Indoor Mapping via Wireless Signal Fingerprinting
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Solution Overview
Problem
GPS technology is ineffective indoors due to the inability to receive signals from four or more satellites, limiting the use of location-based services in indoor environments.
Innovation Solution
An indoor mapping system that utilizes wireless communication signal fingerprints to map areas and determine device location by comparing current fingerprints to previously mapped data, using a combination of WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular standards, with a server storing and maintaining map information and geo-referencing indoor maps to actual latitude and longitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS satellite signals are used for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but the system becomes ineffective indoors due to inability to receive satellite signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless infrastructure signals (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular) as intermediary elements to enable location determination indoors. Instead of directly using GPS satellite signals which cannot penetrate buildings, the system uses locally available wireless signals from infrastructure equipment as mediators to calculate position through trilateration and fingerprinting methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic signal system with a wireless infrastructure-based signal system for indoor location. The mechanical/physical principle of satellite signal transmission is substituted with wireless local area network and cellular signal transmission that can operate within building environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication signals are used for indoor location mapping, then indoor location capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple wireless technologies and fingerprinting processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wireless communication technologies (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular) into a unified indoor location system. By merging these different signal sources and their respective fingerprinting approaches, the system creates a comprehensive location capability that leverages the strengths of each technology while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary fingerprinting of wireless signals at various indoor locations before actual location determination is needed. This pre-captured signal data is stored and used to quickly determine positions during operation, reducing real-time computational complexity while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If GPS technology is used in mobile devices, then location-based services are enabled, but the services become unavailable indoors where satellite signals cannot be received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal location determination system that functions both outdoors (complementing GPS) and indoors (replacing GPS). The system is designed to work with multiple signal types and environments, making location-based services universally available regardless of whether the device is inside or outside a building.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the present disclosure involve a system and/or method for indoor mapping. The indoor mapping system may receive wireless signals from wireless devices located in an area and create a wireless signal fingerprint that identifies each signal and the strength of the signal. A user may identify the location that the wireless signal fingerprint was taken on a geo-referenced map. After the wireless signal fingerprints for an area have been mapped, a user may determine a location by taking a wireless signal fingerprint and comparing the wireless signal fingerprint to previously taken wireless signal fingerprints.