Indoor Terminal Positioning Using Fixed Radio Wave References
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional indoor position detection systems require multiple ranging sensors, making it difficult to accurately determine the position of a terminal apparatus indoors.
Innovation Solution
A terminal apparatus that receives radio waves from multiple communication devices, identifies fixed and mobile terminals based on time-series radio wave intensities, and uses this information to determine its position, optionally with additional sensors for movement judgment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple ranging sensors are installed indoors for position detection, then position detection capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor installation system with an electromagnetic wave-based positioning system. Instead of installing ranging sensors throughout the indoor space, the terminal apparatus uses its existing communication unit to receive and measure radio waves from multiple communication apparatuses, thereby substituting physical sensor infrastructure with wireless signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal apparatus performs positioning functions using its own communication and processing capabilities. The terminal independently receives radio waves, measures their intensities, judges the movement state of communication apparatuses, and calculates its position without requiring external sensor installations or additional dedicated positioning hardware.
2Measurement precision
If conventional indoor position detection is implemented, then position information can be obtained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal apparatus autonomously performs all positioning operations using its built-in communication unit and processing capabilities. It receives radio waves from multiple communication apparatuses, measures signal intensities, determines which communication apparatuses are fixed or mobile based on intensity variations, and calculates its position without requiring external assistance, installation, or configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication apparatuses in the environment serve dual purposes: their primary communication function and their secondary function as positioning reference points. The same communication apparatuses that provide data service also provide positioning reference signals, eliminating the need for separate positioning infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If radio wave intensity measurement is used for positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to signal variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adapts the positioning method based on the movement state of communication apparatuses. The type judgment unit analyzes time-series radio wave intensities to determine whether each communication apparatus is fixed or mobile, and the position acquisition unit selectively uses only fixed terminal data for positioning calculations. This dynamic filtering approach maintains precision by excluding variable mobile terminal signals while preserving ease of operation through automated adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors radio wave intensities over time and uses this feedback to judge the movement state of communication apparatuses. By analyzing how signal intensities change over time, the type judgment unit provides feedback about which communication apparatuses are suitable for positioning, allowing the system to adaptively select the most reliable reference points for accurate position calculation.
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
Enables easy and accurate indoor positioning of terminal apparatuses without the need for extensive sensor installations.
Implementation Method 1
a reception unit configured to receive, from each communication apparatus of three or more communication apparatuses, a radio wave containing an apparatus identifier identifying the communication apparatus
Implementation Method 2
an intensity acquisition unit configured to acquire time-series radio wave intensities for each communication apparatus of the three or more communication apparatuses
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal apparatus includes: a reception unit for receiving, from each communication apparatus of three or more communication apparatuses, a radio wave containing an apparatus identifier identifying the communication apparatus; an intensity acquisition unit for acquiring time-series radio wave intensities for each communication apparatus; a type judgment unit for judging, for each communication apparatus, whether the communication apparatus is a fixed terminal that is fixed or a mobile terminal that is moving, using the time-series radio wave intensities acquired by the intensity acquisition unit; a position acquisition unit for acquiring radio wave intensities of three or more communication apparatuses judged to be fixed terminals by the type judgment unit, and acquiring a terminal position that is position information regarding the terminal apparatus indoors, using the radio wave intensities of the fixed terminals; and a position output unit that outputs the terminal position acquired by the position acquisition unit.