Indoor Positioning System Using Beacon Broadcasts for 3D Location
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current indoor positioning systems (IPS) face challenges in scalability, accuracy, ease of configuration and maintenance, and functionality during emergencies, particularly in large public buildings, where they often degrade in performance and require specialized devices or infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A novel IPS system utilizing beacons with indoor position information storage and wireless broadcast units, integrated with a server computer and IPS development system, which uses building information models to provide 3D location information with minimal user device requirements and operates without internet or cellular coverage, allowing for easy installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If WiFi signal strength and triangularization are used for positioning, then device compatibility is improved, but location accuracy deteriorates (3-10 meter range)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces beacons as intermediary devices that emit identifiable signals (such as acoustic or electromagnetic signals) to serve as reference points for positioning. These beacons act as mediators between the positioning system and the environment, providing stable reference signals that improve location accuracy without requiring sophisticated user devices. The beacons create a network of known reference points that enable more precise triangulation and signal matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy or map of the physical environment by placing beacons at known locations throughout the space. This digital representation (map of beacon locations) is then used to determine user positions by comparing received signal patterns against the known beacon configuration. This copying approach allows the system to achieve higher accuracy by referencing a pre-established digital model of the environment.
2Measurement precision
If fingerprinting is used to improve location accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but system complexity and maintenance cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The beacons are designed to autonomously emit their identification signals and maintain their positions without requiring continuous external configuration or calibration. Each beacon independently provides its reference signal, eliminating the need for complex centralized fingerprint database management. The system self-maintains through the autonomous operation of individual beacon units.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into independent, modular beacon units that can be individually deployed, configured, and maintained. Each beacon operates as a standalone reference point, allowing the system to scale without proportionally increasing complexity. This segmentation enables easier maintenance compared to a monolithic fingerprinting system, as individual beacons can be replaced or updated without affecting the entire system.
3Measurement precision
If specialized protocols and sophisticated measurements are used to achieve high accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to special device requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The beacons are designed to emit signals that can be detected by a wide variety of common devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) without requiring specialized hardware. The beacon signals are transmitted in formats that are universally compatible with standard wireless communication capabilities, allowing the high-accuracy positioning system to work with ordinary consumer devices rather than requiring specialized equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
An indoor positioning system based on building design information is disclosed. The system includes a server computer to provide indoor position information relating to a building, a plurality of beacons to be installed in selected locations in the building and to broadcast by each beacon an indoor position message indicating the indoor position of the beacon, and an installer to configure the beacons with their corresponding indoor position information. An indoor positioning system development system is also provided. The development system incorporates building information files and provides a development interface for users to determine respective locations to install the beacons. Once completed, the obtained results are converted into an indoor position message for each beacon and configured in the corresponding beacon.