Indoor Positioning with Leaky Feeder and Wi-Fi Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional indoor positioning systems lack accuracy and efficiency in providing real-time location data, hindering enhanced user experiences in indoor environments such as retail stores, airports, and hospitals.
Innovation Solution
An indoor positioning system utilizing a network of leaky feeder cables and Wi-Fi access points, combined with time-of-flight detection and triangulation, to provide precise location tracking and generate optimized navigational routes, shopping lists, and virtual 3-D models for improved user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional indoor positioning systems use sensors such as geomagnetic devices, sonar, Bluetooth, and lasers, then the system can provide indoor positioning capability, but the accuracy and real-time performance of location tracking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning technologies (leaky feeder cables for signal transmission, Wi-Fi access points for triangulation, and time-of-flight detection) into an integrated system. This merging of different technological approaches enables both high accuracy through triangulation and real-time reliability through redundant measurement methods, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and positioning reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional indoor positioning systems are implemented, then basic positioning is achieved, but the system cannot provide accurate real-time location data required for enhanced user experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives signals from leaky feeder cables and Wi-Fi access points, performs time-of-flight calculations and triangulation operations, and generates precise real-time location data. This intermediary processing mechanism transforms basic positioning signals into accurate location information, enabling both real-time performance and enhanced user experience applications.
3Productivity
If conventional positioning methods are used, then the system structure remains simple, but the cost and efficiency of providing accurate real-time location data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the positioning system multi-functional by integrating leaky feeder cables (originally for communication) and Wi-Fi access points (for networking) to simultaneously provide positioning capabilities. This universal use of existing infrastructure reduces overall system complexity while improving positioning efficiency, as the same hardware serves multiple purposes including signal transmission, wireless communication, and location tracking.
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 seamless navigation, efficient shopping, and optimized checkout processes by providing accurate real-time location data and virtual 3-D models, reducing time and cost for users in indoor environments.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission infrastructure comprising a network of leaky feeder cables
Implementation Method 2
a position detection infrastructure comprising a plurality of Wi-Fi access points. The position detection infrastructure is configured to detect position of at least one user device based on: a unique identifier associated with the user device, the network of leaky feeder cables and the plurality of Wi-Fi access points
Implementation Method 3
The position detection infrastructure is communicatively couple to at least one processor configured to perform calculations associated with a triangulation operation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems provide a computer technologic enhanced experience to a user when the user visits an indoor environment. A method may include computer-readable instructions for identifying and tracking the user in the indoor environment using an indoor positioning system. An indoor positioning system may include a leaky feeder cable network, a plurality of Wi-Fi access points and location tracking using triangulation and Tine-to-Flight calculations. Further, based on the tracking of the user, the user is provided with an augmented navigation route for navigating in the indoor environment. The optimized navigation route is displayed on a virtual 3D model of the indoor environment. Further, the method comprises providing augmented item list to the user while navigating in the indoor environment, such that the augmented item list is generated via the use of advanced analytics, AI/machine learning capabilities and computer vision-based machine learning model for object tracking and recognition.