Radio-Based Occupancy Detection Using Correction Factors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor positioning systems face challenges in achieving accurate positioning and floor detection indoors due to limitations in existing technologies, requiring new infrastructure deployment and complex integration, which is costly and not scalable for global use.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radio signals to create radio maps for accurate positioning, incorporating radio-based count information and correction factors to determine occupancy, allowing for reliable and cost-effective indoor positioning and space usage optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellite-based radio navigation signals are used for indoor positioning, then global coverage is achieved, but signal penetration through walls and roofs is insufficient for adequate signal reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pseudolites as intermediary devices that generate local satellite-like navigation signals within indoor environments. These pseudolites act as mediators between the outdoor satellite signal system and the indoor positioning requirement, creating a hybrid positioning architecture where pseudolite signals supplement or replace satellite signals indoors, thereby achieving both global coverage and reliable indoor signal reception
2Ease of manufacture
If cellular signals are used for indoor positioning, then existing infrastructure is utilized, but bandwidth is too narrow for accurate ranging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function by introducing dedicated pseudolite devices that specialize in providing high-precision ranging signals, while cellular infrastructure continues to provide general communication services. This segmentation allows each system to optimize for its specific function - pseudolites for accurate positioning and cellular for communication - thereby achieving both ease of deployment and high measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If indoor-dedicated solutions with new infrastructure are deployed, then positioning accuracy is improved, but deployment costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs pseudolite devices with multi-functionality, enabling them to serve both as navigation signal sources for positioning and as Wi-Fi access points for general wireless communication. This universality reduces infrastructure complexity by combining positioning and communication functions into single devices, thereby achieving high positioning accuracy without proportionally increasing infrastructure complexity
4Measurement precision
If manual exhaustive radio surveying is performed, then radio map accuracy is improved, but time and cost for building coverage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the positioning system automatically performs radio environment characterization and radio map generation using data collected from pseudolite signals and receiver measurements. This automated self-service approach eliminates the need for manual exhaustive surveying, thereby achieving high radio map accuracy while significantly reducing the time and resources required for system deployment
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
Enables accurate horizontal positioning and floor detection with low maintenance and deployment costs, providing a scalable solution for indoor positioning and occupancy monitoring using existing smartphone capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Wi-Fi- and BT-radio signals
Data Source
AI summary
Inter-alia, a method is disclosed comprising: receiving at least one radio-based count information indicative of a number of radio devices residing at a venue or a part thereof; determining an occupancy information indicative of an occupancy of a number of persons residing at the venue or a part thereof, wherein the occupancy information is determined based at least partially on the radio-based count information and a correction information indicative of a relation between a true number of persons residing at the venue or a part thereof and the number of radio devices observable at the venue or a part thereof, wherein the correction information represents a ratio of a number of radio devices that have turned their radio communication interfaces on per persons residing at the venue or a part thereof; and storing the occupancy information. It is further disclosed an according apparatus, computer program and system.