3D Sectorized Path-Loss Model for Indoor Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current indoor positioning methods struggle with 3D modeling of wireless environments, particularly in buildings where altitude information is necessary for accurate positioning, as existing 2D localization techniques are insufficient for capturing the complexities of signal propagation across multiple floors.

Innovation Solution

A 3D sectorized path-loss model is generated and updated using position information and received signal strength data from mobile terminals, dividing the environment into sectors to account for varying signal propagation characteristics in different directions, allowing for the determination of path-loss parameters and accurate position estimation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If 2D localization techniques are used for indoor positioning, then the system is simpler to implement, but it cannot accurately capture signal propagation characteristics across multiple floors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidmodel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The 3D space is segmented into multiple 2D floors/levels, allowing the system to process each floor separately while maintaining overall 3D positioning capability. This segmentation enables accurate multi-floor positioning without requiring a completely new 3D modeling approach, thus balancing precision and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from 2D to 3D positioning by adding the vertical dimension (floor level) to the traditional 2D horizontal positioning. This is achieved by incorporating altitude information and creating path-loss models that account for vertical signal propagation, enabling accurate positioning across multiple floors while building upon existing 2D techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate floor detection and 2D path-loss modeling are used, then the positioning system can handle complex environments, but it requires multiple processing stages and increased system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges floor detection and path-loss modeling into a unified 3D sectorized path-loss model. By combining these previously separate functions into a single integrated model that simultaneously handles vertical and horizontal positioning, the system reduces the number of processing stages while maintaining adaptability to complex environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The 3D sectorized path-loss model serves multiple functions simultaneously: it performs floor detection, horizontal positioning, and signal propagation modeling in a single unified framework. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate processing stages, reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility across different environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If 3D sectorized path-loss models are implemented, then accurate positioning in complex environments is achieved, but more processing power and computational resources are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidcomputational power
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The 3D space is segmented into sectors, allowing the path-loss model to be computed separately for each sector rather than for the entire 3D space at once. This segmentation reduces the computational burden on each processing unit while maintaining overall positioning precision through the combined results from all sectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3033632B93D sectorized path-loss models for 3D positioning of mobile terminals
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 HERE GLOBAL BV
  • EP3033632B9 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3033632B9 patent drawingFigure 1c
  • EP3033632B9 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A method performed by an apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining position information on a position and received signal strength information representative of a strength of a signal from a communication node receivable at the position. The method further comprises generating or updating a 3D sectorized path-loss model associated with the communication node at least based on the position information and the received signal strength information, wherein the position information and the received signal strength information are used to generate or update one or more path-loss parameters for a 3D sector of a set of one or more 3D sectors of the3D sectorized path-loss model in which 3D sector the position is located. Furthermore, a method performed by an apparatus is disclosed, the method comprising at least one of storing, providing or obtaining information on or derived from a 3D sectorized path-loss model associated with a communication node, the3D sectorized path-loss model comprising one or more 3D sectors with one or more respective path-loss parameters, the information on or derived from the 3D sectorized path-loss model useable, together with received signal strength information representative of a strength of a signal received from the communication node by a device, in a process of determining an estimate of a position of the device. According apparatuses, computer programs and computer readable media storing such computer programs are disclosed.