Mobile Device Positioning Using BLE Beacons for Indoor Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile device positioning technologies face challenges such as high costs, complex setup and maintenance, poor performance indoors, and limitations across different operating systems, particularly with WiFi and GPS/AGPS systems, while RFID and dead reckoning systems suffer from expensive hardware, proprietary requirements, and accuracy issues.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device positioning system utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons and a processor to determine relative distance and position based on signal strength, allowing for a low-cost, easy-to-install, and robust location determination system that works across multiple platforms, including Android and iOS devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If WiFi systems are used for positioning, then position determination capability is improved, but hardware cost and setup complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive WiFi positioning infrastructure with inexpensive Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons that can be deployed freely without complex configuration. BLE beacons are low-cost devices that transmit location information that can be received by mobile devices, eliminating the need for expensive WiFi routers and complex fingerprinting setup while maintaining positioning capability.
2Reliability
If RFID systems are used for positioning, then tracking capability is improved, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive RFID readers and tags with inexpensive BLE beacons that use standard Bluetooth Low Energy technology already present in most smartphones. This approach maintains tracking capability while reducing hardware costs significantly, as BLE beacons can be deployed without proprietary RFID infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If GPS systems are used for positioning, then outdoor position determination is improved, but indoor positioning capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces BLE beacons as intermediary devices that relay location information indoors where GPS satellites are not visible. These beacons act as local position references that mobile devices can detect and use to determine indoor position, effectively bridging the gap between outdoor GPS capability and indoor positioning needs.
4Reliability
If dead reckoning systems are used for positioning, then position estimation is improved, but accuracy over time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs BLE beacons as periodic reference points that provide feedback to correct accumulated positioning errors in dead reckoning systems. When a mobile device detects a beacon, it can recalibrate its position estimate against the known beacon location, resetting error accumulation and maintaining long-term accuracy.
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
The system provides accurate, real-time location determination with high resolution and low maintenance costs, functioning even without internet or cellular signals, and is adaptable to various environments, ensuring reliable position tracking.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile device positioning system utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons and a processor to determine relative distance and position based on signal strength
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device positioning system includes a receiver to receive data on a plurality of signals received by a mobile device, each of the signals being from a transmitter in an area, the positioning system including a processor configured to execute computer program code for determining, in dependence on the data, a relative distance of the mobile device with respect to each transmitter associated with the respective signals and for determining a position of the mobile device in between the transmitters of the received signals in dependence on the determined relative distance.