Indoor Object Localization Using Cooperative Wireless Networks

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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 evaluate signal propagation data, enhancing localization accuracy through fingerprinting and machine learning algorithms without additional equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional equipment is installed for indoor localization, then localization functionality is achieved, but weight and certification requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalization accuracyVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing wireless access points and mobile network devices to perform both their primary communication functions and localization functions simultaneously. The wireless infrastructure is used for both data transmission and signal propagation sensing, eliminating the need for dedicated localization hardware and thereby reducing weight while maintaining localization accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing wireless communication signals that are already being transmitted for their intended purpose to also serve as the sensing signals for localization. The wireless infrastructure serves itself by utilizing its own operational signals for dual purposes: communication and environmental sensing, thus avoiding additional equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Weight of stationary object

If existing wireless infrastructure is used for localization, then weight is reduced, but localization accuracy for passive objects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem weightVSAvoidlocalization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a processing device as an intermediary that receives signal propagation data from wireless access points and mobile network devices, applies machine learning algorithms, and extracts localization information. This intermediary component enhances the system's ability to detect passive objects by processing complex signal patterns that would be difficult to interpret directly, thereby improving accuracy without adding significant weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters being measured by analyzing multiple signal propagation parameters simultaneously (amplitude, phase, timing) and using machine learning to extract meaningful localization data. This multi-parameter approach enables accurate detection of passive objects using existing wireless signals, maintaining weight efficiency while improving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If manual checking is performed by cabin crew, then object detection is achieved, but time consumption and workload increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject detection reliabilityVSAvoidturnaround time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual checking process with an automated electronic sensing system. Wireless access points and mobile network devices automatically sense signal propagation changes caused by objects or persons in the cabin, and a processing device automatically analyzes this data to detect and localize objects. This substitution eliminates manual labor, reduces turnaround time, and maintains high detection reliability through continuous automated monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 leveraging existing wireless infrastructure, reducing crew workload and turnaround times, and improving coverage in challenging environments.

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. The cooperative mobile network device is configured to sense second signal propagation data of wireless signals transmitted via the wireless communication network.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal propagation sensing: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12408135B2System for localizing objects in an indoor environment using a wireless communication network

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 AIRBUS (SAS)

AI summary

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