Indoor Location Estimation Using Binding Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location estimation techniques using access point (AP) devices require complex mathematical computations, making them inefficient and time-consuming, especially for devices with low performance, and struggle to accurately determine a user's indoor location, particularly in multi-floor structures.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures received signal strength from AP devices, establishes binding boxes with radii inversely proportional to signal strength, and estimates user location from points of contact between these boxes, using selected AP devices that satisfy a predetermined condition, and incorporates altitude information to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If typical location-estimating technique using AP devices is used, then location estimation accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location estimation process by dividing the service area into multiple zones based on signal strength thresholds. Instead of performing complex mathematical computations across the entire area, the system divides the space into discrete regions (e.g., strong signal zone, medium signal zone, weak signal zone) and assigns location estimates based on which zone the device falls into, thereby reducing computational complexity while maintaining reasonable accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for location estimation by selecting specific AP devices that satisfy predetermined conditions (e.g., signal strength above threshold, known location). Rather than processing data from all available AP devices, the system extracts and uses only the most relevant signals, reducing the computational burden while preserving location estimation capability
2Measurement precision
If typical location-estimating technique using AP devices is used, then location estimation accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing signal strength thresholds and zone boundaries based on AP device locations. These reference data are prepared in advance, so when a user device needs location estimation, the system can quickly compare current signal strengths against pre-defined thresholds without performing complex real-time calculations, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, computationally inexpensive methods (comparing signal strength to thresholds) instead of complex mathematical computations. This approach sacrifices some computational intensity in favor of speed, using simple threshold comparisons that can be executed rapidly with minimal processing resources, thus reducing processing time
3Measurement precision
If all AP devices are used for location estimation, then location estimation accuracy is improved, but computational burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting AP devices based on their local signal strength characteristics and predetermined conditions. Instead of uniformly processing data from all AP devices, the system identifies and uses only those AP devices that provide meaningful local information (e.g., those with signal strength above a threshold), reducing computational burden while maintaining accuracy in the local area of interest
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 simplifies the location estimation process, reduces computational burden, and improves accuracy by focusing on selected AP devices and integrating altitude information for precise indoor location determination.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a received signal strength of a signal received from two or more access point (AP) devices
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method, device and system for estimating the location of a user device by using radio signals emitted from access point (AP) devices. In the location estimating method implemented by the user device may include steps of measuring received signal strength of a signal received from two or more AP devices deployed within a specific range, establishing a binding box for each of the two or more AP devices by using the measured received signal strength, and estimating a current location of the user device by using points of contact between the established binding boxes.