Precisely Pinpointing Indoor and Outdoor Spatial Locations Using AI

In today’s digital era, the significance of location data is undeniable, becoming an essential element across various sectors. Services such as navigation have become crucial, establishing the expectation that the location of objects should always be known. However, achieving precise indoor positioning, where satellite signals like GPS cannot reach, continues to be a significant challenge. In response, IPIN LABS has innovated beyond the constraints of traditional indoor positioning techniques to develop a new technology. This technology, a positioning AI, simplifies the acquisition of location information for any space.

IPIN LABS’ positioning AI enhances efficiency by initially distinguishing between indoor and outdoor environments. The system analyzes spatial signals in real-time to determine their nature. If identified as indoor, the system utilizes RF signals; if outdoor, it opts for GNSS signals, selecting the optimal positioning method tailored to each setting. This procedure is automated through an AI algorithm, ensuring continuous and precise location tracking as one transitions between indoor and outdoor areas.

*GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System): GNSS refers to a ‘satellite navigation system’ that determines positions using radio waves sent from satellites, with GPS as the most prominent example.

Methods for Measuring Indoor Locations Using AI

When utilizing RF signals to measure indoor locations, we employ the self-mapping AI technique previously detailed in the article "IPIN LABS’ AI Indoor Positioning Solution". This method enables the AI model to autonomously identify patterns and rules within the data, eliminating the need for specific reference points. The system uses RF signals and motion data to automatically generate an indoor map (SLAM), enabling precise positioning.

The first step in training the indoor positioning AI involves collecting signal data from RF signal sources located in the indoor environment, such as Wi-Fi and BLE beacons. This data is gathered through the movements of people or devices, capturing in real-time the types and strengths of RF signals, as well as the movement paths of the collectors. This data is essential as it captures the unique characteristics of the indoor environment and is crucial for the AI model’s understanding of the space.

After completing data collection, the AI model processes this information to learn the relationships between movement trajectories, as recorded by the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and the patterns of RF signals. The model then groups these based on similarities (clustering). Using this processed data, the AI creates an RF SLAM indoor map, which is matched against actual architectural blueprints. This matching process allows users to accurately determine their location on a real map.

The Role of AI in Outdoor Space Positioning and the Fused Location Provider (FLP)

AI plays a critical role in positioning for outdoor spaces, especially in distinguishing between indoor and outdoor settings. IPIN LABS’ positioning AI actively monitors the number and strength of the GNSS satellite signals it receives. When the AI determines that the satellite signals are reliable and sufficient, it classifies the user’s current environment as ‘outdoor’ and transitions to using the Fused Location Provider (FLP) for positioning.

The Fused Location Provider (FLP) is a location service API from Google Android that aggregates data from various sources, including GNSS, Wi-Fi, IMU, and cellular tower information, to calculate location data. FLP is tailored to provide optimized calculations based on the device and OS version, making it an effective method for acquiring precise location information in outdoor environments.

Seamless Indoor and Outdoor AI Positioning Technology

IPIN LABS’ positioning AI is engineered to automatically differentiate between indoor and outdoor environments, ensuring the selection of the optimal positioning method tailored to each setting. This approach enhances the user experience by delivering continuous location information, even within complex structures, and establishes a foundation for generating new business value through integrated services.

The scope of location-based services—spanning logistics, security, asset management, smart cities, indoor navigation, and autonomous robots—is poised for further expansion. Precise indoor positioning addresses the challenges encountered by existing services and facilitates the delivery of more innovative solutions. IPIN LABS continues to advance its positioning AI technology, aiming to contribute to the creation of smart environments and establish itself as a technological partner for a better future and industrial innovation.