Indoor Positioning via Encoded Metadata and Intermediary Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems face challenges in providing reliable position assistance data indoors due to unreliable satellite signal reception, necessitating alternative methods to enable location-based services, while also requiring secure and controlled dissemination of sensitive information.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a mobile station that contacts a directory device to obtain a repository device identifier, which then provides encoded metadata for position assistance data, including electronic maps and access point locators, with encryption for security, using a network of devices including directory, repository, and inference devices to manage and transmit this data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite signals are used for position location, then outdoor navigation accuracy is improved, but indoor signal reception reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces terrestrial transmitters (wireless access points, beacons, cell towers) as intermediary devices to relay position information. These transmitters receive satellite signals or other positioning data and re-transmit encoded position information that can be reliably received indoors, bridging the gap between satellite-based outdoor positioning and indoor positioning needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct satellite signal reception with a terrestrial-based signal transmission system. Instead of relying on line-of-sight satellite signals that fail indoors, the system uses ground-based transmitters that can penetrate building structures and provide continuous positioning data in indoor environments.
2Productivity
If position assistance data is provided to mobile stations, then navigation service quality is improved, but information security and privacy protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality levels of data protection to different types of information. Sensitive personal position data is encrypted and protected, while anonymized or aggregated position information can be shared more freely. This allows the system to provide high-quality navigation services while protecting individual privacy through differentiated data handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms sensitive position assistance data into encoded metadata formats that protect underlying information while maintaining utility. By changing the representation parameters of the data (encoding, aggregation, anonymization), the system enables navigation services to function while reducing security and privacy risks.
3Productivity
If encoded metadata is transmitted for position assistance data, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but data complexity and processing requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs encoding and compression of position assistance data into metadata formats before transmission. By preparing the data in advance (pre-encoding, pre-compression), the system reduces transmission requirements and makes the data more efficient for mobile station reception and processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are provided which may be implemented in various devices to provide position assistance data and/or the like to a mobile station with regard to at least one of a plurality of different indoor regions.