Online Fingerprint Positioning When GNSS Is Unavailable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network positioning systems for determining reference positions with fingerprint data, such as Wi-Fi positioning, require substantial memory and bandwidth for radio map storage and updates, which is not feasible for resource-constrained devices like basic IoT devices, and may incur high costs or network limitations.
Innovation Solution
Utilize an online positioning system to determine reference positions by transmitting fingerprint data batches via a computer network, reducing the need for local storage and enabling efficient radio map updates, especially when GNSS is unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an offline network positioning system is used to determine reference position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but memory consumption and bandwidth usage increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the radio map data from the data collection device and stores it remotely on a server. The device only retains minimal local cache information, while the bulk positioning data resides externally, thereby reducing local memory consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy through online access to the complete radio map.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an online positioning system as an intermediary between the data collection device and the radio map data. This intermediary handles the computationally intensive tasks of radio map maintenance and positioning calculations, allowing the resource-constrained device to achieve accurate positioning without storing large amounts of data locally.
2Measurement precision
If an offline network positioning system is used to determine reference position, then positioning functionality is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-computing and maintaining the radio map on a server before it is needed for positioning. The radio map is updated in advance based on collected fingerprint data, so when positioning is required, the device can query pre-processed information rather than performing intensive computations or downloading large datasets in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a remote copy of the radio map on a server that can be accessed by multiple devices. Instead of each device storing its own complete radio map (which would consume substantial bandwidth during updates), a single authoritative copy is maintained centrally and shared with devices as needed through efficient query mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If radio map is stored locally on data collection device, then positioning independence is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the positioning system universal by separating the radio map storage and management functions from individual devices. A centralized server performs the multi-functional role of storing, updating, and maintaining the radio map for all devices, allowing each device to remain simple while the system as a whole achieves positioning independence through the shared infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to estimate the reference position associated with fingerprint data by selectively utilizing an online positioning system. In the context of a method and in an instance in which a global navigation satellite system is available for location determination, the method determines the location of a data collection device in conjunction with the collection of fingerprint data. In this instance, the location is determined based upon information provided by the global navigation satellite system. However, in an instance in which the global navigation satellite system is unavailable for location determination, the method provides, via a computer network, an online positioning system with at least some fingerprint data collected by the data collection device. In this instance, the method also determines the location of the data collection device in conjunction with the fingerprint data based upon information provided by the online positioning system.