Wireless Tracking System Multipath Error Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless tracking systems face inaccuracies in determining the location of objects within indoor facilities due to multipath effects, which can lead to mistaken location calculations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a combination of location algorithms, including proximity, radial basis function, maximum likelihood, genetic, and multilateration algorithms, to determine the real-time location of objects by processing wireless signals received at sensors within a mesh network, and adjusting signal power levels to mitigate multipath effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If signal strength-based location determination is used, then the system is simple to implement, but location accuracy deteriorates due to multipath effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location algorithms (signal strength-based, time difference of arrival, angle of arrival) into a unified system that processes signals through different computational paths simultaneously. This merging allows the system to leverage the simplicity of signal strength methods while compensating for their inaccuracies through the additional algorithms, thereby resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the parameters and weighting of different location algorithms based on environmental conditions and signal characteristics. By changing the operational parameters of the location determination process, the system can adapt to multipath effects and maintain accuracy without requiring complete system redesign, thus balancing complexity and precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple location algorithms are combined, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination process into distinct algorithmic modules (signal strength processing, TDOA processing, AOA processing), each handling specific aspects of location calculation. This segmentation allows for independent optimization and maintenance of each algorithm while enabling their coordinated operation, thereby managing the complexity introduced by multiple algorithms through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that coordinates and integrates the outputs of multiple location algorithms. This intermediary component acts as a mediator between the different algorithms and the final location determination, simplifying the overall system architecture by providing a unified interface for handling complex multi-algorithm processing and resolving conflicts between different location estimates.
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 approach enhances the accuracy of location determination by combining multiple algorithms and varying signal power levels, effectively reducing errors caused by multipath effects, thereby improving the reliability of tracking systems in indoor environments.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a wireless signal from a communication device associated with an object
Implementation Method 2
receiving the wireless signal at least one sensor positioned within a facility
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a solution to mistaken location calculations based on multipath effects. The present invention determines a real-time location of an object in a facility using a combination of location algorithms, with a signal characteristic for a wireless signal from a communication device attached to the object received at a sensor of a mesh network. The location algorithms preferably include at least two of a proximity algorithm, a radial basis function algorithm, a maximum likelihood algorithm, a genetic algorithm, a minimum mean squared error algorithm, a radiofrequency fingerprinting algorithm, a multilateration algorithm, a time difference of arrival algorithm, a signal strength algorithm, a time of arrival algorithm, an angle of arrival algorithm, a spatial diversity algorithm, and a nearest neighbor algorithm.