Audio-Based Indoor Localization Using Signal Strength Trilateration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location determination methods for mobile devices, such as GPS and cellular triangulation, often lack the accuracy needed for indoor locations and may not function effectively indoors, providing inaccuracies of tens or hundreds of meters.
Innovation Solution
The use of audio signals transmitted by speakers, which are received and analyzed by mobile devices to determine location through signal strength or timing measurements, allowing for more precise indoor location tracking using trilateration methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or cellular triangulation is used to determine device location, then the system can provide location information, but the accuracy is limited to tens or hundreds of meters and cannot function effectively indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces satellite-based GPS (electromagnetic space-based system) and cellular triangulation (radio wave-based system) with an acoustic-based localization system using audio signals and microphones. This substitution enables indoor functionality by using sound waves that can penetrate and propagate through building structures, achieving both improved measurement precision and reliability in indoor environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces audio signals as an intermediary medium for location determination. By embedding location information in audio signals that can be received and processed by mobile devices, the system achieves accurate indoor positioning without relying on satellite signals or cellular tower triangulation, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and indoor functionality
2Measurement precision
If audio signals are used to determine location, then indoor positioning accuracy is significantly improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional hardware and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing microphone in mobile devices, which is already present for common functions like voice calls and voice messages. By repurposing this existing component for audio-based location determination, the system achieves high indoor positioning accuracy without adding significant hardware complexity, as the microphone serves multiple functions
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device uses its own existing microphone and processing capabilities to determine its location by analyzing audio signals from the environment. The device's processor, which already handles audio data for communication functions, is utilized to decode location information from received audio signals, eliminating the need for dedicated specialized hardware and reducing overall system complexity
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 enables accurate indoor location determination, providing detailed location information like 'Conference Room 3' or 'Ladies' Shoe Department', overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by offering precise positioning within buildings.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a characteristic of each audio signal. Measuring a characteristic may be performed by measuring a received signal strength of each audio signal
Implementation Method 2
receiving audio signals at the mobile device, decoding each audio signal to extract respective meta data. The extracted meta data may include data indicative of a location of a speaker that transmitted one of the audio signals
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of and systems for determining a location of a mobile device using transmitted audio signals is provided. In an embodiment, meta data included in the audio signals may also be used. In an embodiment, a characteristic, such as a received signal strength, may be measured to determine the location of the mobile device.