Cooperative Indoor Positioning with Self-Localization and Multipath Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning systems face challenges such as multipath, laborious setup and calibration procedures, high cost, and low accuracy, particularly in indoor environments.
Innovation Solution
A hyper-accurate cooperative object-positioning system using a network of reference and target nodes with wireless communication, repeaters, and processing units, employing RF and acoustic signals for distance measurement, and a Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) method to determine precise positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional positioning systems are deployed, then coverage area is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to multipath effects and signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning technologies (UWB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, inertial sensors, visual markers) into a hybrid positioning system that fuses data from multiple sources to achieve high accuracy while compensating for the weaknesses of individual systems, particularly mitigating multipath effects through sensor fusion algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual markers and inertial measurement units as intermediary elements that facilitate accurate positioning by providing additional reference points and motion data that help overcome signal interference and multipath effects in complex indoor environments
2Measurement precision
If high-accuracy positioning systems are implemented, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning system into separate functional modules: UWB transceivers for distance measurement, visual markers for spatial reference, inertial sensors for motion tracking, and wireless communication components. Each module operates semi-independently and contributes specific data to the overall positioning solution, reducing the complexity burden on any single component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the positioning nodes to perform multiple functions: they serve as both transmitters and receivers, provide visual and electromagnetic reference points, and act as communication relays. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of devices needed and simplifies system deployment while maintaining high accuracy
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive positioning systems are deployed, then positioning accuracy improves, but installation complexity increases due to laborious setup and calibration procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibration algorithms that automatically adjust system parameters based on initial deployment data and environmental feedback. The system performs automated node identification, signal strength calibration, and coordinate system alignment without requiring manual intervention, significantly reducing setup time and complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy
4Measurement precision
If advanced positioning technologies are used, then positioning accuracy improves, but system cost increases due to expensive hardware and infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs low-cost visual markers that can be printed on standard materials and inexpensive consumer-grade inertial measurement units instead of expensive industrial sensors. The system uses off-the-shelf UWB modules and wireless communication components, avoiding the need for proprietary expensive hardware while achieving comparable positioning accuracy through clever system integration and algorithmic compensation
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
Achieves millimeter-level accuracy in large indoor environments, comparable to geodetic-grade optical instruments, with flexible deployment options and integration with virtual and augmented reality platforms.
Implementation Method 1
determining the distance between the target node and each of the plurality of reference nodes based on the wireless signal set communicated between said reference and target nodes
Implementation Method 2
measuring the distance between all or a subset of the plurality of reference nodes, and further conducting one or more distance measurements between the one or more target nodes and all or a subset of the plurality of reference nodes
Data Source
AI summary
An object-positioning system has a plurality of reference devices, one or more target devices at unknown positions and in communication with the plurality of reference devices via one or more wireless signal sets, at least one processing unit; and one or more signal-retransmission devices each in communication with at least a subset of the plurality of reference devices, at least a subset of the one or more target devices, and at least a subset of the at least one processing unit for populating object-positioning related data therebetween. The at least one processing unit is configured for: for each of the one or more target devices, determining the distance between the target device and each of the plurality of reference devices based on the wireless signal set communicated between said reference and target devices, and determining the position of said target device based on the determined distances.