DE102014225484A1 - Arrangement and method for determining position in buildings - Google Patents

Abstract

Arrangement and method for determining the position of objects, in particular moving objects, in buildings or defined areas for appropriately authorized or closed user groups.

Description

The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for determining the position of objects in buildings or defined areas.

Systems and methods for determining the position in buildings (so-called indoor positioning systems, IPS) without the use of GPS signals have been known for some time. One way to do this is e.g. the evaluation of radio signals from WLAN access points (wireless access points).

iBeacons (by Apple) is an established proprietary indoor navigation standard based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The method can be used by current iPhone and Android devices. Such BLE beacon functions as e.g. Indoor navigation are based on a transmitter-receiver principle. For this purpose, small transmitters (beacons) are placed in the room as signal transmitters, which send signals at fixed time intervals. If a receiver, z. For example, if a smartphone with an installed mobile app configured to receive BLE beacon signals is within range of a transmitter, the transmitter's UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) can be identified and its signal strength can be measured. If at least three beacons are within range of the receiver, e.g. use trilateration or the fingerprinting method to calculate the position of the receiver in two-dimensional space. To determine a location in a three-dimensional space, four beacons (as exposure sites) within range are required.

The US patent application US 2013/0166193 A1 describes a building navigation system (indoor navigation system) for the localization of moving objects and their representation on a display, where sensor technology can be used for dead reckoning or for absolute positioning.

However, positional BLE beacons can not themselves send push notifications to receiving devices, collect or store user data. They only send information about their own identity (e.g., UUID).

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an arrangement and a method for determining the position of objects, in particular moving objects, wherein the objects can be defined as a closed user group.

The object is achieved by an arrangement for determining the position of objects in buildings or defined areas, comprising the arrangement:
a transmitting device for transmitting encrypted position signals;
a mobile communication terminal associated with the object, having a mechanism adapted to receive the position signals; and
an authentication server to which the mobile communication terminal is connected by data, wherein the authentication server authorizes the mobile communication terminal to process the received encrypted position signals. As a result, it is possible that the position signals of the transmitting device can only be processed by users with authorized communication terminals (eg smartphones, tablet computers), ie by a closed user group. This closed user group can be provided with dedicated information or services on their respective communication terminals. For example, in a mall, nearby stores or current special offers from mall stores could be referenced. The objects are advantageously movable (eg a person or an animal) or movable objects (eg a cleaning robot).

A first advantageous embodiment of the invention lies in the fact that the received position signals are synchronized with building-related reference data provided by the authentication server for determining the position of the mobile communication terminal. This allows the arrangement to be used as an indoor navigation system. The building reference data may be e.g. to deal with a building plan or building information modeling (BIM).

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the synchronization of the reference data for position determination on the mobile communication terminal or on the authentication server. The mobile communication terminal (e.g., smart phone) may for this purpose include suitable application software which may be connected to the mobile communication terminal e.g. was loaded as an app. Advantageously, the app is provided by the authentication server and is e.g. transferable via a WLAN connection from the authentication server to the mobile communication terminal. However, the synchronization of the reference data for position determination on the mobile communication terminal can also take place on the authentication server. Advantageously, the current position data of the mobile communication terminal with the corresponding position in the respective building plan are displayed on the display of the communication terminal.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the authorization of the mobile communication terminal for receiving and processing the position signals by unlocking the corresponding mechanism on the mobile communication terminal by the authentication server takes place. An authorization of the mobile communication terminal can be done, for example, by known cryptographic methods (eg RSA).

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the transmitting device for transmitting the encrypted position signals in, installed in the building or mounted in the building, devices. The use of existing or existing infrastructure in the building saves costs during installation. The transmitting device may e.g. in danger detectors, in particular fire detectors, comfort control devices, in particular room thermostats, are integrated. As the transmitting device, e.g. suitable radio transmitters (e.g., RFID transmitters) or other suitable NFC (Near Field Communication) devices, e.g. BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention lies in the fact that the authentication server is integrated in a building management center, in particular a fire alarm control panel. Building control centers or fire panels include a processor infrastructure into which the authentication server can be easily integrated with regard to software and hardware equipment.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention lies in the fact that, depending on the respective position determination of the mobile communication terminal, information provided by the authentication server is output on the mobile communication terminal. Advantageously, the output on the mobile communication terminal takes place as text and / or image and / or language. The output can e.g. Include environmental information, hazard information, or location-related advice. Advantageously, the output comprises the current position of the communication terminal in the site plan or building plan.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention lies in the fact that, depending on the respective position determination of the mobile communication terminal, information provided by local servers, which are respectively located at the position of the communication terminal, is output on the mobile communication terminal. Thus, e.g. In a shopping center, local (e.g., business-specific) information is output on the mobile communication terminal from local servers of stores, respectively.

The object is further achieved by a method for determining the position of objects in buildings or defined areas, the method comprising the following steps:
Transmission of encrypted position signals by a transmission device located in the building or in the area;
Receiving the position signals by a mobile communication terminal having a mechanism adapted to receive the position signals;
wherein the mobile communication terminal is data-technologically connected to an authentication server, which authorizes the mobile communication terminal to process the received encrypted position signals. The method can be integrated or implemented in already existing infrastructure. The objects are advantageously movable (eg a person or an animal) or movable objects (eg a cleaning robot). However, the method may also be used for stationary objects (eg, a piece of art or equipment, such as a defibrillator, attached to the building or belonging to the building).

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention lies in the fact that the received position signals are synchronized with building-related reference data provided by the authentication server for determining the position of the mobile communication terminal. Thus, the method can not only be used for position determination in an area (for example buildings), but also for navigation (in particular indoor navigation, building navigation).

The invention and advantageous embodiments of the present invention will be explained using the example of the following figures. Showing:

1 an exemplary arrangement for determining the position of objects, in particular moving objects, in buildings or defined areas, and

2 an exemplary flowchart for determining the position of objects, in particular moving objects, in buildings or defined areas.

• – eine Sendevorrichtung SV1–SV6 zur Aussendung von verschlüsselten Positionssignalen PS1–PS6;
• – ein mobiles, dem Objekt OB (z.B. eine Person) zugeordnetes, Kommunikationsendgerät MG (z.B. ein Smartphone oder ein Tablet-Computer) mit einem Mechanismus geeignet zum Empfangen der Positionssignale PS1–PS6; und
• – einen Authentifizierungsserver AS, mit dem das mobile Kommunikationsendgerät MG datentechnisch verbunden ist, wobei der Authentifizierungsserver AS das mobile Kommunikationsendgerät MG autorisiert die empfangenen verschlüsselten Positionssignale PS1–PS6 zu verarbeiten. Mit Vorteil handelt es sich bei dem Gebäude und beim definierten Bereich um Orte mit viel Personenverkehr (z.B. Einkaufszentrum, Flughafen, Bahnhof, Parkhaus) oder ein Messegelände. Mit Vorteil sind die Sendevorrichtung SV1–SV6 zur Aussendung von verschlüsselten Positionssignalen PS1–PS6 in bereits vorhandener Infrastruktur (z.B. in Gefahrenmelder) des Gebäudes oder des Bereichs integriert. Bei den Sendevorrichtungen SV1–SV6 kann es sich z.B. um geeignete Funksender (z.B. basierend auf RFID oder Bluetooth, insb. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)) handeln.

1 shows an exemplary arrangement for determining the position of objects OB (eg persons) in buildings or defined areas B, the arrangement comprising:

• A transmitting device SV1-SV6 for transmitting encrypted position signals PS1-PS6;
• A mobile communication terminal MG (eg a smartphone or a tablet computer) assigned to the object OB (eg a person) a mechanism adapted to receive the position signals PS1-PS6; and
• An authentication server AS, with which the mobile communication terminal MG is connected in terms of data, wherein the authentication server AS authorizes the mobile communication terminal MG to process the received encrypted position signals PS1-PS6. Advantageously, the building and the defined area are places with a lot of passenger traffic (eg shopping center, airport, train station, parking garage) or a fairground. Advantageously, the transmitting device SV1-SV6 for the transmission of encrypted position signals PS1-PS6 in existing infrastructure (eg in danger detector) of the building or the area integrated. The transmission devices SV1-SV6 may be, for example, suitable radio transmitters (eg based on RFID or Bluetooth, in particular Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)).

The authentication server AS, which authorizes the mobile communication terminal MG to process the received encrypted position signals PS1-PS6, can be embodied as a "standalone" server. Advantageously, however, the authentication server AS is integrated in a building management center, in particular a building management system BMS, or is connected in terms of data technology with a building management system BMS. In the illustration according to 1 For example, the authentication server AS is connected in terms of data technology with a building management system BMS via the communication link KV2 and has access to the building information model BIM of the underlying building (eg shopping center, airport). The communication connection KV2 can be a wired or a wireless (eg WLAN) connection.

The authorization for the mobile communication terminal MG for processing the position signals PS1-PS6 may be e.g. take place via an RSA cryptography method between the authentication server AS and the mobile communication terminal MG. Authorization is via a wireless communication link KV1 (e.g., WLAN).

Advantageously, the received position signals PS1-PS6 are synchronized with building-related reference data provided by the authentication server AS, for determining the position of the mobile communication terminal MG in the building or in the area B. The synchronization can be e.g. via the building information model BIM (Building Information Modeling). The arrangement for position determination can thereby also be used as an indoor navigation system in the corresponding building or in the defined area B. Advantageously, the building information model is stored on a BIM server or in the building management system.

However, the authentication server AS can also be connected to a remote data center, ie to a cloud C. In 1 the connection between the authentication server AS and the cloud C takes place via the communication connection KV3 (eg Internet or intranet). The building information model BIM could also be located in a cloud IT infrastructure, whereupon the authentication server AS has access via the communication link KV3.

Optionally, depending on the respective position of the mobile communication terminal MG in the area B, respectively provided by local servers LS, which are respectively at the position of the communication terminal MG, information provided on the mobile communication terminal MG (eg offers one in the immediate vicinity of the communication terminal MG located business.

Since the known transmission devices (for example, iBeacons from Apple) always send the same UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) after installation, this information is available to virtually any service (app on the smartphone) "free of charge" (comparable to GPS). The installation would therefore have to be financed by an investor (GPS was the military). A payback (return of investment) of the Beacon installation over the use is not possible in this variant, unless the airport or the shopping center assumes the installation costs and provides its customers this infrastructure as added value free of charge.

If, as part of a retrofit action, such transmission devices (e.g., BLE beacons) e.g. Installed in a fire detector, the customer of the fire alarm center (BMZ) (i.d.R the building owner) would also have to pay the cost of installing the BLE socket. This is interesting for him only if he can provide added value for his customers (for example, shops in a shopping mall with a surcharge on the rent). If this added value or the possibility of a transfer is not met, the customer will not be interested in the BLE Beacon installation.

The arrangement according to the invention makes it possible for the position signals PS1-PS6 (eg BLE beacon signals) to be usable only on a prior authentication on a communication terminal MG. Since the beacons only send, the authentication must take place at the receiver, ie at the communication terminal MG (eg smartphone), which eg via WLAN ( Communication link KV1) is connected to an authentication server AS. Alternatively, the authentication can also take place on the server AS. Like a BLE beacon (iBeacon), the transmitting device SV1-SV6 also supplies a signal (UUID), which, however, requires authentication for correct use, ie a check of the identity of users OB. For this purpose, an authenticator is used, which generates the UUID of the BLE beacon triggered by a random table on the (eg fire panel). The transmitter SV1-SV6 then generates a new UUID that is predictable only by the system. The standard query of the fire detector can be used as a trigger by the BMZ (eg every minute). The random UUID sent by the transmitting device SV1-SV6 is supplied by a test system (eg app on the smartphone MG or the connected server AS) with corresponding local reference data (synchronized by the BMZ with the server AS) according to a defined test method (eg RSA). The authentication of the UUID transmitted by the user takes place, for example, on the server. This may require further test data as additional security features, such as a PIN / user name requested by the owner of the smartphone. With positive authentication, the test system releases permissible functions such as the correct position of the corresponding transmitter SV1-SV6 in the building or a defined area B for trilateration and use of indoor navigation. Thus it is possible to charge the use of position beacon to a closed user group and to charge it in a usage-dependent method. Thus, the installation costs for the transmitting device SV1 SV6 can be covered by a provider / provider and beyond further sales generated. "Teaching in" the position data (UUID) sent by an "unauthorized" beacon is useless as they change constantly and irregularly.

2 shows an exemplary flowchart for a method for determining the position of objects, in particular moving objects, in buildings or defined areas.

The method comprises the following steps:

(VS1) transmitting encrypted position signals (PS1-PS6; 1 ) by a transmission device (SV1-SV6; 1 );

(VS2) receiving the position signals (PS1-PS6; 1 ) by a mobile communication terminal (MG; 1 ) having a mechanism adapted to receive the position signals (PS1-PS6; 1 );

(VS3) authorizing the mobile communication terminal (MG; 1 ) for processing the received position signals (PS1-PS6; 1 ) by a suitable authorization mechanism (eg RSA), the mobile communication terminal (MG; 1 ) Data technology with an authentication server (AS; 1 ) is connected (eg via WLAN).

Optionally, the method includes the step:

(VS4) synchronizing the position signals (PS1-PS6; 1 ) with building-related reference data (eg building plan or building information model (BIM; 1 ) for determining the position of the mobile communication terminal (MG; 1 ). The method can thus also be used for indoor navigation. The method can be implemented with commercially available hardware or software, which is usually already in the building anyway. Respectively. can already be upgraded infrastructure in the building, for the realization of the process.

This method can be used not only for navigation but also in the area of access control (position-dependent automatic door opening) and zone stay control (for example, with dwell time analysis). For example, a museum can sell the electronic museum guide as a supplementary service. This then offers audiovisual additional information on exhibits, depending on the position. Furthermore, a guard tour in the building can be automatically documented.

Example Scenario: Navigation with Authentication Process (schematic)

• 1. Start the smartphone app with authentication (PIN).
• 2. Login to the server with verification of user data.
• 3. Transferring the randomly generated UUID received from the corresponding transmitting device to the server AS.
• 4. Verification of the UUID and determine the associated position data of the corresponding transmitting device.
• 5. Transfer the correct location data to the smartphone app.
• 6. Use of the position data on the smartphone e.g. to the navigation.
• 7. After newly generated random UUID, the process loop starts again at point 3.

Arrangement and method for determining the position of objects, in particular moving objects, in buildings or defined areas for appropriately authorized or closed user groups.

reference numeral

• SV1-SV6

  transmitting device

  IF

  object

  MG

  Mobile device

  AS

  authentication server

  LS

  Local server

  C

  Cloud

  PS1-PS6

  position signals

  B

  Area

  KV1-KV4

  communication link

  BMS

  Building Management System

  BIM

  Building Information Model

  VS1-VS4

  step

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2013/0166193 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

 Arrangement for determining the position of objects (OB) in buildings or defined areas (B), the arrangement comprising: a transmitting device (SV1-SV6) for transmitting encrypted position signals (PS1-PS6); a mobile communication terminal (MG) associated with the object (OB) and having a mechanism adapted to receive the position signals (PS1-PS6); and an authentication server (AS) to which the mobile communication terminal (MG) is connected by data, wherein the authentication server (AS) authorizes the mobile communication terminal (MG) to process the received encrypted position signals (PS1-PS6).  Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the received position signals (PS1-PS6) are synchronized with building-related reference data provided by the authentication server (AS) for determining the position of the mobile communication terminal (MG).  Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the synchronization of the reference data for determining the position takes place on the mobile communication terminal (MG) or on the authentication server (AS).  Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the authorization of the mobile communication terminal (MG) for receiving and processing the position signals (PS1-PS6) by unlocking the corresponding mechanism on the mobile communication terminal (MG) by the authentication server (AS).  Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitting device (SV1-SV6) for transmitting the encrypted position signals (PS1-PS6) in, installed in the building or mounted in the building, devices.  Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the authentication server (AS) is integrated into a building control center, in particular fire alarm control panel.  Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, depending on the respective position determination of the mobile communication terminal (MG), information provided by the authentication server (AS) is output on the mobile communication terminal (MG).  Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein, depending on the respective position determination of the mobile communication terminal (MG), of local servers (LS), which are in each case at the position of the communication terminal (MG), respectively provided information on the mobile Communication terminal (MG) are output.  Method for determining the position of objects (OB) in buildings or defined areas (B), the method comprising the following steps: Sending encrypted position signals (PS1-PS6) through a transmission device (SV1-SV6) located in the building or in the area (B); Receiving the position signals (PS1-PS6) by a mobile communication terminal (MG) having a mechanism adapted to receive the position signals (PS1-PS6); wherein the mobile communication terminal (MG) is data-technologically connected to an authentication server (AS) which authorizes the mobile communication terminal (MG) to process the received encrypted position signals (PS1-PS6).  Method according to Claim 9, wherein the received position signals are synchronized with building-related reference data provided by the authentication server (AS), for determining the position of the mobile communication terminal (MG).

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