Indoor Wireless Positioning Using Virtual Reference Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning electronic devices in indoor environments using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth access points are either imprecise due to large signal coverage or require a large number of costly Bluetooth access points.
Innovation Solution
A wireless positioning method and device that utilizes at least one Wi-Fi access point, one Bluetooth access point, and one reference point, storing their positions and signal strengths offline, allowing for quick and precise positioning by detecting signal strengths and choosing reference points based on predetermined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If Wi-Fi access points are used for positioning, then the positioning can be achieved with existing infrastructure, but the positioning precision is insufficient due to large signal coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the Wi-Fi positioning system by introducing reference points that divide the large Wi-Fi signal coverage area into smaller zones. Each reference point stores signal strength information from multiple Wi-Fi access points, enabling the system to determine position by comparing current signal readings against stored reference data from multiple segmented locations, thereby improving precision without requiring denser access point deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reference points as intermediary elements between Wi-Fi access points and the positioning calculation. These reference points act as mediators by pre-storing signal strength data from multiple access points at known locations, allowing the positioning system to perform more accurate triangulation and trilateration without directly relying on the coarse-grained Wi-Fi signal coverage alone
2Measurement precision
If Bluetooth access points are used for positioning, then the positioning precision can be improved, but the cost increases due to the need for a large number of access points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges Wi-Fi and Bluetooth positioning approaches by having reference points store signal strength information from both Wi-Fi access points and Bluetooth access points. This hybrid approach allows the system to leverage the broader coverage of Wi-Fi for general positioning while using Bluetooth signals for finer precision, reducing the total number of access points needed compared to a pure Bluetooth deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The reference points serve multiple functions: they store Wi-Fi signal strength data, store Bluetooth signal strength data, and provide a common reference framework for both signal types. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve precise positioning using a limited number of reference points that handle both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth positioning tasks, reducing the overall quantity of access points required
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional positioning methods are used, then the positioning can be achieved with existing technology, but the positioning time is excessive due to complex calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having reference points pre-store signal strength information from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access points during an offline phase. When positioning is needed, the system quickly retrieves pre-stored data from the nearest reference point and performs simplified calculations using the device's current location and the pre-processed reference data, dramatically reducing online positioning time while maintaining compatibility with existing access point infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a wireless positioning method and a wireless positioning device. When the wireless positioning device is off-line, the information relevant to at least one Wi-Fi access point, at least one Bluetooth access point and at least one reference point is stored. When the wireless positioning device is on-line, the target position of the wireless positioning device is calculated according to the stored information.