Indoor Object Positioning via RF and Motion Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for locating indoor objects, such as PILAS and RSS approaches, face challenges in accurately determining the position of multiple objects due to interference from indoor obstacles and errors in signal propagation, especially when multiple objects are present.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that combines RF coordinate information with motion sensor data using a fusion technique, where weights are applied to RF and motion sensor coordinates to generate a fused coordinate, effectively addressing the limitations of existing systems by improving accuracy and reliability in multi-object environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RF locating techniques are used to estimate indoor object position, then positioning can be achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal interference from indoor obstacles and electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RF positioning with motion sensor positioning into a fused positioning system. The fusion unit integrates coordinates from both RF transceivers and motion sensors to generate a final position estimate, thereby compensating for the weaknesses of each individual method and improving overall measurement precision while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite positioning system that integrates multiple positioning technologies (RF and motion sensors) into a unified framework. This composite approach allows the system to leverage the strengths of each technology while mitigating their individual weaknesses, resulting in improved position estimation accuracy in complex indoor environments
2Ease of operation
If motion sensors are used to detect indoor objects, then movement detection is achieved, but the system cannot determine the number of objects in overlapped sensing areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RF transceivers as intermediary devices that provide additional information about object presence and position. By combining RF data with motion sensor data, the system can distinguish between multiple objects in overlapped sensing areas, thereby recovering the lost object number information while maintaining the ease of movement detection
3Adaptability or versatility
If RF signals are propagated through indoor environments, then positioning information can be transmitted, but signal propagation is affected by obstacles causing NLOS error and estimation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the fusion unit continuously evaluates positioning data from both RF and motion sensors, adjusting the weight of each data source based on its reliability. When RF signals are degraded by obstacles, the system automatically increases reliance on motion sensor data, thereby maintaining positioning reliability despite poor signal propagation conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for locating an indoor object includes: a) receiving an RF coordinate signal and a detecting signal; b) providing information of a located region with reference to the RF coordinate and the detecting signal; c) obtaining a motion sensor coordinate according to the information of the located region; d) providing weights for the RF coordinate and the motion sensor coordinate; e) applying the weights to the RF coordinate and the motion sensor coordinate; and f) combining the weighted RF coordinate and the weighted motion sensor coordinate to generate a fused coordinate corresponding to the position of the indoor object. A system for locating an indoor object is also disclosed.