NFC Tag Reader Indoor Location Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obtaining location information, such as GPS and cell location triangulation, are inadequate in providing accurate location data indoors and in areas like basement floors, where GPS signals are unavailable or unreliable, resulting in inaccurate location information.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing near field communication (NFC) between a terminal with an NFC tag and tag readers installed at various locations, where the tag readers provide stored location information to the terminal, which is then managed by a location information management server to offer accurate location-based services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS is used to obtain location information, then accurate location information can be provided, but it cannot obtain location in areas where GPS signals are unavailable such as basement floors
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the location information provision into multiple segments: GPS for outdoor areas and NFC tag readers for indoor areas. Each segment handles specific environments, allowing the system to provide reliable location information across diverse locations including basement floors where GPS fails.
Solution Approach 2:
NFC tag readers serve as intermediary devices installed at specific locations to provide location information when GPS is unavailable. These intermediaries bridge the gap between outdoor GPS coverage and indoor areas, enabling continuous location service across different environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cell location triangulation is used, then the range of location information extends to several kilometers, but it is difficult to provide accurate location information
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different location provision methods with different precision characteristics to different spatial contexts. NFC tag readers provide high-precision local location information at specific installed positions, while cell triangulation provides broader but less precise coverage. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between range and accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If NFC tag readers are installed at multiple locations to provide accurate indoor location information, then location accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
NFC tag readers serve multiple functions: they provide location information to terminals, store location data locally, and communicate with both terminals and servers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high location accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
In an environment in which tag readers are installed at a plurality of locations, communication between a tag reader and a terminal including a near field communication (NFC) tag capable of bi-communication with a tag reader is triggered. The tag reader transmits user information and location information which was provided to the terminal to a location information management server so that a service based on the information is provided.