Indoor Navigation via Server-Side Localization and Browser Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor navigation solutions require the installation of dedicated applications or programs on mobile devices, limiting their utilization and acceptance, and often rely on WiFi infrastructure, which may not be accessible due to technical constraints, especially on Apple devices, making it difficult to provide reliable indoor navigation without additional hardware.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses standard browser applications on mobile devices to display navigation data, leveraging a DHCP-enabled WiFi network and tracking devices that can localize the mobile device using electromagnetic signals, eliminating the need for dedicated apps and allowing navigation through existing WiFi infrastructure without accessing WiFi router positions or signal strengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated navigation applications or programs are installed on mobile devices to provide indoor navigation services, then navigation functionality and services are improved, but device complexity and user burden increase due to required installation and execution of additional software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that hosts the navigation application and handles all processing. Instead of installing software on the mobile device, the system accesses navigation services through a web browser by communicating with the server. The server performs localization, tracking, and navigation functions, while the mobile device merely displays information through the browser interface.
2Measurement precision
If WiFi infrastructure is used for indoor localization and tracking, then navigation accuracy is improved, but accessibility deteriorates because Apple devices cannot access WiFi router positions and signal strength information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach where the mobile device measures WiFi signal parameters. Instead, the server performs the localization and tracking by receiving anonymized connection data from WiFi routers. The mobile device simply connects to WiFi networks without any special permissions, while the server uses the connection information to determine position and provide navigation services.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different indoor navigation solutions are provided by different providers, then service variety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as users must download different applications for different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal navigation system where a single web-based application can provide navigation services for any indoor location. The server handles different navigation solutions and locations through a unified interface. Users access any navigation service through the same browser-based application, eliminating the need to download multiple location-specific applications.
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
Enables seamless indoor navigation without app installation and utilizes existing WiFi hardware, providing accurate location tracking and navigation services by external tracking systems, improving user experience and reducing hardware requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile device transmits electromagnetic waves within a certain frequency range, which are received by antenna devices installed in its surroundings
Implementation Method 2
The tracking device determines the position of the mobile device and/or of the user carrying the mobile device on the basis of the transmitted electromagnetic signals
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a system and a method for providing navigation services to a user carrying a mobile device. The method comprises assigning an internet protocol, IP, address to the mobile device, receiving an electromagnetic signal from the mobile device, retrieving, based on the received electromagnetic signal, a media access control, MAC, address of the mobile device, determining, based on the received electromagnetic signal, a position of the mobile device, combining the MAC address retrieved from the mobile device with the corresponding assigned IP address and sending the navigation data to the mobile device by addressing the navigation data to the identified IP address.