Indoor Localization Using Wi-Fi and Motion Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
GPS technology is ineffective for indoor localization due to weak satellite signal penetration through buildings, limiting accurate location determination and navigation within indoor environments.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that generates a localized map of an indoor area using sensory data collected from a mobile device, including Wi-Fi signals, motion data, and images, which are used to create visual indicators of objects and points of interest, enabling navigation and identification within the indoor space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS technology is used for localization, then outdoor location determination is accurate, but indoor localization becomes ineffective due to weak satellite signal penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Wi-Fi access points as intermediary objects to enable indoor localization. Instead of relying directly on GPS satellites, the system uses Wi-Fi signals as mediators to determine indoor positions. The mobile device collects Wi-Fi signal strength data from multiple access points and processes this information to calculate location, thereby bridging the gap between outdoor GPS accuracy and indoor localization needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS-based mechanical/electromagnetic signal system with a Wi-Fi-based localization system. By substituting GPS satellite signals with Wi-Fi access point signals, the system adapts to indoor environments where GPS signals are weak or unavailable. This substitution enables the same localization function to work effectively in both outdoor and indoor settings.
2Measurement precision
If sensory data is collected from multiple locations to generate a localized map, then navigation accuracy is improved, but data collection complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having users collect sensory data (images, Wi-Fi signals, motion data) while following predetermined navigable routes before the actual navigation task. This preliminary data collection phase creates a localized map that can be used for subsequent navigation without requiring time-consuming real-time data collection, thereby improving accuracy while reducing overall time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the mobile device processes collected sensory data to generate a localized map, which then provides feedback to guide subsequent navigation. The map includes visual indicators and navigable routes that feedback the collected information, enabling accurate navigation while avoiding redundant data collection by using the pre-generated map for guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
An indoor area may be localized to provide end users with a mobile-accessible map to guide the end user in navigating the indoor area. A preliminary version of a map of the indoor area to be localized is processed to identify different navigable routes within the indoor area. A user may access the processed map and collect sensory data using the mobile device while moving along any of the navigable routes. The different sensory data that is collected at the same moment in time may be associated based on the location of the mobile device when the data is collected. The localized map is then generated with visual indications of the locations of the corresponding sensory data. The end user may then access the localized map on a mobile device to navigate the indoor area and to locate specific points of interest corresponding to the sensory data.