Indoor RF Mapping via Fingerprint Correlation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF-based location determination systems face inaccuracies in real-world environments due to signal reflections, noise, and interference, making them unsuitable for commercial indoor applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that correlate RF fingerprint data with third-party location estimate data and location data to determine correlation data, which is then used to transform third-party location estimates into more accurate second location estimates, accounting for environmental factors and device conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional triangulation methods with phased array antennas are used, then location estimation is possible in test environments, but signal reflections and distortions cause errors in real-world environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary RF fingerprinting during a calibration phase to create a database of location-specific signal characteristics before actual location estimation occurs. This pre-collected data is used to compensate for environmental factors like reflections and distortions during real-world operation, improving both accuracy and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF fingerprint data as an intermediary element that mediates between the raw RF signals and the location estimation process. By comparing actual RF fingerprints against a pre-built database of location-specific fingerprints, the system can accurately determine positions even in the presence of signal reflections and distortions that would normally degrade triangulation-based methods
2Measurement precision
If RF fingerprinting is used in controlled environments, then accurate location estimation is achieved, but signal uniqueness cannot be assured in commercial applications with environmental variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to environmental changes by continuously collecting RF fingerprint data from multiple sources (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular) and updating the location database. The fingerprinting approach naturally accommodates temporal variations in the RF environment, allowing the system to maintain accuracy as environmental conditions change over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal RF fingerprinting framework that works across diverse commercial environments by leveraging multiple RF signal sources simultaneously. The system can adapt to different building types, layouts, and environmental conditions without requiring environment-specific calibration, making it versatile for widespread commercial deployment
3Stability of the object's composition
If controlled environments are used for RF mapping, then static conditions ensure consistent results, but commercial applications require dynamic adaptability to changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary RF fingerprinting during a calibration phase to create a database of location-specific signal characteristics before actual location estimation occurs. This pre-collected data captures the stable environmental features while the system later adapts to changes through continuous updates
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where location estimates and RF fingerprint data are continuously collected and used to refine the location database over time. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to environmental changes in commercial settings while maintaining the stability benefits of initial calibration data
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for determining a location of a mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic device receives an RF signal providing RF fingerprint data and receives a third party location estimate from a third party service. Location data is collected by a dead reckoning system and corresponds to RF fingerprint data and third party estimates collected for a plurality of locations. A correlation between the RF fingerprint data, the third party location estimates, and location data is determined providing a transform for transforming the third party location estimates into a more accurate location estimate of the mobile electronic device.