Radio Positioning Support Device Installation Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite signal-based positioning technologies are ineffective indoors due to poor signal penetration through walls and roofs, necessitating alternative solutions for accurate navigation in indoor environments.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining potential installation positions and areas for radio positioning support devices, such as Bluetooth beacons, using radio coverage models to ensure adequate signal coverage and enable effective indoor positioning, which involves creating a radio coverage model to estimate signal observability and determining optimal installation locations based on this model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If satellite signal-based positioning technologies are used outdoors, then positioning accuracy is improved, but signal penetration through walls and roofs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsignal penetration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces radio positioning support devices (intermediaries) that transmit radio signals to enable indoor positioning when satellite signals cannot penetrate walls and roofs. These devices act as mediators between the positioning system and the mobile device, allowing positioning functionality to be maintained indoors through local radio signal transmission rather than relying on penetrating satellite signals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If radio positioning support devices are installed densely to improve coverage, then signal coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal coverage areaVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary determination of optimal installation positions and areas for radio positioning support devices before actual installation. By using coverage models and systematic analysis to pre-identify where devices should be placed, the system achieves comprehensive coverage while minimizing the number of devices needed and simplifying the installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent determines specific installation positions and areas based on local coverage requirements and signal propagation characteristics. Rather than uniform dense deployment, the system identifies specific locations where devices provide maximum value, optimizing coverage while reducing overall device count and installation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If manual installation positioning is used to ensure accurate placement, then positioning accuracy is improved, but installation time and labor cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation position accuracyVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-determines optimal installation positions and areas using coverage models and systematic analysis before actual device installation. This preliminary planning provides clear guidance for installers, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual trial-and-error positioning while ensuring devices are placed at optimal locations for maximum coverage effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses automated coverage modeling and analysis to self-determine optimal installation positions without requiring expert manual intervention. The coverage models and determination algorithms perform the complex positioning calculations automatically, reducing reliance on skilled installers and significantly reducing installation time while maintaining high positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3252492B1Determining one or more potential installation positions and/or areas for installing one or more radio positioning support devices
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 HERE GLOBAL BV
  • EP3252492B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3252492B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~2a
  • EP3252492B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

A method performed by an apparatus is presented which comprises determining one or more potential installation positions and/or areas for installing one or more radio positioning support devices in a predetermined environment, wherein said one or more potential installation positions and/or areas are determined at least partially based on at least one radio coverage model.