Indoor Object Localization Using Wi-Fi Signal Propagation Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing indoor localization methods for vehicle cabins require additional equipment, increasing weight and certification needs, and lack accuracy for passive and active objects.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing existing wireless communication infrastructure with cooperative mobile network devices and wireless access points to sense and analyze signal propagation data, including channel state information, for precise localization of objects without additional equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional equipment is installed for indoor localization, then localization accuracy is improved, but weight and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalization accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing wireless access points perform dual functions: providing wireless network access and conducting localization measurements. By enabling access points to sense signal propagation data (CSI) and process localization algorithms, the system achieves accurate object tracking without adding dedicated localization hardware, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining device complexity at acceptable levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication infrastructure serves itself by using the existing wireless signals for both communication and localization purposes. The access points utilize their own transmitted signals and the signals from mobile devices to extract localization information, eliminating the need for separate localization equipment and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If additional equipment is installed for indoor localization, then localization accuracy is improved, but certification burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalization accuracyVSAvoidcertification burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages existing certified wireless access points for dual purposes (communication and localization), avoiding the need for additional certification processes. By making access points multi-functional through software updates rather than hardware additions, the system maintains ease of manufacture while achieving improved localization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If existing wireless infrastructure is used for localization, then device complexity is reduced, but localization accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidlocalization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical localization systems with signal-processing-based methods. By substituting physical measurement devices with wireless signal analysis (using CSI from existing Wi-Fi infrastructure), the system reduces device complexity while achieving comparable or superior localization accuracy through intelligent signal processing and machine learning algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts localization information by analyzing changes in signal propagation parameters (CSI) caused by objects in the environment. By monitoring variations in amplitude, phase, and other signal characteristics, the system achieves accurate localization using existing infrastructure without requiring additional hardware, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Accurately locates passive and active objects within vehicle cabins by enhancing signal path analysis and mapping, reducing crew workload and turnaround times.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the wireless access points is configured to sense first signal propagation data of wireless signals transmitted via the wireless communication network

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal propagation:

Implementation Method 2

The cooperative mobile network device is configured to sense second signal propagation data of wireless signals transmitted via the wireless communication network. Further, the cooperative mobile network device is configured to evaluate the second signal propagation data and to determine its own position based on the evaluated second signal propagation data and positions of the wireless access points

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal propagation analysis:

Implementation Method 3

The processing device is configured to evaluate the first signal propagation data and to extract localization data indicative of the position of an object located in the indoor environment based on the evaluated first signal propagation data, on the evaluated second signal propagation data, on the determined position of the cooperative mobile network device and on the positions of the wireless access points

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMachine learning analysis:

Data Source

PatentEP4187278B1System for localizing objects in an indoor environment using a wireless communication network
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 AIRBUS (SAS)
  • EP4187278B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4187278B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A system (10) for localizing an object (9) in an indoor environment (20) is provided. The system (10) uses a plurality of wireless access points (1) and at least one cooperative mobile network device (2). The cooperative mobile network device (2) is connected to at least one of the wireless access points (1). The wireless access points and the cooperative mobile network device (3) sense first and second signal propagation data of wireless signals (6) transmitted via the wireless communication network (4). The cooperative mobile network device (3) evaluates the second signal propagation data and determines its own position based on the data and the positions of the wireless access points (1). A position of an object (9) is obtained based on the evaluated first and second signal propagation data, the positions of the wireless access points (1) and the determined position of the cooperative mobile network device (3).