Indoor Positioning via Beacon Location Information

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing positioning techniques in cellular communications networks face challenges in accurately determining the location of wireless devices indoors due to significant path loss and the presence of multiple floors, which affects vertical positioning accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a wireless device obtaining Beacon Location Information (BLI) from nearby beacons and transmitting this information to a radio network node, allowing for accurate location determination without relying on GPS and minimizing network resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS-based positioning is used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but it does not work indoors due to signal blockage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidindoor positioning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces beacons as intermediary objects that mediate between the wireless device and the positioning system. These beacons are deployed indoors and transmit signals that can penetrate walls and floors, serving as intermediaries to enable positioning where GPS signals cannot reach. The beacons act as local reference points that bridge the gap between outdoor GPS infrastructure and indoor positioning needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic signal system with a local beacon-based signal system for indoor positioning. Instead of relying on high-orbit satellite signals that cannot penetrate buildings, the system substitutes with locally deployed beacons that transmit positioning signals through indoor environments, effectively replacing the GPS mechanism with a suitable alternative for indoor conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional indoor positioning techniques are used, then indoor positioning is enabled, but vertical positioning accuracy deteriorates due to multiple floors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindoor positioning capabilityVSAvoidvertical positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances the positioning system by adding vertical dimension capability through strategically placed beacons on different floors. By deploying beacons at multiple vertical levels and using signal strength measurements from multiple floors, the system can triangulate and determine the vertical position (floor level) of a device, transforming a 2D horizontal positioning problem into a 3D spatial positioning solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from multiple beacon signals received from different floors to continuously refine and update the vertical position estimate. By analyzing signal strength patterns from beacons on adjacent floors and comparing them against expected propagation models, the system can feedback-adjust the floor level determination to achieve accurate vertical positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Area of stationary object

If network-based positioning is used, then positioning coverage is improved, but network resource utilization increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning coverageVSAvoidnetwork resource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service positioning where the wireless device autonomously measures signals from nearby beacons and determines its own position without requiring extensive network computation or coordination. The device performs local signal processing and position calculation, serving its own positioning needs while minimizing network involvement to simple beacon deployment and configuration, thereby reducing network resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning function is segmented into independent beacon units deployed throughout the coverage area. Each beacon operates autonomously, transmitting its position and signal information independently. This segmentation allows the positioning capability to be distributed across many small, low-power units rather than requiring centralized network resources, enabling wide coverage with minimal network resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9883341B2Wireless device, a radio network node, a network node and methods therein

Publication Date: 2018.01.30 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A wireless device (304) and a method therein for providing location information to a Radio Network Node, RNN, (306) or a Network Node, NN, (308,310). The wireless device, the RNN and the NN are operating in a wireless communications network (300). The wireless device receives, from the RNN or the NN, a request for Beacon Location Information, BLI. The wireless device obtains BLI from a beacon, wherein the BLI comprises information relating to a location of the beacon, which beacon is located in reach by the wireless device. The wireless device transmits the obtained BLI to the RNN or the NN.