Indoor Location System Using Floor-Specific Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
GPS systems are not accurate for slow-moving users indoors and cannot distinguish between different elevations in multi-storey buildings, limiting their application in environments like shopping malls or museums.
Innovation Solution
A system with transmitters on multiple floors transmitting signals with common parameters and floor identification artifacts, allowing mobile devices to determine their location by identifying the closest transmitter based on signal strength, timing, and noise, providing location-relevant information without relying on GPS or line-of-sight satellite communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If GPS is used for location tracking, then outdoor location information can be provided, but it cannot operate indoors or distinguish between different elevations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless transmitters as intermediary devices installed throughout the building to relay location information. These transmitters receive GPS signals or other location data and re-transmit it locally via wireless communication, enabling indoor devices to obtain location information without direct GPS satellite contact. The transmitters act as mediators between the external location system and the indoor mobile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to location tracking by implementing transmitters on multiple floors of the building. Each transmitter is associated with specific floor information, allowing the system to distinguish between different elevations. This multi-floor transmitter architecture transforms the traditional two-dimensional GPS location into a three-dimensional location system that includes vertical position.
2Measurement precision
If GPS triangulation is used for accurate location determination, then location precision can be improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the building into multiple zones, each served by individual wireless transmitters. Instead of using complex GPS triangulation across the entire building, the system segments the location determination into simpler tasks: each transmitter independently provides location information for its coverage area, and mobile devices receive signals from the nearest transmitter(s). This segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining adequate location precision for indoor navigation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple transmitters are deployed across multiple floors, then indoor location accuracy and floor distinction are improved, but the quantity of transmitters and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the wireless transmitters to serve multiple functions: they provide location information, transmit floor identification data, enable wireless communication, and can potentially provide other building services. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, making the deployment of multiple transmitters more cost-effective and manageable despite the increased quantity required for multi-floor coverage.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for providing location relevant information to users (1) of a plurality of mobile devices (2) within a multistorey building. A plurality of transmitters (4-13) are located in different locations across multiple floors (14), (15), (16) of the building. Each transmitter (4-13) transmits a signal for identifying the location of its associated transmitter and signals transmitted at least by transmitters located on the same floor share at least one common transmission parameter. The mobile devices (2) each run software that identifies signals received substantially concurrently from the transmitters (4-13), determining the closest transmitter (4-13), and then displays on the mobile device (2) location relevant information associated with that location.