Indoor Navigation via Collaborative Beacon Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems lack the ability to accurately navigate users within confined areas, such as buildings, due to a balance between accuracy and cost of infrastructure, and fail to provide features for navigating from one user to another user within a structure.
Innovation Solution
The system uses probabilistic matching and crowdsourcing techniques, establishing beacon points between users and known signal sensors to generate position mapping, predict real-time positions, and navigate users based on these predictions, employing beacon points and sensor data like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional navigation systems use satellite signals for positioning, then outdoor navigation accuracy is achieved, but indoor positioning accuracy deteriorates due to signal blockage in confined areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces beacon points as intermediary objects between satellite signals and user devices. These beacons emit signals that can penetrate indoor environments, serving as mediators to enable positioning where direct satellite signals are blocked. The system establishes multiple beacons throughout the indoor space to create alternative signal paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the satellite-based electromagnetic positioning system with a local beacon-based system for indoor environments. Instead of relying on distant satellite signals, the system uses nearby beacons emitting Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signals that can be reliably received indoors, substituting the positioning mechanism to suit the confined space environment.
2Measurement precision
If the system establishes extensive beacon infrastructure for accurate indoor positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes beacon points multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as positioning references and as collaborative navigation targets. Beacons are not only static reference points for triangulation but also become dynamic destinations that users can navigate to directly, eliminating the need for separate infrastructure elements and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables user devices to actively participate in the positioning network by functioning as temporary beacons. When a user device is detected, it becomes a beacon point for other devices, allowing the network to expand its positioning capability without adding physical infrastructure. This self-service mechanism reduces the burden on centralized infrastructure deployment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses probabilistic matching for location prediction, then navigation flexibility improves, but positioning precision may deteriorate due to predictive uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary probabilistic prediction of user locations before actual navigation begins. By predicting likely destinations and preparing navigation routes in advance based on historical data and current context, the system reduces the uncertainty that would otherwise affect real-time positioning accuracy, allowing flexible adaptation while maintaining precision.
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 provides a cost-effective solution for navigating within non-specific locations within structures by establishing beacon points, predicting user positions with high confidence, and dynamically navigating users to each other within a building, enhancing indoor positioning accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the magnetic fields associated with the device of the user... refining the estimated location of the user in response to the device of the user connecting to an established beacon point
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide computer-implemented methods, computer program products, and systems. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to receive position information for one or more user devices and location information for an area. Embodiments of the present invention can predict one or more locations of the one or more user devices. Embodiments of the present invention can, in response to a request for navigation services, dynamically navigate a first user device of the one or more devices to a second user device of the one or more devices within the area.