Distributed Relative Positioning via Probe Signals

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing satellite-based positioning technologies, such as GPS, are ineffective indoors due to signal penetration issues, necessitating alternative solutions for accurate indoor positioning.

Innovation Solution

A method for distributed relative positioning among mobile devices using probe signals, such as Bluetooth or WLAN signals, where devices determine and select probe signal parameters to calculate relative positions through trilateration, eliminating the need for central infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If satellite-based positioning technologies (GPS, Beidou, Galileo) are used for indoor positioning, then outdoor positioning accuracy is maintained, but signal penetration through walls and roofs is insufficient for adequate indoor signal reception

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsignal penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces probe signals (Bluetooth, WLAN) as intermediary carriers for positioning information indoors. These signals can penetrate building structures effectively and serve as mediators between mobile devices for determining relative positions, replacing the direct satellite signal path that fails indoors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the satellite-based electromagnetic positioning system with a terrestrial probe signal-based system. Instead of relying on satellite signals that cannot penetrate buildings, the system uses local radio frequency probe signals that can effectively transmit indoors, substituting one positioning mechanism for another better suited to the indoor environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If WLAN-based positioning solutions with central positioning infrastructure are deployed, then indoor positioning capability is achieved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindoor positioning capabilityVSAvoidcentral positioning infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables mobile devices to autonomously determine their relative positions using probe signals exchanged directly between devices. Each device independently measures signal parameters and calculates relative positions without requiring a central server to process positioning data, making the system self-sufficient and reducing infrastructure complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the positioning function into distributed segments performed by individual mobile devices rather than centralizing it in a server. Each device independently executes positioning calculations based on local measurements, segmenting the positioning task across multiple devices to eliminate the need for centralized infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If model-based positioning with radio maps is used, then positioning results can be obtained, but the requirement for central infrastructure to generate and maintain radio maps increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning result accuracyVSAvoidcentral positioning infrastructure for radio map generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables mobile devices to autonomously determine their relative positions using probe signals exchanged directly between devices. Each device independently measures signal parameters and calculates relative positions without requiring a central server to process positioning data, making the system self-sufficient and reducing infrastructure complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the positioning function into distributed segments performed by individual mobile devices rather than centralizing it in a server. Each device independently executes positioning calculations based on local measurements, segmenting the positioning task across multiple devices to eliminate the need for centralized infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 accurate and infrastructure-independent relative positioning of mobile devices indoors by leveraging radio signal strengths and motion/activity parameters, improving indoor positioning accuracy and mobility.

Implementation Method 1

determining a first probe signal parameter that is indicative for a distance between said first mobile device and a second mobile device of said plurality of devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio signal propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9955307B1Distributed relative positioning

Publication Date: 2018.04.24 HERE GLOBAL BV

AI summary

A method is disclosed for relative positioning performed by a first mobile device that is one of a plurality of mobile devices. The method determines a first probe signal parameter that is indicative for a distance between the first mobile device and a second mobile device. The method obtains one or more further probe signal parameters. Each further probe signal parameter is indicative for a distance between two of the plurality of mobile devices. The method selects probe signal parameters of the first probe signal parameter and the further probe signal parameters for determining one or more relative positions between two or more of the plurality of mobile devices. The method determines one or more relative positions between two or more of the plurality of mobile devices at least based on the selected probe signal parameters. A corresponding apparatus, system and computer readable medium are also disclosed.