IPS - Indoor Positioning Systems
By
Staten Island, NY Posted: 3/5/2015 1:00:00 AM
GPS can help you find anywhere in the world... as long as it's outside.
Like most people, the first time I used a GPS, I simply couldn't believe my eyes. Seeing your exact position on the map change as you drive, and even have it give you directions is nothing short of magic.
So, if GPS can help you find the nearest mall, today's idea is about finding your way INSIDE the mall.
The science behind GPS is pretty slick. Your GPS picks up signals from multiple satellites. By comparing these signals it can determine how far you are from each one. Since it knows where those satellites are supposed to be at any given time, it can triangulate your position with amazing accuracy.
Since satellite signals can't be picked up indoors, you can't use them to find your way to Starbucks or the Lego Store if they are inside a mall. However, I think there is still a market for an Indoor Positioning System (IPS).
Among other things, an IPS would be handy for malls, airports, and museums.
The only issue is figuring out what technology to use. There are a few different approaches, and each has it's own pros and cons.
The simplest approach is to build a network of transponders into buildings, which is similar to systems used in aircraft before GPS came along. To be compatible with existing cell phones, those transponders could be simple WiFi or Bluetooth transmitters, but it would require everyone who uses it to use a different App for each location.
A better approach would be to build a platform based upon existing GPS. By placing GPS repeaters on each floor inside a building, the existing GPS system and maps would still work. There would need to be some adjustments in the timing to compensate for time needed to re-broadcast the signal, but otherwise the hardware would be identical.
The next hurdle is creating 3D maps, because unlike a traditional GPS, your position on a 2D map may be identical, but you could be on another floor.
Joe Crescenzi, Founder
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Posted: 7/17/2016 11:32:06 AM
From:
Joe Crescenzi, Founder - Staten Island, NY
Founder of what?
Found of IdeaOfTheDay.Com.
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