Wi-Fi Indoor Positioning Using Motion-Guided Single-Device Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Wi-Fi-based indoor positioning technologies are limited by the need for multiple reference points, consume significant time and labor, are prone to environmental interference, and suffer from poor precision, especially in scenarios where offline fingerprint databases are required.

Innovation Solution

A method using a single electronic device to determine a target device's location by moving along a predetermined track, combining Wi-Fi feature information and motion data, without relying on multiple reference points or offline databases, and providing real-time feedback to improve accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple Wi-Fi hotspot apparatuses are used as known reference points, then positioning coverage is improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning coverageVSAvoidnumber of reference points
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single electronic device performs self-positioning by moving along a predetermined track and collecting Wi-Fi feature information itself, without requiring multiple external reference points. The device serves as both the positioning instrument and the target, eliminating the need for complex multi-device infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The single electronic device is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as the positioning instrument, the target device, and the data collector simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve positioning capability without requiring separate reference point devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If offline fingerprint database is established with fine grid division, then positioning precision is improved, but time and labor consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddata collection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The predetermined moving track is established in advance, guiding the electronic device through specific motion patterns (circle, figure-eight, rectangle) that pre-determine the measurement paths. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming grid division and offline database construction, as the track itself defines the measurement geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes from static grid-based measurement to dynamic track-based measurement. By transforming the measurement approach from covering entire areas with fine grids to following predetermined trajectories, the system achieves positioning precision without the time and labor burden of comprehensive spatial sampling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If traditional Wi-Fi positioning methods are used, then implementation is simple, but positioning precision deteriorates due to environmental interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates real-time feedback through motion information collection (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) and attitude angle monitoring. This feedback allows the system to adjust for environmental interference by comparing expected track geometry with actual motion data, maintaining positioning precision despite signal variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static positioning methods to dynamic track-based positioning. By continuously monitoring motion information and attitude angles during movement along the predetermined track, the system adapts to environmental conditions in real-time, improving precision while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4216577B1Positioning method and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4216577B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4216577B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4216577B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(c)

AI summary

This application provides a positioning method and an electronic device. The method includes: The electronic device receives a first input operation performed by a user; determines a to-be-positioned target device and a predetermined moving track in response to the first input operation; and obtains Wi-Fi feature information of the target device or a Wi-Fi hotspot apparatus with a known geographical location and motion information of a first electronic device in a process in which the first electronic device moves along the predetermined moving track, to determine and display location information of the target device. In the solutions in this application, the target device can be positioned by using one electronic device, there is no need to be a plurality of known reference points, and an offline fingerprint database is not relied on, so that environmental interference can be reduced, and positioning precision is improved.