Collaborative Wi-Fi Localization Using Station Anchors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Wi-Fi localization methods, such as those using access points (APs), face challenges in indoor environments due to sparse AP distribution, leading to reduced localization accuracy and the need for channel scanning, which is time-consuming and power-intensive, resulting in lower dimensional accuracy and increased error in positioning.
Innovation Solution
Enabling Station (STA) devices to act as anchors in the Wi-Fi network, allowing them to collaborate with target devices to estimate localization information, thereby improving accuracy and eliminating the need for channel scanning by utilizing STA anchors that are typically closer and more numerous than APs, enabling higher dimensional accuracy and efficient indoor positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If access points are used as anchors for Wi-Fi localization, then the system can provide localization capability, but the sparse distribution of APs leads to reduced localization accuracy and lower dimensional accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables Station (STA) devices to perform dual functions: their original communication functions and serving as localization anchors. By allowing STAs to act as anchors in addition to APs, the system increases the number of available anchors from sparse AP distribution to numerous STA devices, directly resolving the contradiction between anchor quantity and localization accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables STA devices to self-configure as anchors without requiring manual deployment or complex infrastructure changes. The STAs automatically participate in localization by exchanging measurement information with target devices, allowing the system to utilize existing devices as anchors and thereby increase anchor density throughout the indoor environment
2Measurement precision
If traditional Wi-Fi localization methods are used, then localization can be performed, but channel scanning is required which is time-consuming and power-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs localization measurements continuously in the background during normal Wi-Fi operations. Instead of initiating time-consuming channel scans when localization is needed, the system has STAs and target devices continuously exchanging measurement information, so localization data is already available when required, eliminating the need for additional power-intensive scanning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms intermittent channel scanning into continuous measurement collection. STAs and target devices continuously exchange localization information during normal communication, maintaining an up-to-date localization capability without requiring periodic intensive scanning, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining localization accuracy
3Measurement precision
If traditional Wi-Fi localization methods are used, then localization can be performed, but channel scanning is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs localization measurements continuously in the background during normal Wi-Fi operations. Instead of initiating time-consuming channel scans when localization is needed, the system has STAs and target devices continuously exchanging measurement information, so localization data is already available when required, eliminating the need for additional time-consuming scanning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent collects more measurement data than traditionally required by continuously monitoring multiple STAs and their signal characteristics. This excessive collection of measurement information during normal operations provides redundant data that improves localization accuracy while requiring no additional time, as the measurements are gathered during routine communication anyway
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for residential position localization of a target device is provided. One or more wireless stations (STA) in a wireless network augment a location detection capability of an access point (AP). The method includes transmitting a request for localization information of a target device in a wireless communication network. The method also includes obtaining the localization information from a transmission device in the wireless communication network, the location information including multiple data points. The method also includes determining a score for each of the multiple data points, where the score is based on at least one of: line-of-sight detection or a measurement of a signal quality. The method also includes selecting one or more data points from the localization information based on the determined scores. The method further includes determining a location of the target device based on the selected data points.