Indoor Positioning via WiFi Signal Strength and NFC Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In retail environments, customers face challenges in locating products and store associates, and existing technologies fail to accurately track customer behavior and provide precise indoor navigation due to limitations in QR code functionality, geofencing inaccuracies, and high implementation costs of indoor location-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system utilizing a radio network with Near Field Communication (NFC) nodes and a positioning server to determine device location, provide graphical representations of store layouts, and calculate routes to products, along with automated georeferencing for efficient waypoint placement, enhancing customer experience and data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based outdoor positioning is used, then positioning accuracy is high, but GPS signals are unavailable indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces WiFi access points as intermediary objects to enable indoor positioning. Instead of directly using GPS satellites, the system uses WiFi APs as mediators that reflect and transmit position information to mobile devices, allowing accurate indoor localization without direct GPS signal access
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic positioning system with a WiFi-based electromagnetic positioning system for indoor environments. The WiFi positioning system uses signal strength measurements and access point locations to calculate device positions, substituting the GPS mechanism with a suitable indoor alternative
2Reliability
If WiFi fingerprinting is used for indoor positioning, then positioning can be implemented, but accuracy is limited to about 1.5 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary site survey and fingerprinting during system setup to create a database of WiFi signal characteristics at known locations. This pre-collected data enables more accurate real-time positioning by comparing current signal readings against the pre-established fingerprint database, reducing the 1.5-meter accuracy limitation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of positioning accuracy by using multiple WiFi access points and triangulation algorithms instead of single AP fingerprinting. By incorporating signal strength from multiple APs and using geometric calculations, the system achieves sub-meter accuracy compared to the conventional 1.5-meter fingerprinting approach
3Reliability
If radio map fingerprinting with manual georeferencing is used, then indoor positioning can be established, but labor costs and implementation time are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables automatic georeferencing where the system self-configures by detecting WiFi access points and automatically calculating device positions based on signal triangulation. This eliminates the need for manual georeferencing of every location point, allowing the system to establish itself autonomously and significantly reducing implementation time and labor costs
4Adaptability or versatility
If QR codes are used for offline-online bridge, then customer can access eCommerce, but user experience deteriorates due to scanning complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex QR code scanning process and replaces it with simpler NFC tap interaction. By removing the scanning, focusing, and decoding steps entirely, the system maintains offline-online integration capability while dramatically improving ease of operation through a single-tap interface
5Adaptability or versatility
If geofencing is used for customer check-in, then check-in functionality is provided, but location precision is insufficient for product-level granularity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the store location space into fine-grained zones based on product locations and customer positions. Instead of a single geofence for the entire store, the system creates multiple small geographic segments that correspond to specific products or product categories, enabling precise check-in at the product level rather than store level
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 accurate customer location tracking and product navigation within stores, improves customer service by directing associates to customers, and captures valuable offline shopping data for targeted marketing, while reducing labor and implementation costs.
Implementation Method 1
radio network nodes for communicating with the portable device and measuring signal strength from the portable device
Implementation Method 2
a Near Field Communication node for communicating with the portable device and at least initially providing the portable device with configuration information
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning system for determining the location of a portable device includes a radio network. The radio network includes radio network nodes for communicating with the portable device and measuring signal strength from the portable device. The radio network also includes a Near Field Communication node for communicating with the portable device and at least initially providing the portable device with configuration information to enable the portable device to pair with the radio network nodes. The system also includes a positioning server for receiving signal strength information from the radio network, determining a location of the portable device, providing the portable device with a graphical representation of its location within a floorplan, receiving an indication of a desired product from the portable device, determining a location of the product, calculating and providing the portable device with a route from the location of the portable device to the product.