Beacon-Based Indoor Location Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination technologies for electronic devices in indoor and outdoor environments face challenges, particularly indoors where GPS signals are blocked, and rely on external systems like GPS, which limits their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The use of beacon devices that broadcast unique identifiers and measure signal strength to determine the location of mobile electronic devices without requiring GPS, using a method that involves receiving and processing signals from multiple beacons to calculate distances and triangulate the device's position within a map of the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used for location determination, then outdoor location accuracy is improved, but indoor location capability is lost due to signal blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces beacon devices as intermediary elements deployed throughout the indoor environment. These beacons emit signals that mobile devices can detect and measure, serving as mediators between the mobile device and the location determination system. The beacons act as local reference points that enable indoor positioning without requiring GPS satellites, thus resolving the contradiction between outdoor GPS accuracy and indoor location capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/satellite-based GPS system with a wireless signal-based localization system using beacons and mobile devices. Instead of relying on physical satellite signals that cannot penetrate buildings, the system uses electromagnetic signals (WiFi, Bluetooth, or dedicated beacon frequencies) that can propagate indoors. This substitution enables location determination to work seamlessly both outdoors and indoors, eliminating the adaptability limitation.
2Measurement precision
If beacon devices are deployed throughout the environment, then location precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination function into separate components: stationary beacon devices and mobile receiving devices. Each beacon independently emits signals with its known location information, and mobile devices independently process these signals. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high precision through multiple beacons while keeping individual components simple and scalable, thus managing system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon devices serve multiple functions: they act as location references, signal transmitters, and network nodes. The same infrastructure used for the beacons can also serve as the communication network for data transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high location precision through the beacon network.
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
Enables precise GPS-free indoor and outdoor user location tracking and event management with radial and geometric zones, providing accurate location determination down to inches and allowing for dynamic virtual fence manipulation, enhancing security and access control in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of beacon signals are received from a plurality of beacon devices at the electronic device, wherein each beacon signal of the plurality of beacon signals includes an identity of a beacon device transmitting a respective beacon signal
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for determining a location of an electronic device, a plurality of beacon signals are received from a plurality of beacon devices at the electronic device, wherein each beacon signal of the plurality of beacon signals includes an identity of a beacon device transmitting a respective beacon signal, and each beacon device of the plurality of beacon devices has a known location. A received signal strength for each beacon signal of the plurality of beacon signals is measured. A distance of the electronic device from each beacon device for which the plurality of beacon signals is received is determined, wherein the distance of the electronic device from a beacon device is based at least in part on the received signal strength of the beacon signal transmitted by the beacon device. A location of the electronic device is determined based at least on part on the distance of the electronic device from each beacon device for which the plurality of beacon signals is received.