Directional Beacon WLAN Positioning via Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing WLAN-based positioning systems face challenges in indoor and urban environments due to line-of-sight limitations and interference from multipath RF propagation, requiring a more robust method for accurate location determination.
Innovation Solution
A single access point device transmits multiple directional beacons with unique identifiers using beamforming and MIMO techniques, creating a propagation pattern that allows for precise location mapping within a bounded area, even in environments with obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple WiFi access points are used for triangulation to improve positioning precision, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure investment increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function by having each access point transmit multiple directional beacons with unique identifiers in different directions. This allows a single access point to provide positioning information that would traditionally require multiple access points, thereby maintaining positioning precision while reducing infrastructure complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces directional dimensionality to beacon transmission by using beamforming to transmit beacons in specific directions rather than omnidirectionally. This adds a spatial dimension to the positioning system, enabling precise location determination with fewer access points by exploiting angular information
2Measurement precision
If access point density is increased to improve positioning precision in environments with obstructions, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance (equipment and infrastructure) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coverage area into multiple directional sectors, with each sector covered by a targeted beacon transmission. This allows comprehensive coverage and maintains positioning precision without requiring dense deployment of access points, thereby reducing equipment investment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by transmitting beacons with specific characteristics (unique identifiers, directional beamforming) tailored to specific directions and coverage requirements. This optimized local transmission strategy improves positioning precision in obstructed environments without requiring uniform increases in access point density
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 enhances positioning accuracy and robustness by utilizing directional beacons with unique identifiers, enabling effective location determination within bounded areas, even in challenging environments, and can be adapted for various frequencies and protocols.
Implementation Method 1
A single access point device transmits multiple directional beacons with unique identifiers using beamforming and MIMO techniques, creating a propagation pattern that allows for precise location mapping within a bounded area
Implementation Method 2
A single access point device transmits multiple directional beacons with unique identifiers using beamforming and MIMO techniques, creating a propagation pattern that allows for precise location mapping within a bounded area
Data Source
AI summary
A technique to provide a WLAN-based positioning system to determine a location of a mobile wireless receiving device. A single access point is used to generate a plurality of beacons, in which each beacon of the plurality of beacons has a unique identifier. Each beacon is then transmitted in a different direction from other beacons. When the receiving device receives at least one of the transmitted beacons, signal strength or some other signal parameter is obtained from the at least one received beacon. The received signal parameter is used to determine the location of the mobile receiving device.