Indoor Positioning via Optical Multipath Reflection Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Global Positioning System (GPS) signals are inaccurate in indoor areas due to obstructions and diffusion, making it difficult to determine the location of devices within enclosed spaces, where traditional radio-frequency based positioning methods are also ineffective.
Innovation Solution
An optical communication network system that uses a transmitter to emit an optical or quasi-optical electromagnetic signal, a receiver to detect the signal, and a controller to estimate the location of devices within the space by analyzing the diffuse components of the impulse response and a reference map, enabling accurate positioning in indoor environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or radio-frequency based positioning methods are used, then positioning can be provided in outdoor locations, but positioning accuracy deteriorates or becomes unusable in indoor enclosed areas due to obstructions and diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio-frequency electromagnetic waves with optical waves (visible light) for positioning purposes. Optical waves have shorter wavelengths and can be more effectively utilized in indoor environments with obstructions, transforming the positioning mechanism from RF-based to optics-based to overcome the limitations of GPS in enclosed spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of multipath reflection and signal diffusion into a beneficial feature by analyzing the diffuse components of the impulse response. Instead of treating reflected and scattered light as noise to be eliminated, the system utilizes these diffuse components as carrying information about the spatial environment and transmitter position, thereby transforming the obstruction problem into a positioning advantage
2Measurement precision
If traditional radio-frequency positioning methods are used in indoor environments, then device location can be determined, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal diffusion and obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the electromagnetic wave used for positioning from radio-frequency to optical frequency. This parameter change enables the system to operate effectively in indoor environments where RF signals suffer from diffusion and obstructions, as optical waves interact differently with indoor structures and can provide more reliable positioning data through their unique propagation characteristics
3Measurement precision
If optical signals are used for positioning in indoor spaces, then positioning accuracy can be improved, but the system complexity increases due to the need for specialized optical components and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a positioning system where the optical communication network infrastructure serves multiple functions: both data communication and positioning. The same transmitters, receivers, and channel characteristics used for communication are also utilized for positioning purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated positioning hardware and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high positioning accuracy
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 system provides accurate location determination of devices in indoor spaces by leveraging the diffuse components of the impulse response, overcoming the limitations of GPS and radio-frequency based methods, and is applicable to various devices such as mobile devices and robotics, enhancing resource allocation and hand-off processes.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter includes at least one energy source configured to emit an optical or quasi-optical electromagnetic signal
Implementation Method 2
diffuse components of an impulse response of the channel communication
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning system and method includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a controller. The transmitter includes at least one energy source configured to emit an optical or quasi-optical electromagnetic signal as a channel communication. The receiver includes at least one detector element configured to receive the channel communication. The controller is connected to the receiver and configured to estimate a position of the transmitter within a space using a reference map of the space and one or more diffuse components of an impulse response of the channel communication.