Provided are a system and method for optimizing manner of time difference of arrival (TDOA) synchronization among affiliated wireless communications nodes. During a TDOA frame in which the affiliated nodes broadcast respective signals, at least one of the affiliated nodes can capture such signals of others of the nodes to calculate a synchronization factor enabling perceived signal synchronicity when location according to a TDOA framework is determined. The synchronization factor can be used in location determination according to a TDOA frame, thereby affording at least dual synchronization and location measurement to occur for such a TDOA frame and those frames that follow. In these ways, efficiency for TDOA operations overall is enhanced through streamlining of synchronization and location measurement operations affording conservation of node energy and increased availability of synchronization evaluation.
G01S 3/50 - Systems for determining direction or deviation from predetermined direction using antennas spaced apart and measuring phase or time difference between signals therefrom, i.e. path-difference systems the waves arriving at the antennas being pulse modulated and the time difference of their arrival being measured
Provided are a system and method for a real-time location system (RTLS) optimizing manner of establishing node location, and specifically, beacon location according to which positioning for a tag may be determined. To realize the optimization, beacons are arranged in “pods” and are led in their communications by a pod master beacon (MB) such that others of the pod beacons are slaves, i.e., slave beacons (SBs) to the MB. The communications are sequenced according to serialized transmit and receive staging among the MB and SBs resulting in self-localization of the pod beacons. The staging enables the MB to determine and accumulate various MB-SB and SB-SB measurements from which a mapping of the pods may be resolved.
H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
3.
REAL-TIME LOCATION SYSTEM USING SEQUENCED WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOLS FOR SCHEDULING TIMINGS OF NODE SYNCHRONIZATION AND TIME DIFFERENCE OF ARRIVAL RANGING
Provided are a system and method for coordinating dual wireless communications protocols when implementing a time difference of arrival (TDOA) framework for ranging between nodes. A first of the protocols (e.g., BLE) can be used for transmission of synchronization and TDOA schedules that prescribe synchronization and TDOA frames. The synchronization and TDOA frames can then be executed according to a second of the protocols (e.g., UWB), thus exemplifying an efficiency in energy consumption owing to an absence of transitioning between the first and second protocols transmissions throughout the schedules.
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
G01S 5/06 - Position of source determined by co-ordinating a plurality of position lines defined by path-difference measurements
G01S 5/14 - Determining absolute distances from a plurality of spaced points of known location
4.
REAL-TIME LOCATION SYSTEM FOR SELECTIVELY COORDINATING OPERATIVE WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOLS WHEN RANGING BETWEEN SUPPORTING NODES
Provided are a system and method for selectively coordinating operations of wireless communications nodes according to a plurality of included wireless communications protocols. Such selective coordination encompasses transitioning transmit and receive windows to be operable according to a respective protocol depending upon the occurrence of a ranging operation, whereas the transitioning is targeted at conserving energy consumption.
H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
H04W 48/16 - DiscoveringProcessing access restriction or access information
Provided are a system and method for coordinating dual wireless communications protocols when implementing a time difference of arrival framework for ranging between nodes. A first of the protocols (e.g., BLE) can be used to initiate synchronization and measurement staging, while ensuing calculations according to such synchronization and measurement can be conducted according a second of the protocols (e.g., UWB). In these regards, transitioning between the aforementioned protocols can result in a conservation of air time involved in an entirety of TDOA processes, and thus a conservation of energy.
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
G01S 5/10 - Position of receiver fixed by co-ordinating a plurality of position lines defined by path-difference measurements
G01S 5/12 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves by co-ordinating position lines of different shape, e.g. hyperbolic, circular, elliptical or radial
G01S 13/76 - Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systemsAnalogous systems wherein pulse-type signals are transmitted
6.
Real-time location system using sequenced wireless communications protocols for scheduling timings of node synchronization and time difference of arrival ranging between nodes
Provided are a system and method for coordinating dual wireless communications protocols when implementing a time difference of arrival (TDOA) framework for ranging between nodes. A first of the protocols (e.g., BLE) can be used for transmission of synchronization and TDOA schedules that prescribe synchronization and TDOA frames. The synchronization and TDOA frames can then be executed according to a second of the protocols (e.g., UWB), thus exemplifying an efficiency in energy consumption owing to an absence of transitioning between the first and second protocols transmissions throughout the schedules.
G01S 13/34 - Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated using transmission of continuous, frequency-modulated waves while heterodyning the received signal, or a signal derived therefrom, with a locally-generated signal related to the contemporaneously transmitted signal
H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
7.
BLE NETWORKING SYSTEMS AND METHODS INCLUDING FILTERING FOR SELECTIVELY COLLECTING AND PROCESSING ADVERTISEMENT DATA
Provided are systems and methods including a secure sensor filtering capability within an BLE hub device capable of determining its geographic position and also capable of communicating directly with a cloud services application. The hub device periodically performs BLE scanning for advertisements from devices in proximity to the hub device but only collects and processes advertisement data from end nodes that match the filter requirements configured within the hub device while ignoring advertisements from any end nodes not matching the filter requirements configured within the hub device. In addition, digital leash and custody capabilities are provided with respect to the hub device such that improvements in connection with resource utilization (e.g. power, bandwidth, processor usage) may be achieved.
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
H04L 12/66 - Arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways
H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks
8.
Real-time location system for selectively coordinating operative wireless communications protocols when ranging between supporting nodes
Provided are a system and method for selectively coordinating operations of wireless communications nodes according to a plurality of included wireless communications protocols. Such selective coordination encompasses transitioning transmit and receive windows to be operable according to a respective protocol depending upon the occurrence of a ranging operation, whereas the transitioning is targeted at conserving energy consumption.
Provided are a system and method for coordinating dual wireless communications protocols when implementing a time difference of arrival framework for ranging between nodes. A first of the protocols (e.g., BLE) can be used to initiate synchronization and measurement staging, while ensuing calculations according to such synchronization and measurement can be conducted according a second of the protocols (e.g., UWB). In these regards, transitioning between the aforementioned protocols can result in a conservation of air time involved in an entirety of TDOA processes, and thus a conservation of energy.
G01S 13/34 - Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated using transmission of continuous, frequency-modulated waves while heterodyning the received signal, or a signal derived therefrom, with a locally-generated signal related to the contemporaneously transmitted signal
H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
10.
BLE networking systems and methods including filtering for selectively collecting and processing advertisement data
Provided are systems and methods including a secure sensor filtering capability within an BLE hub device capable of determining its geographic position and also capable of communicating directly with a cloud services application. The hub device periodically performs BLE scanning for advertisements from devices in proximity to the hub device but only collects and processes advertisement data from end nodes that match the filter requirements configured within the hub device while ignoring advertisements from any end nodes not matching the filter requirements configured within the hub device. In addition, digital leash and custody capabilities are provided with respect to the hub device such that improvements in connection with resource utilization (e.g. power, bandwidth, processor usage) may be achieved.
H04W 4/00 - Services specially adapted for wireless communication networksFacilities therefor
H04W 48/04 - Access restriction performed under specific conditions based on user or terminal location or mobility data, e.g. moving direction or speed
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
11.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING PHASE-COHERENT SIGNALING VIA CALIBRATED PHASE SYNCHRONIZATION FACTORS AMONG WIRELESS RANGING NODES IN A PHASE-BASED TIME DIFFERENCE OF ARRIVAL FRAMEWORK
Provided are a system and method for generating phase-coherent signaling via invocation of a respective phase synchronization calibration factor among wireless communications nodes. The calibration factor substantially and simultaneously removes an effect of multipath interference and propagation phase shift as between the nodes, thus allowing a direct correlation of phase with respect thereto in a subsequent phase-based ranging regime.
G01S 5/10 - Position of receiver fixed by co-ordinating a plurality of position lines defined by path-difference measurements
G01S 1/02 - Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmittersReceivers co-operating therewith using radio waves
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
System and method for generating phase-coherent signaling via calibrated phase synchronization factors among wireless ranging nodes in a phase-based time difference of arrival framework
Provided are a system and method for generating phase-coherent signaling via invocation of a respective phase synchronization calibration factor among wireless communications nodes. The calibration factor substantially and simultaneously removes an effect of multipath interference and propagation phase shift as between the nodes, thus allowing a direct correlation of phase with respect thereto in a subsequent phase-based ranging regime.
G01S 13/84 - Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systemsAnalogous systems wherein continuous-type signals are transmitted for distance determination by phase measurement
Provided are a system and method for generating phase-coherent signaling when ranging between a transmitting node and a receiving node during wireless communication. Phase coherence is established in response to phase adjustment of a signal to be transmitted from the receiving node, in which such adjustment is commensurate with at least an amount of phase attributable to signaling transmitted by the transmitted node and received at the receiving node.
G01S 13/84 - Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systemsAnalogous systems wherein continuous-type signals are transmitted for distance determination by phase measurement
G01S 13/87 - Combinations of radar systems, e.g. primary radar and secondary radar
H04L 27/34 - Amplitude- and phase-modulated carrier systems, e.g. quadrature-amplitude modulated carrier systems
H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks
14.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING PHASE-COHERENT SIGNALING WHEN RANGING BETWEEN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS NODES AND TO ACCOUNT FOR PHASE SHIFT THEREBETWEEN
Provided are a system and method for generating phase-coherent signaling when ranging between a transmitting node and a receiving node during wireless communication. Phase coherence is established in response to phase adjustment of a signal to be transmitted from the receiving node, in which such adjustment is commensurate with at least an amount of phase attributable to signaling transmitted by the transmitted node and received at the receiving node. Phase shift attributable to the signaling is compensated for upon receipt of the signaling at a tag in communication with the receiving node.
H04L 27/34 - Amplitude- and phase-modulated carrier systems, e.g. quadrature-amplitude modulated carrier systems
H04B 1/00 - Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks
15.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GEOLOCATING A TAG VIA PHASE-BASED TIME DIFFERENCE OF ARRIVAL FRAMEWORK
Provided are a wireless communications system and method regarding geolocation of a tag based upon receipt of duplicate beacon transmission for a same channel. In response to the duplicate transmission, the tag determines relative phase shift for such transmission resulting from difference in path length, and correlates such difference to a coordinate location of the tag in a given space in which the wireless communications occurred.
G01S 1/04 - Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmittersReceivers co-operating therewith using radio waves Details
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
G01S 5/10 - Position of receiver fixed by co-ordinating a plurality of position lines defined by path-difference measurements
G01S 5/00 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
H04W 4/021 - Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences
16.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GEOLOCATING A TAG RELATIVE TO A THRESHOLD VIA PHASE-BASED TIME DIFFERENCE OF ARRIVAL FRAMEWORK
Provided are a system and method for geolocation of a tag relative to a predetermined threshold based upon receipt of duplicate beacon transmission for a same channel. In response to the duplicate transmission, the tag determines relative phase shift resulting from difference in path length, and evaluates correlation of a highest magnitude phase shift to the absence of any difference in path length to assess proximity of the tag with respect to the aforementioned predetermined threshold.
G01S 5/10 - Position of receiver fixed by co-ordinating a plurality of position lines defined by path-difference measurements
G01S 1/04 - Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmittersReceivers co-operating therewith using radio waves Details
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
G01S 5/00 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
H04W 4/021 - Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences
17.
Apparatus and method for mitigating interference when phase ranging among beacons and tags
A communications system, including at least one tag and a plurality of beacons. The tags are configured to detect beacon advertisement messages, initiate a connection with at least one of the plurality of and transmit a Constant Tone (CT) to the at least one of the plurality of beacons. The tag is further configured to determine a location thereof based on the sampled CT from both the beacon and the tag and then report the location via the one of the beacons and/or an access point. Phase ranging mitigation techniques which include hop duplication, hop interpolation and ADC DC offset correction are employed so as to provide more accurate ranging values even in the case where there are many other devices in local proximity and which are competing for use of the same RF channels as those used by the tags and beacons.
G01S 1/30 - Systems for determining direction or position line using a comparison of transit time of synchronised signals transmitted from non-directional antennas or antenna systems spaced apart, i.e. path-difference systems the synchronised signals being continuous waves or intermittent trains of continuous waves, the intermittency not being for the purpose of determining direction or position line and the transit times being compared by measuring the phase difference
G01S 1/02 - Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmittersReceivers co-operating therewith using radio waves
G01S 1/04 - Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmittersReceivers co-operating therewith using radio waves Details
18.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING WIRELESS END NODE LOCATION DETERMINATION VIA TARGETED PROXIMITY RANGING TO CLUSTERS OF OTHER WIRELESS NODES
Provided are a wireless communications node (WCN) and a method therefor achieving optimized estimation of coordinate location of the WCN relative to wireless communications with a plurality of reference points (RPs). To do so, the WCN coordinates clustering of such RPs, and determines an estimated coordinate location of the WCN based on one or more RPs of selected ones of clusters each having a centroid thereof that is measured as being most proximate the WCN when compared with unselected clusters.
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
G01S 13/87 - Combinations of radar systems, e.g. primary radar and secondary radar
19.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MITIGATING INTERFERENCE WHEN PHASE RANGING AMONG BEACONS AND TAGS
A communications system, including at least one tag and a plurality of beacons. The tags are configured to detect beacon advertisement messages, initiate a connection with at least one of the plurality of and transmit a Constant Tone (CT) to the at least one of the plurality of beacons. The tag is further configured to determine a location thereof based on the sampled CT from both the beacon and the tag and then report the location via the one of the beacons and/or an access point. Phase ranging mitigation techniques which include hop duplication, hop interpolation and ADC DC offset correction are employed so as to provide more accurate ranging values even in the case where there are many other devices in local proximity and which are competing for use of the same RF channels as those used by the tags and beacons.
Provided are a wireless communications node (WCN) and a method therefor achieving mitigation of multipath interference via optimized estimation of coordinate location of the WCN relative to wireless communications with a plurality of reference points (RPs). To do so, the WCN effects a constrained gradient descent with respect to phase ranging measurements to one or more of the plurality to minimize a cost of error associated with the obtaining of such measurements.
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
G01S 13/87 - Combinations of radar systems, e.g. primary radar and secondary radar
21.
System and method for generating phase-coherent signaling when ranging between wireless communications nodes and to account for phase shift therebetween
Provided are a system and method for generating phase-coherent signaling when ranging between a transmitting node and a receiving node during wireless communication. Phase coherence is established in response to phase adjustment of a signal to be transmitted from the receiving node, in which such adjustment is commensurate with at least an amount of phase attributable to signaling transmitted by the transmitted node and received at the receiving node. Phase shift attributable to the signaling is compensated for upon receipt of the signaling at a tag in communication with the receiving node.
H04B 1/00 - Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
G01S 13/84 - Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systemsAnalogous systems wherein continuous-type signals are transmitted for distance determination by phase measurement
G01S 7/41 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group using analysis of echo signal for target characterisationTarget signatureTarget cross-section
H04L 25/49 - Transmitting circuitsReceiving circuits using code conversion at the transmitterTransmitting circuitsReceiving circuits using predistortionTransmitting circuitsReceiving circuits using insertion of idle bits for obtaining a desired frequency spectrumTransmitting circuitsReceiving circuits using three or more amplitude levels
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Downloadable computer software for energy saving sold as a component of a computer hardware and recorded software system for tracking people and objects using GPS data on a device on the tracked people and objects; Downloadable computer software for wireless content delivery; Downloadable computer software for battery life extension sold as a component of devices for wireless radio transmission; Electronic devices for locating and tracking people, equipment, and warehoused products using global positioning systems and cellular systems; Electronic devices, namely, radio frequency repeaters used in long range communication for tracking and monitoring energy usage; Encoded micro particulates, tags and taggants of plastic, metal or silicate for use in the field of passive labeling, tracing or tracking of persons, vehicles or goods of any kind; Downloadable computer software for battery life extension sold as a component of wireless digital electronic apparatus to secure and protect data and images on all forms of wireless equipment including mobile telecommunications equipment using an automatic synchronization process and alarm notification of the loss or theft of the wireless equipment including mobile telecommunications equipment; Wireless transmitters and receivers
23.
POSITION DETERMINATION OF A TERMINAL FROM BLUETOOTH SIGNALS TRANSMITTED BY THIS TERMINAL FOR THE PURPOSE OF AN ACCESS POINT SELECTION IN PROXIMITY
Provided are systems and methods for reversing the conventional roles of central and peripheral devices in a BLE network. Doing so includes implementing an end node (EN) as the sole initiator of a connection between a particular EN and a particular access point (AP). Such implementation includes determining a location of the EN, in which that location is resolved by the EN and defined with respect to exchanges of Constant Tone Extensions (CTEs) between the EN and reference points (RPs).
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
A system incorporating a watchdog and power throttling capability which is implemented to ensure that network devices do not consume their entire battery capacity prior to the minimum expected battery life associated with the battery/device. The system includes capabilities for monitoring predicted remaining battery life in each associated device as well as the ability to control various functionalities within the device and the timing of events so as to guarantee minimum operating life for the device. This watchdog/throttling capability is implemented in such a way as to minimize the impact to device behavior and system operating parameters as much as possible while still enforcing minimum device/battery lifetime.
Provided are a system and method for generating phase-coherent signaling when ranging between a transmitting node and a receiving node during wireless communication. Phase coherence is established in response to phase adjustment of a signal to be transmitted from the receiving node, in which such adjustment is commensurate with at least an amount of phase attributable to signaling transmitted by the transmitted node and received at the receiving node.
H04B 1/00 - Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
H04L 25/49 - Transmitting circuitsReceiving circuits using code conversion at the transmitterTransmitting circuitsReceiving circuits using predistortionTransmitting circuitsReceiving circuits using insertion of idle bits for obtaining a desired frequency spectrumTransmitting circuitsReceiving circuits using three or more amplitude levels
26.
Apparatus and method for geolocating a tag relative to a threshold via phase-based time difference of arrival framework
Provided are a system and method for geolocation of a tag relative to a predetermined threshold based upon receipt of duplicate beacon transmission for a same channel. In response to the duplicate transmission, the tag determines relative phase shift resulting from difference in path length, and evaluates correlation of a highest magnitude phase shift to the absence of any difference in path length to assess proximity of the tag with respect to the aforementioned predetermined threshold.
Provided are a wireless communications node (WCN) and a method therefor achieving optimized estimation of coordinate location of the WCN relative to wireless communications with a plurality of reference points (RPs). To do so, the WCN coordinates clustering of such RPs, and determines an estimated coordinate location of the WCN based on one or more RPs of selected ones of clusters each having a centroid thereof that is measured as being most proximate the WCN when compared with unselected clusters.
H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
H04W 48/12 - Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery using downlink control channel
28.
BLE NETWORKING SYSTEMS AND METHODS PROVIDING CENTRAL AND PERIPHERAL ROLE REVERSAL WITH ENHANCED PERIPHERAL LOCATION DETERMINATION USING ULTRASONIC WAVEFORM AND CORRELATION THEREFOR
Provided are systems and methods for reversing the conventional roles of central and peripheral devices in a BLE network. Doing so includes implementing an end node (EN) as the sole initiator of a connection between a particular EN and a particular access point (AP). Such implementation includes determining a location of the EN, in which that location is resolved by the EN and defined with respect to association with a reference point (RP) enabled to transmit an ultrasonic waveform serving as the primary basis for the location determination according to detection by the EN of a pseudo-random sequence derived from the MAC ID of the RP.
H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
A system incorporating a watchdog and power throttling capability which is implemented to ensure that network devices do not consume their entire battery capacity prior to the minimum expected battery life associated with the battery/device. The system includes capabilities for monitoring predicted remaining battery life in each associated device as well as the ability to control various functionalities within the device and the timing of events so as to guarantee minimum operating life for the device. This watchdog/throttling capability is implemented in such a way as to minimize the impact to device behavior and system operating parameters as much as possible while still enforcing minimum device/battery lifetime.
Provided are a wireless communications node (WCN) and a method therefor achieving mitigation of multipath interference via optimized estimation of coordinate location of the WCN relative to wireless communications with a plurality of reference points (RPs). To do so, the WCN effects a constrained gradient descent with respect to phase ranging measurements to one or more of the plurality to minimize a cost of error associated with the obtaining of such measurements.
A communications system, including at least one tag and a plurality of beacons. The tags are configured to detect beacon advertisement messages, initiate a connection with at least one of the plurality of and transmit a Constant Tone (CT) to the at least one of the plurality of beacons. The tag is further configured to determine a location thereof based on the sampled CT from both the beacon and the tag and then report the location via the one of the beacons and/or an access point. Phase ranging mitigation techniques which include hop duplication, hop interpolation and ADC DC offset correction are employed so as to provide more accurate ranging values even in the case where there are many other devices in local proximity and which are competing for use of the same RF channels as those used by the tags and beacons.
G01S 1/30 - Systems for determining direction or position line using a comparison of transit time of synchronised signals transmitted from non-directional antennas or antenna systems spaced apart, i.e. path-difference systems the synchronised signals being continuous waves or intermittent trains of continuous waves, the intermittency not being for the purpose of determining direction or position line and the transit times being compared by measuring the phase difference
G01S 1/02 - Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmittersReceivers co-operating therewith using radio waves
G01S 1/04 - Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmittersReceivers co-operating therewith using radio waves Details
32.
BLE NETWORKING SYSTEMS AND METHODS PROVIDING CENTRAL AND PERIPHERAL ROLE REVERSAL WITH ENHANCED PERIPHERAL LOCATION DETERMINATION USING ULTRASONIC WAVEFORM
Provided are systems and methods for reversing the conventional roles of central and peripheral devices in a BLE network. Doing so includes implementing an end node (EN) as the sole initiator of a connection between a particular EN and a particular access point (AP). Such implementation includes determining a coordinate location of the EN based on position information for multiple reference points (RPs) and a time of flight (TOF) of an ultrasonic waveform transmitted by each of the RPs.
H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
G01S 1/72 - Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmittersReceivers co-operating therewith using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
G01S 5/00 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
33.
BLE NETWORKING SYSTEMS AND METHODS PROVIDING CENTRAL AND PERIPHERAL ROLE REVERSAL WITH ENHANCED PERIPHERAL LOCATION DETERMINATION
Provided are systems and methods for reversing the conventional roles of central and peripheral devices in a BLE network. Doing so includes implementing an end node (EN) as the sole initiator of a connection between a particular EN and a particular access point (AP). Such implementation includes determing a location of the EN based on position information for multiple reference points (RPs), which may in instances be supplied by the AP. Advantageously, the relative positioning is more particularly based on the received signal strengths (RSS) of beacon advertisement messages broadcast from the RP's, and refined by each of the position information.
H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
34.
BLE networking systems and methods providing central and peripheral role reversal with enhanced peripheral location determination using constant tone extension analysis for a same channel
Provided are systems and methods for reversing the conventional roles of central and peripheral devices in a BLE network. Doing so includes implementing an end node (EN) as the sole initiator of a connection between a particular EN and a particular access point (AP). Such implementation includes determining a location of the EN, in which that location is resolved by the EN and defined with respect to exchanges of Constant Tone Extensions (CTEs) between the EN and reference points (RPs).
H04W 76/11 - Allocation or use of connection identifiers
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
35.
BLE networking systems and methods providing central and peripheral role reversal with enhanced peripheral location determination using ultrasonic waveform and correlation therefor
Provided are systems and methods for reversing the conventional roles of central and peripheral devices in a BLE network. Doing so includes implementing an end node (EN) as the sole initiator of a connection between a particular EN and a particular access point (AP). Such implementation includes determining a location of the EN, in which that location is resolved by the EN and defined with respect to association with a reference point (RP) enabled to transmit an ultrasonic waveform serving as the primary basis for the location determination according to detection by the EN of a pseudo-random sequence derived from the MAC ID of the RP.
H04W 48/10 - Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery using broadcasted information
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
36.
BLE NETWORKING SYSTEMS AND METHODS PROVIDING CENTRAL AND PERIPHERAL ROLE REVERSAL WITH INDEPENDENT PERIPHERAL NETWORK CONNECTIVITY
Provided are systems and methods for reversing the conventional roles of central and peripheral devices in a BLE network. Doing so includes implementing an end node (EN) to be operable with a cellular backhaul and as the receiver of messaging generated by components within the network for the downstream cellular transfer of proximity and other types of information collected by the EN. The EN is configured to collect GPS and WiFi positional information determinative of a location of the EN, and transmit such positional information directly from the EN over an available backhaul so as to enable a determination of a relative location thereof based only on that positional information. In these ways, location and other types of information associated with the EN may become known with increased reliability and certainty in the face of obstacles such as structural barriers and distance that ordinarily limit BLE performance.
Provided are systems and methods for reversing the conventional roles of central and peripheral devices in a BLE network. Doing so includes implementing an end node (EN) as the sole initiator of a connection between a particular EN and other components within the network. Such initiating is controllable by the network so as to effect a transfer of EN functionality among one or more of the other components. Implementation of the transfer depends on a network controlled timing determining functionality of all network components. Accordingly, the network is enabled to effect the power consumption of those components in an effort to optimize use of their respective power resources.
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
Provided are systems and methods for reversing the conventional roles of central and peripheral devices in a BLE network. Doing so includes implementing an end node (EN) as the sole initiator of a connection between a particular EN and a particular mobile access point (AP). Such implementation includes determining such connection based on a relative proximity of an EN to the mobile AP, and a relative value of the connection between an EN and the mobile AP. Accordingly, a relative location of the EN may be determined based on such proximity, and particularly in response to mobility of the AP.
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
39.
BLE networking systems and methods providing central and peripheral role reversal with enhanced peripheral location determination using ultrasonic waveform
Provided are systems and methods for reversing the conventional roles of central and peripheral devices in a BLE network. Doing so includes implementing an end node (EN) as the sole initiator of a connection between a particular EN and a particular access point (AP). Such implementation includes determining a coordinate location of the EN based on position information for multiple reference points (RPs) and a time of flight (TOF) of an ultrasonic waveform transmitted by each of the RPs.
H04W 48/10 - Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery using broadcasted information
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
Provided are systems and methods for reversing the conventional roles of central and peripheral devices in a BLE network. Doing so includes implementing an end node (EN) as the sole initiator of a connection between a particular EN and a particular access point (AP). Such implementation includes determining a location of the EN based on position information for multiple reference points (RPs), which may in instances be supplied by the AP. Advantageously, the relative positioning is more particularly based on the received signal strengths (RSS) of beacon advertisement messages broadcast from the RPs, and refined by each of the position information.
H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
H04W 48/16 - DiscoveringProcessing access restriction or access information
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
Provided are systems and methods for reversing the conventional roles of central and peripheral devices in a BLE network. Doing so includes implementing an end node (EN) to be operable with a cellular backhaul and as the receiver of messaging generated by components within the network for the downstream cellular transfer of proximity and other types of information collected by the EN. The EN is configured to collect GPS and WiFi positional information determinative of a location of the EN, and transmit such positional information directly from the EN over an available backhaul so as to enable a determination of a relative location thereof based only on that positional information. In these ways, location and other types of information associated with the EN may become known with increased reliability and certainty in the face of obstacles such as structural barriers and distance that ordinarily limit BLE performance.
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
H04W 8/26 - Network addressing or numbering for mobility support
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Asset tracking and monitoring systems comprised of wireless transmitters and receivers, accelerometers, and wireless networks for transmitting the location of products, vehicles, people, or tools or materials used in the manufacturing or maintenance of products or vehicles in the internet of things (IoT); wireless transmitters and receivers
43.
APPARATUSES AND METHODS PROVIDING CONTROL OF DATA USAGE AND POWER CONSUMPTION OF CELLULAR NETWORKS
Provided are apparatuses and methods for control of each of data usage and power consumption of cellular network services. Based on such control, a consumer cost of that data usage is reduced, and a battery life of a device for carrying out data communications is increased.
Provided are systems and methods for reversing the conventional roles of central and peripheral devices in a BLE network. Doing so includes implementing an end node (EN) as the sole initiator of a connection between a particular EN and other components within the network. Such initiating is controllable by the network so as to effect a transfer of EN functionality among one or more of the other components. Implementation of the transfer depends on a network controlled timing determining functionality of all network components. Accordingly, the network is enabled to effect the power consumption of those components in an effort to optimize use of their respective power resources.
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
H04W 48/12 - Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery using downlink control channel
Provided are systems and methods for reversing the conventional roles of central and peripheral devices in a BLE network. Doing so includes implementing an end node (EN) as the sole initiator of establishing a connection between a particular EN and a particular access point (AP). Such implementation includes determining such connection based on a relative proximity of an EN to an AP, and a relative value of the connection between an EN and an AP. Accordingly, a relative location of the EN may be determined based on such proximity.
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
Provided are systems and methods for reversing the conventional roles of central and peripheral devices in a BLE network. Doing so includes implementing an end node (EN) as the sole initiator of a connection between a particular EN and a particular mobile access point (AP). Such implementation includes determining such connection based on a relative proximity of an EN to the mobile AP, and a relative value of the connection between an EN and the mobile AP. Accordingly, a relative location of the EN may be determined based on such proximity, and particularly in response to mobility of the AP.
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
47.
BLE NETWORKING SYSTEMS AND METHODS PROVIDING CENTRAL AND PERIPHERAL ROLE REVERSAL
Provided are systems and methods for reversing the conventional roles of central and peripheral devices in a BLE network. Doing so includes implementing an end node (EN) as the sole initiator of establishing a connection between a particular EN and a particular access point (AP). Such implementation includes determining such connection based on a relative proximity of an EN to an AP, and a relative value of the connection between an EN and an AP. Accordingly, a relative location of the EN may be determined based on such proximity.
Provided are apparatuses and methods for control of each of data usage and power consumption of cellular network services. Based on such control, a consumer cost of that data usage is reduced, and a battery life of a device for carrying out data communications is increased.
A system and method for transmitting information using first and second wireless communication protocols, including an object having a short range radio frequency signal transmitter for transmitting a signal using the first protocol, the signal including information transmitted from the object; a Collector including a signal receiver for receiving the signal transmitted by the short range radio frequency transmitter and further including a collector transmitter that transmits a collector signal using the second protocol via a low power wide area network, the collector signal including the information transmitted from the object; a gateway in wireless communication with the collector via the low power wide area network, the gateway including a gateway receiver for receiving the collector signal; a processing application for processing the information transmitted from the object and creating an information processing outcome; and an end user terminal having an interface for displaying the information processing outcome.
H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
G08B 25/10 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium using wireless transmission systems
H04B 1/713 - Spread spectrum techniques using frequency hopping
A method of geolocating comprises: receiving wirelessly, at an asset located on the Earth's surface and from at least two airborne aircraft, ADS-B signals, respectively; interpolating, using a Bayes filter, at least some state information of the at least two airborne aircraft based on the ADS-B signals, respectively; determining differences in received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values (RSSI-difference values) of successive aircraft-specific ADS-B signals, respectively; estimating, using a likelihood function, locations of the asset based on the RSSI-difference values, the ADS-B signals and the interpolated state information, respectively, thereby producing a set of estimated locations; and searching amongst the set to find one of the estimated locations that is regarded as being most likely to most accurately describe an actual position of the asset.
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
G01S 5/10 - Position of receiver fixed by co-ordinating a plurality of position lines defined by path-difference measurements
51.
Real-time asset location system and method with long-range wireless backhaul
A system and method for transmitting information using first and second wireless communication protocols, including an object having a short range radio frequency signal transmitter for transmitting a signal using the first protocol, the signal including information transmitted from the object; a collector including a signal receiver for receiving the signal transmitted by the short range radio frequency transmitter and further including a collector transmitter that transmits a collector signal using the second protocol via a low power wide area network, the collector signal including the information transmitted from the object; a gateway in wireless communication with the collector via the low power wide area network, the gateway including a gateway receiver for receiving the collector signal; a processing application for processing the information transmitted from the object and creating an information processing outcome; and an end user terminal having an interface for displaying the information processing outcome.
G08B 13/14 - Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles
G08B 23/00 - Alarms responsive to unspecified undesired or abnormal conditions
G08B 17/06 - Electric actuation of the alarm, e.g. using a thermally-operated switch
A61F 13/15 - Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the bodySupporting or fastening means thereforTampon applicators
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
G07B 15/06 - Arrangements for road pricing or congestion charging of vehicles or vehicle users, e.g. automatic toll systems
G08B 13/24 - Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
A method of operating an end node to communicate with a central node, the method comprising: wirelessly receiving, a beacon signal periodically-transmitted from the central node; each beacon signal denoting the start of a single frame; each frame being organized to include a downlink (DL) phase which precedes an uplink (UL) phase; and a payload of the beacon signal including an offset which represents a starting time of the UL phase. The method further comprises: generating a message; selecting, unbeknownst to the central node, at least one UL logical-channel, respectively; and wirelessly transmitting, during the UL phase, at least a portion of the message from the end node over the selected at least one UL logical-channel according to a slotted ALOHA technique.
A method (of operating an end node) includes: wirelessly receiving an instance of a non-hopping beacon signal, B, periodically-transmitted from a central node; interpreting a frequency-block hopping guide (FBHG) according to FN(i) and IDCN thereby to determine a corresponding set, CSET(i), of at least two channels available to the end node for transmission, respectively, during frame FN(i); selecting, at least pseudo-randomly, at least one channel amongst the corresponding set CSET(i); and wirelessly transmitting at least one message from the end node using the at least one selected channel, respectively. Each instance B(i) includes: a corresponding frame number, FN(i); and an identification, IDCN, of the central node. The FBHG establishes: a total of L frames; a set of channels CSET for each frame, respectively; and that, for any two consecutive ones of the L frames, FN(j) and FN(j+1), the corresponding sets CSET(j) and CSET(j+1) will be different, CSET(j) ≠ CSET(j+1).
A method, of operating an end node to wirelessly communicate with a central node, includes: receiving wirelessly a current instance of a beacon signal periodically-transmitted from the central node; measuring a received power, PB-RX, of the beacon signal; reading locally-stored values of PB-TX and G representing a presumed transmitted power of the beacon signal and a performance goal of the end node, respectively; determining, for a given channel, a path loss, PL, based on the PB-RX and the PB-TX; and adaptively setting an energy level, EN-TX, of a forthcoming message to be transmitted from the end node by adaptively determining, based on PL and G, at least two of: a level of power, PN-TX; a forward error correction coding rate, c; and a spreading factor, SF; and a modulation format, M.
A method (of operating a central node to acknowledge received messages) includes: receiving multiple data messages from multiple instances of a message-sourceable end node, respectively, each end-node-instance having an at least substantially unique identification ("ID"); and sending a dense acknowledgement message ("dense ACK") acknowledging receipt of the data messages but not explicitly identifying any of the IDs of the corresponding end-node-instances. And a method (of operating a given instance of the end node to infer a delivery-condition at the central node of a data message sent by the given instance) including: sending a given data message including the substantially unique ID; receiving a dense ACK including a payload indicating receipt of multiple data messages but not explicitly identifying IDs of the given end-node-instance nor of other end-node-instances corresponding to the received messages, respectively; and inferring the delivery condition based on a manipulated payload of the dense ACK.
H04L 1/00 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received
H04L 1/16 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received by using return channel in which the return channel carries supervisory signals, e.g. repetition request signals
A method (of operating a central node to acknowledge received messages) includes: receiving multiple data messages from multiple instances of a message-sourceable end node, respectively, each end-node-instance having an at least substantially unique identification (“ID”); and sending a dense acknowledgement message (“dense ACK”) acknowledging receipt of the data messages but not explicitly identifying any of the IDs of the corresponding end-node-instances. And a method (of operating a given instance of the end node to infer a delivery-condition at the central node of a data message sent by the given instance) including: sending a given data message including the substantially unique ID; receiving a dense ACK including a payload indicating receipt of multiple data messages but not explicitly identifying IDs of the given end-node-instance nor of other end-node-instances corresponding to the received messages, respectively; and inferring the delivery-condition based on a manipulated payload of the dense ACK.
H04L 1/16 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received by using return channel in which the return channel carries supervisory signals, e.g. repetition request signals
H04L 1/00 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received
A method (of operating an end node) includes: wirelessly receiving an instance of a non-hopping beacon signal, B, periodically-transmitted from a central node; interpreting a frequency-block hopping guide (FBHG) according to FN(i) and IDCN thereby to determine a corresponding set, CSET(i), of at least two channels available to the end node for transmission, respectively, during frame FN(i); selecting, at least pseudo-randomly, at least one channel amongst the set CSET(i); and wirelessly transmitting at least one message from the end node using the at least one selected channel, respectively. Each instance B(i) includes: a corresponding frame number, FN(i); and an identification, IDCN, of the central node. The FBHG establishes: a total of L frames; a set of channels CSET for each frame, respectively; and that, for any two consecutive ones of the L frames, FN(j) and FN(j+1), the corresponding sets CSET(j) and CSET(j+1) will be different, CSET(j)≠CSET(j+1).
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Amplifier for wireless communications; Antennas for wireless communications apparatus; Apparatus for wireless transmission of acoustic information; Computer equipment, namely, wireless cards; Computer hardware and software system for tracking people, and objects [ pets ] using GPS data on a device on the tracked people and, objects; [ pets; Computer hardware for animal or pet tracking; ] Computer software for wireless content delivery; Devices for wireless radio transmission; [ Electronic devices for animal locating and tracking programmed to use global positioning systems (GPS) and cellular communications; ] Electronic devices for locating and tracking lost [ pets, ] people, [ animals ] using global positioning systems and/or cellular systems; Electronic devices, namely, radio frequency repeaters used in long range communication for tracking and monitoring energy usage; Electronic signaling mechanism, namely, a train control system used in the railway industry for detecting and controlling trains, ground faults, broken rails, power failures, track switches and lights; Encoded micro particulates, tags and taggants of plastic, metal or silicate for use in the field of passive labeling, tracing or tracking of persons, [ animals, ] vehicles or goods of any kind; GPS tracking devices; Integrated circuits and integrated circuit cores for use in wireless communications and wireless communication equipment and apparati and digital signal processors (DSP); Wireless digital electronic apparatus to secure and protect data and images on all forms of wireless equipment including mobile telecommunications equipment using an automatic synchronization process and alarm notification of the loss or theft of the wireless equipment including mobile telecommunications equipment; Wireless transmitters and receivers
