Sub-Channel Signal Segmentation for Mobile Positioning Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Positioning applications that rely on fingerprint information for determining a mobile device's location face inaccuracies due to the transmission of signals by beacons via multiple sub-channels, leading to variations in signal strength and potential errors in positioning, as existing methods do not distinguish between sub-channels.
Innovation Solution
The method involves receiving and processing radio signal propagation information, including past signal data, to classify and represent signals based on the sub-channel they were transmitted on, allowing for more accurate positioning by comparing the signal strength to expected values at different locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If signals from multiple sub-channels are considered in aggregate without distinction, then the positioning application can use more signal data, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to signal strength variations across different sub-channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aggregate signal data by separating signals according to their sub-channel of origin. The processing circuitry identifies which sub-channel each signal came from and processes them separately, allowing the system to maintain the quantity of signal data while eliminating the negative effect of sub-channel variations on positioning accuracy.
2Device complexity
If fingerprint information is based on signals from one sub-channel but positioning is determined using signals from a different sub-channel, then the system can operate with limited sub-channel data, but positioning errors increase due to sub-channel signal strength variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates separate fingerprint information sets for each sub-channel. The processing circuitry compares signals to fingerprint information from the same sub-channel, ensuring consistency between the fingerprint database and the positioning determination process, thereby eliminating positioning errors caused by sub-channel variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different fingerprint information to different sub-channels, making the fingerprint database structure adapted to the specific characteristics of each sub-channel. This local customization ensures that each sub-channel's signals are compared against appropriate reference data, improving positioning reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the system does not distinguish between sub-channels, then the positioning application is simpler to implement, but the position determination jumps between locations due to sub-channel signal variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing by sub-channel identification, where the processing circuitry automatically determines which sub-channel each signal came from and processes it accordingly. This maintains operational simplicity while achieving stable position determination through sub-channel-aware processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to improve the positioning performance of a positioning application. The method receives particular radio signal propagation information regarding received radio signal propagation parameter of a respective signal collected by a mobile device following transmission by a beacon on a sub-channel. The method also receives past radio signal propagation information regarding the received radio signal propagation parameter of signals previously transmitted by the beacon and collected by the mobile device on one or more sub-channels. Based on the particular radio signal propagation information and the past radio signal propagation information, the method determines a value for representing the respective signal that is different from the received radio signal propagation parameter of the respective signal. The method represents the respective signal with the value determined based on the particular radio signal propagation information and the past radio signal propagation information.