), comprises a first beacon parameter (142) formatted as a mobile phone parameter (42), a second beacon parameter (122) formatted as a base transceiver station parameter (22), and a wireless transmitter (102). The location processing module (50) determines a first range (200) in function of the connected base transceiver stations (10) that detected the first beacon signal (140); and determines a second range (300) in function of the connected mobile phones (30) that detected the second beacon signal (120), the second range (300) being smaller than the first range (200).