RF Proximity Graphing for Map-Free Indoor Location Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retail positioning systems rely on up-to-date floor plans, which are often unavailable, leading to inefficiencies and inaccurate location information due to the difficulty in maintaining and scaling such systems across unique retail venues.
Innovation Solution
A map-less proximity detection system that determines proximity relationships between transceivers using RF signal measurements and tabulated store data to create a proximity graph, allowing for accurate proximity detection without relying on a floor plan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional positioning systems use floor plans to determine location, then location accuracy can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and difficult to maintain due to the need for up-to-date maps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the floor plan dependency from the positioning system by using RF signal-based proximity detection. Instead of requiring a complete map of the retail venue, the system only needs to detect relative proximity between items and customers through RF signal strength measurements, thereby eliminating the complex map maintenance requirement while maintaining positioning functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/map-based positioning approach with a wireless RF signal-based system. Instead of using physical floor plans and structural maps, the system uses radio frequency signal measurements to determine proximity relationships, substituting a simpler wireless measurement mechanism for the complex map management system
2Measurement precision
If the system relies on updated floor plans, then location information can be accurate, but the system is difficult to scale across unique retail venues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning approach that works across different retail venues without requiring venue-specific floor plans. The RF signal-based proximity detection system can be deployed in any retail location with minimal configuration, as it adapts to the unique layout of each venue through wireless measurements rather than requiring pre-mapped data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from map-based location data to RF signal strength data. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different retail venue configurations dynamically, as the RF measurements can be taken in real-time regardless of the specific layout, thereby improving scalability across unique venues
3Loss of information
If map-based positioning is used, then location data can be provided, but false negatives increase when floor plans are unavailable or outdated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to self-update its proximity relationships through continuous RF signal measurements. Instead of relying on static floor plans that may be outdated, the system actively measures current RF signal strengths and updates its understanding of item-customer proximity in real-time, thereby eliminating false negatives caused by outdated maps
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 accurate proximity detection with fewer false negatives, improving operational efficiency by providing reliable location information in retail environments without the need for up-to-date floor plans.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a plurality of measurements of radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted by the plurality of transceivers, where the measurements are performed by a first mobile device at different locations in the volume or venue
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a method of enabling map-less proximity detection may include determining an initial set of proximity relationships between at least a subset of a plurality of transceivers, each transceiver located at a different respective position within a volume or venue. The proximity relationships may be indicative of a spatial relationship between at least a portion of the plurality of transceivers. The method may include obtaining a plurality of measurements of radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted by the plurality of transceivers, the measurements performed by a first mobile device at different locations in the volume or venue. The method may include determining a modified set of proximity relationships having the initial set of proximity relationships, modified based on information from the plurality of measurements.