Indoor Positioning Using Geographical Descriptive Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning technologies, such as GPS and cellular network-based systems, are not fully accurate or reliable, especially in indoor environments due to the lack of line of sight and poor network access, and electromagnetic signal source errors.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a database of location-specific geographical descriptive data to estimate a device's position by retrieving indoor region-specific data, including spatial relationships between physical features, and adjusting provisional estimates based on topological information and signal propagation characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite positioning systems are used, then positioning capability is provided, but accuracy and reliability deteriorate when line of sight is unavailable (indoor environments)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning system that uses electromagnetic signal sources (such as Wi-Fi access points or Bluetooth beacons) as mediators between the device and the satellite positioning system. These intermediary sources provide reference signals that can be detected indoors, enabling position estimation without requiring direct satellite line of sight. The system processes signals from these intermediary sources to calculate device position, thereby maintaining positioning capability in indoor environments where satellite systems fail.
2Reliability
If electromagnetic signal source positioning is used, then positioning is enabled in indoor regions, but accuracy deteriorates due to errors in estimated locations of signal sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the estimated positions of electromagnetic signal sources and adjusts the positioning calculations accordingly. When errors in signal source location estimates are detected, the system uses feedback to correct these errors by cross-referencing with multiple signal sources and using triangulation methods that compensate for individual source inaccuracies. This feedback loop ensures that the final position estimate remains accurate even when individual signal source locations have errors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cellular network-based positioning is used, then positioning is provided, but accuracy and reliability deteriorate where network access is poor or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning system that can operate using multiple different signal sources and methods depending on availability. The system is designed to universally accept various types of signals (satellite, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) and automatically selects the most reliable combination for positioning. By implementing multi-functionality to handle different positioning scenarios, the system maintains high reliability whether the device is indoors, outdoors, or in areas with poor network coverage, as it can switch between different positioning modalities as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method of estimating the position of a device, the method comprising: providing a database of location specific geographical descriptive data; obtaining location data relating to the position of the device; retrieving geographical descriptive data specific to an indoor region from the said database, the indoor region being selected dependent on the location data; and subsequently estimating the position of the device taking into account the retrieved data. The method can be used with existing or new positioning systems to improve the execution of the said positioning systems, particularly when the positioning system is being used indoors.