Single Beacon Indoor Location Detection Using Mobile Sensors
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor location detection methods are ineffective in multi-story buildings due to reliance on multiple beacons, which are costly and time-consuming to install, and are less effective when GPS and cellular signals are blocked by structures.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a single beacon to determine the location of a mobile device with embedded sensors, calculating distances and vectors to identify potential locations, and employing an algorithm to determine the most likely actual location, thereby reducing the need for additional beacons and improving accuracy in indoor settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple beacons are used for indoor location detection, then location accuracy is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location detection function into two parts: a single beacon that provides reference signals and a mobile device with multiple sensors (GPS, cellular, Wi-Fi) that independently measure distances to the beacon. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multi-bacon accuracy using only one physical beacon, resolving the contradiction between location accuracy and installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the location target and the measurement instrument. By utilizing the device's existing multi-functional sensors (GPS receiver, cellular modem, Wi-Fi interface) to measure distances to the single beacon, the system eliminates the need for multiple beacons while maintaining location detection capability
2Reliability
If multiple beacons are deployed, then location detection reliability in multi-story buildings is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the distance measurement capability from the beacon infrastructure and relocates it to the mobile device. By using the device's existing communication interfaces (GPS, cellular, Wi-Fi) to measure distances to a single beacon, the system eliminates the need to deploy multiple beacons across multi-story buildings, thereby maintaining reliability while dramatically reducing installation time and cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If GPS and cellular signals are blocked by structures, then outdoor location methods fail, but indoor location detection becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple distance measurement approaches (GPS-based, cellular-based, and Wi-Fi-based distance calculation) into a unified location determination system. By combining the results from different signal types and using triangulation/trilateration algorithms, the system achieves accurate indoor location detection that is not dependent on any single signal type, thereby resolving the contradiction between signal penetration and measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of location identification using a single beacon. The method comprises determining a first distance between a beacon and a first sensor, where the first sensor is embedded in a mobile device. It also includes determining a second distance between the beacon and a second sensor, where the second sensor is embedded in the mobile device. The method also includes defining a vector, where the vector has a magnitude equal to the distance between the first and second sensor, and a direction pointing from the first sensor to the second sensor. The method further includes calculating a plurality of potential locations. The method then determines the actual location.