Radio Map Localization Area Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing indoor positioning technologies face challenges in accurately determining the coverage and quality of radio maps generated from fingerprint data, particularly in large or complex sites like shopping malls, where areas may be misclassified or underrepresented, leading to distorted positioning results.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows users to explicitly define localization areas independently of fingerprint data, enabling more targeted radio map generation and evaluation by excluding irrelevant zones, and providing real-time feedback on survey quality and coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If radio maps are generated from fingerprint data collected across large or complex sites, then coverage area is increased, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to misclassification or underrepresentation of certain zones

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage area of radio mapVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing a large or complex site into multiple smaller localization areas. Each localization area is processed separately to generate dedicated radio maps, ensuring that each map focuses on a specific zone with consistent positioning characteristics. This prevents misclassification issues that arise when treating entire large sites as single uniform areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by allowing different radio maps to have different levels of detail and quality optimized for their specific localization areas. Each radio map is generated with parameters tailored to its particular zone's characteristics, such as signal propagation patterns and receiver density, rather than applying a uniform approach across the entire site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If fingerprint data is collected from all areas of a site, then data completeness is improved, but data quality deteriorates due to inclusion of irrelevant zones that distort positioning results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of fingerprint dataVSAvoidquality of fingerprint data
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by selectively removing irrelevant zones from the fingerprint data collection process. Users can define specific localization areas and exclude zones that are not relevant for positioning purposes, such as restricted areas or zones with unusual signal characteristics. This ensures that only meaningful data is included in radio map generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by allowing users to pre-define localization areas and relevance criteria before fingerprint data collection begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that data collection is targeted from the outset, avoiding the collection of irrelevant data that would require later filtering and preventing distortion of positioning results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If radio maps are generated for entire large sites, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but computational complexity increases leading to processing delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces computational complexity through segmentation by dividing large sites into multiple smaller localization areas. Each radio map is generated independently for a specific zone, significantly reducing the computational burden compared to generating a single comprehensive radio map for the entire site. The segmented approach allows parallel processing and faster generation times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by generating radio maps only for specifically defined localization areas rather than attempting to cover entire large sites. This selective approach focuses computational resources on areas where positioning is actually needed, avoiding wasted computation on irrelevant zones while still achieving comprehensive coverage of all necessary areas through multiple targeted maps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3286575B1Supporting the use of radio maps
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 HERE GLOBAL BV
  • EP3286575B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3286575B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3286575B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Results of measurements by a mobile device on radio signals transmitted by at least one transmitter are obtained. The results of measurements comprise characteristics of the radio signals at each of a plurality of locations of measurements at a particular site, and indications of the locations of measurement. The results of measurement and the indications of the locations are provided and used as a basis for a generation of a radio map for use in supporting a positioning of mobile devices at the site. In addition, a user input to the mobile device is detected, the user input defining a localization area at the site that is to be covered by the radio map. A representation of the defined localization area is provided in addition for use in connection with the radio map.