Mobile Terminal Position Estimation Using RSSI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional position estimation systems using Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) for IoT devices are limited by the need for multiple reference terminals at fixed coordinates, which restricts positioning to communication coverage areas and requires significant calculation with uncertain convergence, making it impractical for large-scale applications like warehouses or office buildings.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with communication and processing circuitry that estimates terminal positions by receiving wireless signals at multiple measurement points, calculating candidate coordinates using RSSI information, and selecting the most likely coordinates based on matching differences between distance and RSSI measurements, allowing for position estimation regardless of the number of terminals or measurement points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple reference terminals are deployed at fixed coordinates to improve position estimation accuracy, then positioning coverage is limited to communication range, but expanding coverage requires proportionally more reference terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile terminal as an intermediary that moves through multiple measurement points to collect RSSI data. Instead of relying solely on fixed reference terminals, the mobile terminal acts as a moving measurement platform that gathers positioning data by traversing the space, thereby extending coverage without proportionally increasing the number of fixed reference terminals
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static reference terminals only to a dynamic configuration where a mobile terminal moves through multiple measurement points. This dynamic approach allows the system to cover larger areas by having the mobile terminal visit different locations and collect data, effectively expanding coverage without adding more fixed reference terminals
2Measurement precision
If conventional RSSI-based position estimation is used, then positioning can be achieved within coverage area, but calculation complexity increases significantly with repeated estimation processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by having the mobile terminal collect RSSI data at multiple measurement points before final position calculation. The terminal gathers raw measurement data during its movement through the space, and this pre-collected data is then used for position estimation, reducing the need for repeated complex calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mobile terminal as a moving copy of the reference terminal functionality. Instead of requiring multiple fixed reference terminals performing complex calculations, a single mobile terminal collects data that is then processed to estimate positions of other terminals, simplifying the computational burden
3Measurement precision
If more measurement points are used to reduce position estimation ambiguity, then positioning accuracy improves, but the number of required wireless signals and processing steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal dynamically visits multiple measurement points during its movement, collecting RSSI data from target terminals at each point. This dynamic data collection approach allows the system to reduce position estimation ambiguity by gathering measurements from multiple locations without requiring separate processing campaigns for each point
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
This approach reduces ambiguity in position estimation, minimizes calculation complexity, and eliminates the need for repetitive processing, enabling accurate positioning with a smaller number of measurement points and wireless information, even in large areas.
Implementation Method 1
A method for estimating a position of a terminal by using a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) between multiple wireless terminals is already known
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes communication circuitry and processing circuitry. The communication circuitry receives first and second wireless signals from a first terminal when the electronic apparatus reaches first and second measurement points. The communication circuitry receives third and fourth wireless signals from a second terminal when the electronic apparatus reaches third and fourth measurement points. The processing circuitry estimates one or more first candidates of a position of the first terminal and one or more second candidates of a position of the second terminal. The processing circuitry specifies the position of the first terminal and the position of the second terminal.