Indoor Localization: Key Aspects of Various Indoor Localization Technologies

Indoor localization is the process of locating people or objects in a large indoor environment such as an office space, a healthcare facility, a museum, an educational center, or a mass transport facility. Based on wireless technologies such as WiFi, Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID), Ultra-wide Band (UWB), etc., this technique aids in optimal facility management and supports smart architecture such as smart buildings and smart cities.

This post discusses key factors of this technology and also presents the technological aspects which support in successfully implementing the same.

Also, read our blog How Does An Indoor Navigation System Technology Work in Locating Assets?

Making Indoor Localization Possible: Wireless Technologies

WiFi

Used primarily for connecting different devices to the internet and provide networking capabilities to the user, WiFi is one of the most popular wireless technologies in the 21st century. As most devices such as Smartphones, tablets and personal computers are enabled for WiFi, it makes this wireless technology cost-effective as well as ubiquitous.

Bluetooth

Usage of Bluetooth for connecting devices and sharing data has been a common practice at indoor environments as it allows for a hassle-free exchange of information within limited spaces. However, with the introduction of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), the data rate has improved in addition to the coverage range which is now around 70-90 meters.

Zigbee

Being the latest entrant in wireless technologies which powers this technology, Zigbee is widely used in home automation and to create personal area networks. Zigbee’s range is around 10 – 20 meters, hence it is not effective in large indoor environments.

Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID)

This technology uses electromagnetic radio waves for transferring or storing data in large indoor environments. RFID systems can operate at wide distances and therefore quite effective responses.

Ultra-wide Band (UWB)

Despite its use as a short-range communication system, UWB has gained significant usage as an indoor application since other signals cannot interfere with its transmission. UWB signals can penetrate a wide variety of materials including walls.

Visible Light

Light Emitting Diodes (LED) acts as Beacons to transmit signal and data which is then picked up by receivers for indoor localization. An emerging technology, Visible Light Communication (VLC) uses certain ranges of visible light for high-speed data transfer.

Indoor Localization: Key Aspects of Technologies

Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)

This is one of the simplest and hence widely used approaches for this technology.
While RSSI is easy to install & implement, cost-effective, and can be used in combination with multiple other technologies, it is prone to lower localization accuracy and environmental noise.
RSSI requires fingerprinting for accurate functioning of this technology.

Channel State Information (CSI)

CSI provides better multipath information, more stable measurements, and higher localization accuracy when compared to RSSI.
However, despite its robust compatibility and good quality output, CSI is yet to gain popularity. It’s availability also is a major concern.

Fingerprinting/Scene Analysis

This technology requires an environmental survey to obtain fingerprints or features of the environment where localization has to be installed.
While Fingerprinting/Scene Analysis is fairly easy to use it is quite intricate as new fingerprints will be required each time there is a minor variation in the indoor space.

Angle of Arrival (AoA)

This approach uses antennae arrays to estimate the angle at which the signal intrudes on the receiver, by exploiting and calculating the time difference of arrival.
The prime advantage of AoA is that user location can be estimated in both 2D and 3D environments with the right infrastructure.
AoA provides high location accuracy but requires complex hardware and components, apart from the risk of decreasing performance with an increase in distance between transmitter and receiver.

Return Time of Flight (RToF)

This technology measures the transmitter-receiver-transmitter signal propagation time for indoor localization.
While RToF provides high accuracy and does not require any fingerprinting, it requires clock synchronization, and there could be processing delay for shorter range measurements.

sources:

1. https://arxiv.org/pdf/1709.01015.pdf
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S240589631632691X
3. https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-0-387-35973-1_622

Also read our blog How An Indoor Navigation App Helps Your Business In Revenue Generation?

Recent Posts

Pigeon Tech, a SRISYS Company, partners with The Museum of Flight to create innovative digital engagement platform

July 15, 2024

Pigeon Tech, a renowned technology solutions provider and a proud member of the SRISYS group, has partnered with The Museum of Flight, the world’s largest independent non-profit air and space museum to develop a state-of-the art mobile app. This collaboration is part of the museum’s strategic focus to enhance the visitor experience through all of its points of interaction.The partnership leverages Pigeon-tech’s cutting-edge digital tools and expertise to develop a mobile app that integrates the latest in artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies. This app will offer interactive tours, detailed exhibit information, and navigation services, designed to bring the rich history of aviation and space exploration to life for visitors of all ages. The Museum of Flight’s highest priority is to have meaningful impact on those we serve and engage our audiences in the premier museum experience in the country said Erika Callahan, VP of Visitor Experience and Marketing. “Our work with Pigeon-Tech is a first step in transforming how our stories are told and experienced, utilizing digital innovation to make history accessible and captivating.” Vijay Sabbineni, CEO of Pigeon-Tech, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are honored to work with The Museum of Flight to enhance their digital outreach. This app is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long and fruitful relationship helping to bring aerospace history into the digital age.” The mobile app is scheduled for release later this year and will be available on both Android and iOS platforms. For further information about our exciting projects and upcoming releases, visit The Museum of Flight’s website and “Pigeon-Tech’s website” Erika Callahan [email protected] Vijay Sabbineni  [email protected]

Read More »

Tech Transforms Zoos: From Fun to Conservation Action!

July 2, 2024

Zoos are no longer just about popcorn and selfies with penguins. Technology is revolutionizing how zoos educate visitors about the natural world, inspiring them to become active conservationists.Engaging audiences, balancing entertainment with learning, and funding limitations are constant hurdles for zoos. Thankfully, innovative technology bridges the gap! Interactive LearningImagine diving into a virtual rainforest or watching a panda devour bamboo in real-time. Interactive displays, mobile apps, AR/VR experiences, and live streaming make learning about animals fun, immersive, and impactful.Empowering Visitors Zoos are moving beyond information delivery. They equip visitors with tools and knowledge to take action. Workshops, interactive sessions, and partnerships with conservation organizations create a global network for positive change. Let’s leverage technology to ignite the next generation of conservation heroes! Visit your local zoo and explore their digital offerings. Together, we can protect wildlife and our planet. #TechForGood #SaveTheAnimals Unlock Tech for Zoos. Contact Pigeon-Tech!

Read More »

We’re Soaring into the AMM Conference with Pigeon Suite: Unveiling the Future of Museum Storytelling!

July 1, 2024

We’re thrilled to announce that Pigeon Tech will be taking flight at the upcoming AMM Conference in Columbus, Ohio! We’re passionate about transforming the museum experience, and we can’t wait to showcase the power of Pigeon Suite, our innovative museum app. Unforgettable Encounters Await at Booth #113 Get ready to witness a revolution in museum storytelling! Pigeon Suite personalizes the museum journey, turning passive observation into active engagement. Imagine visitors embarking on interactive tours, utilizing smart features and diving into multimedia content that sparks curiosity and creates lasting memories. Deep Dives and Immersive Exploration Pigeon Suite caters to every visitor style. Want to delve deeper into specific narratives at your own pace? Explore on-demand audio guides and podcasts that empower you to personalize your museum experience. Feeling adventurous? Step into a world of immersive exploration with Pigeon Suite’s location-based storytelling. Exhibits come alive as the app unfolds narratives uniquely tied to your physical location within the museum. Building a Vibrant Museum Community Pigeon Suite fosters a sense of community. Share your experiences with others, fostering connections and building a space for shared passion about the museum’s collections. Spread the word and attract new audiences with Pigeon Suite’s seamless social media integration features. Visitors can effortlessly share their journeys on social media platforms, sparking interest and expanding the museum’s reach. Exclusive AMM Conference Offer: 50% off Your First Year! Ready to transform your museum experience? Visit us at booth #113 and schedule a demo to see Pigeon Suite in action. As a special AMM Conference offer, enjoy a whopping 50% discount on your first year with Pigeon Suite! Don’t Miss Out! See Pigeon Tech in Action at the AMM Conference Join us for a virtual demo on July 24th to discover how Pigeon Suite empowers museums to tell captivating stories. Then, from July 31st to August 3rd, meet our team at the AMM Conference and experience the app live. Let’s discuss how Pigeon Suite can elevate storytelling and revolutionize the way your museum engages visitors. Learn more about Pigeon Suite on our website and secure your demo or conference visit today! See you in Columbus!

Read More »

Transforming Small Museums with Digital Strategies: Why It’s Time to Embrace the Future

April 29, 2024

To all small museum directors, the question looms large: In a digital-first world, can we afford to overlook a digital strategy? Alejandra Garcia Bittar’s enlightening article on the Museums and Digital Culture Pratt Institute blog brings this vital discussion to the forefront.Let’s face itsmall museums operate under constraints that larger institutions might never encounter. Limited budgets, fewer staff members, and the daunting task of maximizing every visitor interaction can make the leap into digital seem unnecessary, or even unattainable. But what if I told you that embracing digital technology could be the most strategic move for your museum? The concept of a ‘post-digital’ museum, integrated seamlessly into our current reality where digital is the norm, should not intimidate but inspire us. This approach doesn’t demand massive resources; rather, it requires a shift in perspective. Digital tools can amplify your museum’s mission, making your collections accessible beyond your physical walls and engaging a global audience hungry for culture and history. Imagine enhancing your current exhibits with interactive elements that brings artifacts to life, or show-case exhibits online to create a community of enthusiasts who champion your museum’s cause. Small steps in digital integration can lead to significant leaps in how your museum connects with both local and international communities. This isn’t about competing with the giants but about making your unique offerings visible and vibrant in a digital landscape. Your museum has stories that no one else can tell—digital tools simply provide a louder megaphone to share them. Interested to know how Pigeon Suite can transform your museum !! Let’s Connect.

Read More »

Elevate Your Golf facility with Pigeon-Tech

April 29, 2024

Introducing the latest innovation from Pigeon-Tech: a Golf Scoring App poised to revolutionize your golfing experience, whether you’re on the outdoor course or in the controlled environment of an indoor range. This app isn’t just a technological leap—it’s like adding a new member to your golfing crew. Seamless Start to FinishPicture this: you arrive at the facility, your phone doubling up as your connection to live scoring. A swift scan of a QR code, and you’re armed with a sophisticated golfing companion right in your pocket. Our app’s hassle-free download and registration process mean less time setting up and more time putting away. Your Game, Your RulesSetting up a game is as easy as pie. Our intuitive interface lets you effortlessly add players and keep tabs on every putt. It’s like having a digital scorecard that takes care of all the heavy lifting—so you can focus on having fun.Never Miss a Beat—or a BiteNo need to pause your play for a snack break. Order food directly through our app, and have it delivered to you while you play. Keep your energy up and your game uninterrupted with our seamless food ordering feature.Live Scoring: Feel the ThrillExperience the excitement of tournament play with live updates broadcasted right the big screen. Watch your name climb the leaderboard in real-time, motivating you to give it you’re all with every putt.Every Game a Story to TellRelive every round within our app, creating a detailed history of your golfing journey. Whether you’re celebrating victories or analyzing areas for improvement, it’s your personal golf archive, accessible whenever, wherever. A Universal Golf Companion The Pigeon-Tech Golf Scoring App seamlessly blends into any golf course environment. Its versatility makes it an essential tool for course operators and a beloved accessory for golfers. Whenever you play, our app is ready to elevate your experience. Interested to know more !! Let’s Connect.

Read More »

Pigeon-Tech Delivers Engaging Mobile App for Parc Animalier d’Auvergne

March 29, 2024

Pigeon-Tech, a leading mobile app development company, is proud to announce the successful launch of a feature-rich mobile app for Parc Animalier. This custom-built app, built on the Pigeon platform, offers visitors a unique and informative experience while exploring the park’s diverse animal collection. Streamlined Development: Pigeon-Tech’s commitment to efficient development ensured a smooth and timely project delivery. The development process began on January 15th, 2024, and the app was successfully delivered to the public by March 25th, 2024. This project exemplifies Pigeon-Tech’s ability to craft engaging and user-centric mobile app solutions. By leveraging innovative technology and a focus on customization, Pigeon-Tech empowers businesses like animal parks to create unique and memorable experiences for their visitors.

Read More »

Pigeon Tech Makes a Splash at the AZA Mid-Year Conference!

March 22, 2024

Recently, we had an amazing opportunity to dive into the world of zoos and aquariums at the Associations of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Mid-Year Conference! Held in Memphis, TN from March 16th to 21st, 2024. This conference was a fantastic gathering of zoo and aquarium professionals and a great space to connect, share ideas and discover new ways to make the visitor experience even more incredible. Pigeon Tech’s participation at the AZA conference reflects our passion for creating engaging and educational mobile apps specifically designed for zoos, aquariums, and other cultural institutions. Our team was thrilled to showcase our expertise in building interactive experiences that leverage cutting-edge technologies like AR and VR. Throughout the conference, we had the pleasure of engaging in insightful conversations with zoo and aquarium professionals from all over the country. Their dedication and passion for inspiring and educating visitors of all ages about the wonders of the animal kingdom and the importance of conservation was truly inspiring. We strongly believe that our mobile app development solutions can be a valuable asset for zoos and aquariums in achieving educational goals. Thinking about transforming your zoo or aquarium’s visitor experience with a cutting-edge mobile app? Look no further than Pigeon Tech! We’re the perfect partner to help you achieve your goals. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our solutions and how we can help your organization make a splash!

Read More »

Pigeon Suite Takes Flight at IAAPA 2023: A whirlwind of Innovation and Engaged Museums!

November 20, 2023

What a week! The IAAPA Expo 2023 in Orlando was a whirlwind of exciting conversations and a chance to showcase Pigeon Suite to a passionate group of museum professionals. Sustainability is at the heart of Pigeon-Tech’s mission, and it was incredibly rewarding to be recognized for our commitment. Pigeon Suite, our innovative app attraction, took center stage. This value-priced solution generated a lot of buzz, with museum staff eager to learn how it empowers visitors. Pre-visit planning features resonated strongly, ensuring guests hit the ground running and don’t miss a thing. The excitement for ditching paper maps in favor of our seamless, interactive navigation system was palpable! But the real magic lies in AI-powered exhibits. Seeing attendees’ faces light up as I explained how Pigeon Suite brings exhibits to life with interactive content solidified my belief in the app’s transformative potential. And who doesn’t love happy museum patrons? Streamlining operations with mobile wallet integration and food ordering was another crowd-pleaser, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit for everyone. The positive feedback went beyond visitor experience. Pigeon Suite’s ability to unlock new revenue streams sparked engaging discussions. The data insights museums gain through the app allow them to tailor marketing and personalize guest experiences, maximizing impact. Effective crowd management and the ability to offer exclusive events through the app were also highlights, showcasing how Pigeon Suite fosters deeper connections with museum members. Overall, the IAAPA Expo was an incredible experience. The enthusiasm for Pigeon Suite was contagious, and I’m beyond excited about the future of museums empowered by this innovative technology. If you’re a museum looking to elevate your visitor experience and boost revenue, then Pigeon Suite is the answer!

Read More »