Indoor Radio Source Location via Visual Scene Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor positioning technologies face challenges in accurately locating radio transmission sources in environments with multipath components, especially when a line-of-sight signal is not available, as they often require multiple access points and struggle with reflective surfaces lacking distinctive features.
Innovation Solution
Combining radio transmission data with visual scene reconstruction using cameras at a single access point to identify reflective surfaces and backtrack multipath components, allowing for accurate triangulation of the transmitter even without a line-of-sight signal by creating a 3D model of the environment and using AoA and ToF information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If passive sensing is used to capture images and process them to obtain 3D scene models, then the sensing range is extended and outdoor environments are enabled, but reliable 3D information cannot be obtained from monotone homogeneous surfaces such as light walls and dark textiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radio transmission data with visual scene reconstruction data to create a hybrid positioning system. The radio signals provide distance and angle information while the visual data provides environmental context and reflective surface identification. This merging allows the system to overcome the limitations of passive sensing alone by using radio reflections off surfaces identified in the visual model to triangulate transmitter position even when direct line-of-sight is blocked.
2Measurement precision
If multiple access points are used for triangulation-based positioning, then location estimation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the traditional radio-based positioning system. Instead of relying solely on multiple radio access points for triangulation, the system uses a single access point equipped with both radio receivers and visual sensors. The visual sensors create a 3D model of the environment to identify reflective surfaces, and radio signals are analyzed for reflections off these surfaces. This dimensional addition allows accurate positioning with fewer access points by utilizing the spatial and reflective information from the visual model.
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 high-accuracy indoor positioning of WLAN client devices in challenging environments with multipath components using a single access point, effectively triangulating the transmitter by simulating reflection paths and integrating visual data for precise location estimation.
Implementation Method 1
create a collection of angle-of-arrival (AoA) values that respectively correspond to the multipath components
Implementation Method 2
triangulation techniques may be used to perform localization
Implementation Method 3
obtain an optical image of an environment
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques for locating a radio transmission source by scene reconstruction are described herein. A multipath radio signal—comprised of two or more multipath components—may be received at an antenna array. A collection of angle-of-arrival (AoA) values may be created from the multipath components. Thus, each AoA in the collection corresponds to one of the multipath components. An optical image of the environment may be obtained and possible reflective surfaces for the multipath components identified in the optical image. A set of paths may be created in a model of the environment by backtracking from the antenna array along the AoAs in the collection of AoA values. Here, the backtracking simulates reflections of the ray off of the surfaces identified in the optical image. A transmitter of the multipath radio signal may then be located via the set of paths.