Indoor Navigation Using Mobile Devices as Dynamic Beacons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deploying traditional indoor positioning systems (IPS) in large sites, such as corporate enterprises, is cumbersome and cost-prohibitive due to the need for extensive hardware deployment like Bluetooth beacons and Wi-Fi routers.
Innovation Solution
A method using other users' mobile devices as dynamic beacons, where calendar or scheduling data is utilized to determine positions by referencing expected locations on a site map, eliminating the need for additional hardware and existing wireless infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional indoor positioning systems are deployed using Bluetooth beacons and Wi-Fi routers, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users' own mobile devices to serve as positioning beacons for one another. Each device contributes its location data (derived from wireless infrastructure) to help determine the positions of other devices, eliminating the need for dedicated beacon hardware. This self-service approach transforms end-user devices into the positioning infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of deploying physical beacon devices throughout the facility, the system creates virtual copies of beacon functionality using software on existing mobile devices. Each mobile device replicates the beacon's signal transmission and location reporting capabilities through application software, eliminating hardware deployment requirements.
2Ease of operation
If Bluetooth beacons and Wi-Fi routers are deployed for indoor positioning, then navigation capability is improved, but deployment cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes existing mobile devices perform multiple functions: they serve as both wireless communication endpoints (using existing Wi-Fi/Bluetooth for connectivity) and as positioning beacons (transmitting location data to help other devices navigate). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated positioning hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces expensive, permanent infrastructure (Bluetooth beacons and Wi-Fi routers specifically deployed for positioning) with inexpensive, transient uses of existing mobile devices. The positioning capability leverages devices that users already possess and would carry anyway, converting a capital expenditure into a utilization of existing assets.
3Reliability
If extensive hardware is deployed for indoor positioning, then positioning reliability is improved, but the amount of hardware required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static infrastructure of fixed beacons to a dynamic network where any mobile device can become a beacon. The positioning infrastructure adapts to the presence and movement of users, with devices dynamically joining and leaving the positioning network as they enter and exit the facility, maintaining reliability through distributed redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the positioning function with the existing mobile device ecosystem. Instead of adding separate beacon hardware to the facility infrastructure, it combines positioning capabilities with devices that users already carry and use for other purposes, eliminating the need for additional hardware while maintaining positioning reliability through the large number of potential beacon devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer program product for navigation in an establishment site for a first user using a first mobile electronic device are provided. The embodiment may include scanning an area around a current location of the first user to identify a set of second mobile electronic devices. The embodiment may also include referencing one or more resources for: identifying a set of second users for each of the set of second mobile electronic devices; analyzing schedules of the set of second users to identify expected current locations of each of the set of second users in an establishment site; and identifying the current location of the first user relative to the expected current locations of at least some of the set of second users by referencing a map of the establishment site.