Indoor Location Estimation via H-SLP Context Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SUPL-compliant systems struggle to determine the location of mobile devices in indoor environments where satellite positioning signals are unavailable, as they rely on navigation signals that are not accessible within buildings or other enclosed spaces.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a Home SUPL Location Platform (H-SLP) to estimate the location of mobile devices within indoor environments by exchanging SUPL information, where the H-SLP provides indoor context information to assist the device in determining its location using wireless signals from access points or base stations, allowing triangulation and precise location estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite positioning signals are used for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but the system becomes inapplicable in indoor environments where satellite signals are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of access points with known locations and a location server that mediates between the mobile device and the location determination process. The access points act as intermediaries by providing reference points for triangulation, while the location server coordinates the overall location determination process by collecting measurements and calculating the device's position based on signal strength data from multiple access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the satellite-based positioning mechanism with a wireless network-based mechanism. Instead of relying on satellite signals for location determination, the system uses wireless signals from access points within the indoor environment. The location server processes signal strength measurements from multiple access points to calculate the device's position, substituting the outdoor satellite positioning system with an indoor wireless network system.
2Measurement precision
If indoor context information is transmitted to mobile devices, then location determination capability in indoor environments is improved, but network infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access points in the patent serve multiple functions: they provide wireless network connectivity to mobile devices and simultaneously act as location reference points with known locations stored in a database. The location server also performs multiple functions by managing the database of access point locations and processing location determination requests from mobile devices, reducing the need for separate dedicated infrastructure components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for determining indoor context information relating to a location of a mobile device. Indoor context information may be utilized by a mobile device or a network element to obtain an estimate of a location of the mobile device within an indoor environment.