DE102020209898A1 - Method and arrangement for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

Method and arrangement for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal, with a fixed reference radio beacon being provided which is set up to determine the position of the reference radio beacon in collaboration with appropriately set up mobile communication terminals that are within radio range of the reference radio beacon, Another mobile communication terminal that is not in the radio range of the reference radio beacon is set up for collaboration with the mobile communication terminals that are in the radio range of the reference radio beacon, and based on their respective determined position the one in radio range of the reference radio beacon located mobile communication terminals the position of the further mobile communication terminal is determined.

Description

The invention relates to a method and arrangements for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal, wherein a fixed reference radio beacon is set up to determine its position in collaboration with appropriately set up mobile communication terminals that are within radio range of the reference radio beacon.

Since the Global Positioning System GPS (Global Positioning System) does not work indoors, other positioning technologies are used for indoor positioning. The best known are WLAN and beacons. Indoor positioning with beacons (e.g. iBeacon (Apple) or Eddystone (Google)) offers decisive advantages for projects that depend on high accuracy and want to include mobile electronic devices. Beacons (e.g. based on BLE, Bluetooth Low Energy) are typically transmitters in client-based methods or processes.

Special techniques for indoor positioning are needed wherever GPS does not work, especially in buildings. The most common methods, as mentioned above, are WiFi and Bluetooth beacons. In addition, the various sensors of the smartphone (e.g. barometer, acceleration sensor, gyroscope, magnetometer) are used, which can make the result of a position determination even more precise.

However, there are basically two different techniques for indoor positioning: device-based (client-side) positioning and infrastructure-based (server-side) positioning.

The device-based (client-side) positioning is mostly implemented with beacons or WLAN access points. These regularly send signals. The end device analyzes the signal characteristics and compares them with a reference database. This requires an app to which messages can also be sent (return channel). The position is determined directly on the device, which offers the user the highest level of data protection. This method is usually used for classic indoor navigation using a smartphone app.

The infrastructure-based (server-side) positioning reverses the method described above. A WiFi-enabled device / tag or a Bluetooth beacon sends out signals (MAC address), which are detected by specific hardware and forwarded to a server. In the backend, the measured data are compared, interpolated and displayed in other systems. This method has the advantage that devices without an app can also be recorded and analyzed. With server-side installations, asset tracking, route analysis and security solutions can be implemented.

Bluetooth technology in itself is not new. But it is only recently that the energy-saving Bluetooth variant BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) has expanded its application possibilities. Bluetooth beacons are relatively cheap (approx. Three to 30 euros), can be operated for up to two years with a button cell or ten years with larger batteries and have a range of up to 30 meters. The accuracy is one to three meters. To determine the position of the mobile device, it is necessary to connect to several beacons, from whose signals the location is calculated using fingerprinting or triangulation methods.

Many property managers, e.g. for exhibition centers or shopping centers, spend a considerable amount of money to install and maintain hundreds of beacons. These send Bluetooth signals to the visitors' smartphones. The signals are read by every smartphone (i.e. every smartphone with Bluetooth activated) and help to position every person on a stored map. Algorithms, e.g. of an indoor navigation application, show a route to the desired business or destination. Depending on the application, the number of installed beacons can range from 50 for smaller installations to 1,500 beacons for large event exhibitions.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an arrangement and a method for indoor position determination in order to keep the number of installed beacons low.

The object is achieved by an arrangement for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal, with a fixed reference radio beacon being set up to determine its position in collaboration with appropriately set up mobile communication terminals that are within radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon ,
a further mobile communication terminal not located in the radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon is set up for collaboration with the mobile communication terminals located in the radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon, and
the position of the further mobile communication terminal being determined based on their respective determined position of the mobile communication terminals located within radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon.

Positioning using GPS does not work or does not work reliably indoors. The position determination of mobile communication terminals (eg smartphones) in buildings is advantageously based on reference radio beacons. The reference radio beacons are advantageously based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enables a long runtime for years (approx. 8-10 years) without having to change the battery. In principle, reference radio beacons can also be connected to a power grid. The types Eddystone from Google or iBeacons from Apple, for example, can be used as Bluetooth Low Energy Beacons. Each reference radio beacon is provided with an identifier for identification (Universally Unique Identifier (UUID)). The radio range of a reference radio beacon can be up to 30 meters. This means that within 30 meters of a reference radio beacon, its Bluetooth radio signals can be received by a mobile communication terminal. Mobile communication terminals that are set up accordingly (e.g. with a corresponding app) can receive the Bluetooth signals (e.g. Bluetooth 4.0 or Bluetooth 5.1) from reference radio beacons (or reference beacons) installed in the building and use the measurement of the signal strength and / or the direction of the signal to determine the position. If a mobile communication terminal receives the signals from at least three reference radio beacons, z. B. by trilateration or by the fingerprinting method calculate the position of the mobile communication terminal in two-dimensional space. To determine the position of the mobile communication terminal in three-dimensional space, the signals from four reference radio beacons are required.

The collaboration is implemented e.g. by suitable means of communication (e.g. for data transfer, data exchange) and / or by suitable groupware.

The present invention makes it possible, inter alia, to reduce the number of stationary reference radio beacons required for a, in particular area-wide, position determination in a building. This saves effort and costs.

A first advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the fixed reference radio beacon is set up in collaboration with appropriately set up mobile communication terminals that are within radio range of the reference radio beacon, via triangulation and / or via measurement of signal strengths and / or signal propagation times to determine their position. For this purpose, the mobile communication terminals are each set up to receive the Bluetooth signals from the fixed reference radio beacon. Furthermore, the mobile communication terminals are each set up to send and receive Bluetooth signals to one another. Furthermore, the mobile communication terminals are each set up to act as radio beacons with one another and to determine their respective position based on the measurement of signal strengths and / or the signal direction. The mobile communication terminals are advantageously equipped with a corresponding app for this purpose. Optionally and / or additionally, Angel of Arrival (AoA) and / or Time of Arrival (ToA) information for determining the position can also be evaluated.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the position of the further mobile communication terminal is determined based on the respective determined position of the mobile communication terminals located within radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon, via triangulation and / or via measurement of signal strengths and / or signal transit times the corresponding mobile communication terminals. The mobile communication terminals located within radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon take on the function of a radio beacon and each send out Bluetooth signals and their current position, which receivers, i.e. mobile communication terminals receiving the Bluetooth signals, can use to determine their position. The further mobile communication terminal is set up to determine its own position based on the measurement of Bluetooth signal strengths and / or Bluetooth signal directions.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the further mobile communication terminal functions from now on as a further radio beacon for additional further mobile communication terminals. In that the further mobile communication terminal acts as a further radio beacon, it can send out corresponding Bluetooth signals that can be received by the additional further mobile communication terminals and used to determine the position. The additional further mobile communication terminals can be located within or outside the radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon. The additional further mobile communication terminals are set up to determine their own position based on the measurement of Bluetooth signal strengths and / or Bluetooth signal directions. The further mobile communication terminal thus acts from now on as a mobile radio beacon, which can be used by mobile communication terminals to determine their position. Mobile communication terminals that are within the radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon thus act as repeaters for other mobile communication terminals that are are outside the radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon.

The object is also achieved by a method for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal, a stationary reference radio beacon being provided which is set up in collaboration with appropriately set up mobile communication terminals which are within radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon to determine their position,
a further mobile communication terminal not located in the radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon is set up for collaboration with the mobile communication terminals located in the radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon, and
the position of the further mobile communication terminal being determined based on their respective determined position of the mobile communication terminals located within radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon. The fixed reference radio beacon (reference beacon) advantageously sends out Bluetooth radio signals that are received by the mobile communication terminals (for example smartphones, computer tablets) and evaluated to determine the position. For this purpose, the mobile communication terminals are each set up to receive Bluetooth signals from the fixed reference radio beacon. Furthermore, the mobile communication terminals are each set up to send and receive Bluetooth signals to one another. Furthermore, the mobile communication terminals are each set up to act as a radio beacon for position determination and to determine their respective position based on the measurement of signal strengths and / or the signal direction. The mobile communication terminals are advantageously equipped with a corresponding app for this purpose. The present method makes it possible, inter alia, to reduce the number of stationary reference radio beacons required for a, in particular area-wide, position determination in a building.

• eine serverbasierte Plattform zur Kollaboration von entsprechend eingerichteten und bei der serverbasierten Plattform registrierten mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräten;
• eine erste ortsfeste Referenz-Funkbake, wobei die erste ortsfeste Referenz-Funkbake zur Kollaboration mit der serverbasierten Plattform eingerichtet ist, wobei in der serverbasierten Plattform die Ortsposition und eine Identifikationskennung der ersten Referenz-Funkbake hinterlegt sind;
• wobei die erste Referenz-Funkbake dazu eingerichtet ist, ihre Identifikationsnummer an mobile Kommunikationsendgeräte zu übertragen, die sich in Funk-Reichweite zur ersten Referenz-Funkbake befinden,
• wobei die in der Funk-Reichweite der ersten Referenz-Funkbake (z.B. iBeacon von Apple oder Eddystone-Beacon von Google) befindlichen mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräte in Kollaboration mit der serverbasierten Plattform und der ersten Referenz-Funkbake ihre jeweilige Position bestimmen;
• wobei ein weiteres mobiles Kommunikationsendgerät, in dessen Funk-Reichweite sich drei mobile Kommunikationsendgeräte befinden, deren Position bekannt ist, seine Position über Triangulation und/oder Trilateration mit diesen drei mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräten bestimmt, wobei das weitere mobile Kommunikationsendgerät sich nicht in der Reichweite der ersten Referenz-Funkbake befindet.

The object is also achieved by an arrangement for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal, the arrangement comprising:

• a server-based platform for the collaboration of appropriately set up mobile communication terminals registered with the server-based platform;
• a first fixed reference radio beacon, the first fixed reference radio beacon being set up for collaboration with the server-based platform, the location and an identification code of the first reference radio beacon being stored in the server-based platform;
• The first reference radio beacon is set up to transmit its identification number to mobile communication terminals that are within radio range of the first reference radio beacon,
• wherein the mobile communication terminals in the radio range of the first reference radio beacon (eg iBeacon from Apple or Eddystone Beacon from Google) determine their respective position in collaboration with the server-based platform and the first reference radio beacon;
• Another mobile communication terminal, in whose radio range there are three mobile communication terminals whose position is known, determines its position via triangulation and / or trilateration with these three mobile communication terminals, the further mobile communication terminal not being in the range of the first reference -Funkbake is located.

The present arrangement makes it possible, inter alia, to reduce the number of stationary reference radio beacons required for a, in particular area-wide, position determination in a building. This saves effort and costs when setting up and installing positioning systems in buildings (IPS, Indoor Positioning System). The server-based platform is advantageously a cloud-based platform with a corresponding cloud infrastructure, comprehensive suitable processor power, memory, software for collaboration, and communication mechanisms (e.g. radio receivers and transmitters) for communication with the mobile communication terminals (e.g. Smartphone) and the fixed reference radio beacon. The server-based platform is advantageously implemented as a platform ecosystem. It is advantageous if the mobile communication terminals log on to the server-based platform or to the platform ecosystem with a corresponding app in order to register. The first reference radio beacon advantageously sends out Bluetooth signals which are received and evaluated by the mobile communication terminals within the radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon. The location of the fixed reference radio beacon, ie its positioning (installation location) in the building, can be communicated to the mobile communication terminals that are within the radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon via radio from the reference radio beacon, or via appropriate collaboration with the server-based platform. The identification (identifier) of the fixed reference radio beacon (Universally Unique identifier (UUID)) and its installation location (position) stored in the building.

The reference radio beacon usually sends its UUID. The position is then determined with the help of the server-based platform. The mobile end devices are assigned a "fake" UUID from the server-based platform, which the app recognizes as an alternating radio beacon and makes it available to the other mobile end devices. The mobile devices simulate a “fake” beacon, the position of which can, however, be variable.

A "fake" beacon is therefore a non-stationary (i.e. not installed in the building) radio beacon. However, like a fixed reference radio beacon, a "fake" beacon sends out signals (e.g. "fake" UUIDs, which can be used to determine the position of mobile communication terminals in connection with the server platform.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the fixed reference radio beacon (reference beacon) and the server-based platform are set up in collaboration with the correspondingly set up mobile communication terminals that are within radio range of the reference radio beacon, via triangulation and / or to determine their respective position by measuring signal strengths and / or signal propagation times. For this purpose, the mobile communication terminals are each set up to receive the Bluetooth signals from the fixed reference radio beacon. Furthermore, the mobile communication terminals are each set up to send and receive Bluetooth signals to one another. Furthermore, the mobile communication terminals are each set up to act as radio beacons with one another and to determine their respective position based on the measurement of signal strengths and / or the signal direction. The mobile communication terminals are advantageously equipped with a corresponding app for this purpose.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the further mobile communication terminal, which is not in the radio range of the first fixed reference radio beacon, and the two mobile communication terminals, which are in the radio range of the further mobile communication terminal, are further set up to determine the position of the further mobile communication terminal by measuring signal strengths and / or signal propagation times. The position of a mobile communication terminal which is not within radio range of a fixed reference radio beacon can thus be determined. This further reduces, among other things, the number of fixed reference radio beacons required for position determination in a building.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the further mobile communication terminal functions from now on as a further radio beacon. The other mobile communication terminal (e.g. smartphone) is set up to send Bluetooth signals that can be received by other mobile communication terminals and evaluated for their respective position determination. E.g. by evaluating signal transit times and / or signal strengths. Optionally and / or additionally, Angel of Arrival (AoA) and / or Time of Arrival (ToA) information for determining the position can also be evaluated. When using Bluetooth 5.1, the direction of a radio signal can also be determined. The current position of the further mobile communication terminal is therefore fixed. The current location of the additional mobile communication terminal can be stored in the server-based platform, e.g. via the appropriately set up app. When the location of the further mobile communication terminal changes, its current location is advantageously automatically stored in the server-based platform. The current position of the further mobile communication terminal can be transmitted to the other mobile communication terminals, but also to the other mobile communication terminals via a radio link (e.g. Bluetooth). The other mobile communication terminal which acts as another radio beacon provides its “fake” UUID and its alternating position (via server). Based on this, mobile communication terminals can determine their respective position.

If a mobile communication terminal receives the signals from at least three radio beacons, z. B. by trilateration or by the fingerprinting method calculate the position of the mobile communication terminal in two-dimensional space. To determine the position of the mobile communication terminal in three-dimensional space, the signals from four radio beacons are required. The radio beacons can be fixed reference radio beacons, that is to say installed in the building, and / or mobile communication terminals that each function as additional radio beacons, with a mobile communication terminal moving within or outside the radio range of fixed reference radio Radio beacons can be located.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the further mobile communication terminal functions as a further radio beacon for further mobile communication terminals which are outside the radio range of the first fixed reference radio beacon. This can In a building, among other things, a large radio coverage can be achieved with only one or only a few stationary reference radio beacons. This saves effort and costs when setting up and installing positioning systems in buildings (IPS, Indoor Positioning System), and in the subsequent operation / service (battery replacement). The other mobile communication terminal which acts as another radio beacon provides its “fake” UUID and its alternating position (via server). Based on this, mobile communication terminals can determine their respective position.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the arrangement comprises further fixed reference radio beacons, the further fixed reference radio beacons each being set up for collaboration with the server-based platform, with the respective location and the respective identification code of the further ones in the server-based platform fixed reference radio beacons are stored. E.g. one fixed reference radio beacon per floor or one fixed reference radio beacon per building in a campus or one fixed reference radio beacon per building section.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the mobile communication terminals registered with the server-based platform form a mesh network. The registered mobile communication terminals form a wireless mesh network. This enables a high area coverage for the position determination system.

• eine serverbasierte Plattform zur Kollaboration von entsprechend eingerichteten und bei der serverbasierten Plattform registrierten mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräten;
• eine erste ortsfeste Referenz-Funkbake, wobei die erste ortsfeste Referenz-Funkbake zur Kollaboration mit der serverbasierten Plattform eingerichtet ist, wobei in der serverbasierten Plattform die Ortsposition und eine Identifikationskennung der ersten ortsfesten Referenz-Funkbake hinterlegt sind;
• wobei die erste ortsfeste Referenz-Funkbake dazu eingerichtet ist, ihre Identifikationsnummer an mobile Kommunikationsendgeräte zu übertragen, die sich in Funk-Reichweite zur ersten ortsfesten Referenz-Funkbake befinden,
• wobei die in der Funk-Reichweite der ersten ortsfesten Referenz-Funkbake befindlichen mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräte in Kollaboration mit der serverbasierten Plattform und der ersten ortsfesten Referenz-Funkbake ihre jeweilige Position bestimmen;
• wobei ein weiteres, sich nicht in Funk-Reichweite der ersten ortsfesten Referenz-Funkbake befindliches mobiles Kommunikationsendgerät, seine Position über Triangulation und/oder Trilateration mit mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräten bestimmt, die sich in Funk-Reichweite zur ersten ortsfesten Referenz-Funkbake befinden, wobei das weitere mobile Kommunikationsendgerät fortan als weitere Funkbake für weitere mobile Kommunikationsendgeräte fungiert. In dem das weitere mobile Kommunikationsendgerät als weitere Funkbake fungiert, kann es entsprechende Bluetooth-Signale aussenden, die von den zusätzlichen weiteren mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräten empfangen und zur Positionsbestimmung verwendet werden können. Die zusätzlichen weiteren mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräte können sich dabei innerhalb oder ausserhalb der Funk-Reichweite der ortsfesten Referenz-Funkbake befinden. Die zusätzlichen weiteren mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräte sind eingerichtet, basierend auf der Messung von Bluetooth-Signalstärken und/oder von Bluetooth-Signalrichtungen die jeweils eigene Position zu bestimmen.

The object is also achieved by an arrangement for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal, the arrangement comprising:

• a server-based platform for the collaboration of appropriately set up mobile communication terminals registered with the server-based platform;
• a first fixed reference radio beacon, the first fixed reference radio beacon being set up for collaboration with the server-based platform, the location and an identification code of the first fixed reference radio beacon being stored in the server-based platform;
• wherein the first fixed reference radio beacon is set up to transmit its identification number to mobile communication terminals that are within radio range of the first fixed reference radio beacon,
• wherein the mobile communication terminals located in the radio range of the first fixed reference radio beacon determine their respective position in collaboration with the server-based platform and the first fixed reference radio beacon;
• a further mobile communication terminal not located in the radio range of the first fixed reference radio beacon determines its position via triangulation and / or trilateration with mobile communication terminals that are within radio range of the first fixed reference radio beacon, the further one mobile communication terminal functions from now on as a further radio beacon for further mobile communication terminals. In that the further mobile communication terminal acts as a further radio beacon, it can send out corresponding Bluetooth signals that can be received by the additional further mobile communication terminals and used to determine the position. The additional further mobile communication terminals can be located within or outside the radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon. The additional further mobile communication terminals are set up to determine their own position based on the measurement of Bluetooth signal strengths and / or Bluetooth signal directions.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the further mobile communication terminal functions as a further radio beacon for further mobile communication terminals which are outside the radio range of the first fixed reference radio beacon. As a result, the functional range coverage of a position determination system in buildings (IPS, Indoor Positioning System) can be increased without the need to install additional fixed reference radio beacons. As a rule, the fixed reference radio beacon sends its UUID. The position is then determined with the help of the server-based platform. The mobile end devices are assigned a "fake" UUID from the server-based platform, which the app recognizes as an alternating radio beacon and makes it available to the other mobile end devices. The mobile devices simulate a “fake” beacon, the position of which can, however, be variable.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the arrangement comprises further fixed reference radio beacons, the further fixed reference radio beacons each being set up for collaboration with the server-based platform, with the respective location and the respective identification code of the other in the server-based platform fixed reference radio beacons are stored. For example, one fixed reference radio beacon per floor or per building in One fixed reference radio beacon on a campus or one fixed reference radio beacon per building section.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the mobile communication terminals registered with the server-based platform form a mesh network. The registered mobile communication terminals form a wireless mesh network. This enables a high area coverage for the position determination system.

• 1 ein Beispiel für die prinzipielle Funktionsweise einer Funkbake (Beacon),
• 2 ein Beispiel für einen Plan für die Positionierung von Funkbaken in einem Gebäude,
• 3 eine beispielhafte Anordnung zur Positionsbestimmung eines mobilen Kommunikationsendgerätes,
• 4 ein erstes beispielhaftes Szenario zur Positionsbestimmung von mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräten,
• 5 ein zweites beispielhaftes Szenario zur Positionsbestimmung von mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräten,
• 6 ein drittes beispielhaftes Szenario zur Positionsbestimmung von mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräten,
• 7 ein beispielhaftes Diagramm zur Darstellung der zeitlichen Veränderung von Distanz-Matrixen bezüglich der beispielhaften Szenarien gemäss der 4 bis 6,
• 8 ein beispielhaftes Mesh-Netzwerk von mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräten, und
• 9 ein beispielhaftes Flussdiagramm für ein Verfahren zur Positionsbestimmung eines mobilen Kommunikationsendgerätes.

The invention and advantageous embodiments of the present invention are explained using the example of the following figure. It shows:

• 1 an example of the basic functionality of a radio beacon,
• 2 an example of a plan for the positioning of radio beacons in a building,
• 3 an exemplary arrangement for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal,
• 4th a first exemplary scenario for determining the position of mobile communication terminals,
• 5 a second exemplary scenario for determining the position of mobile communication terminals,
• 6th a third exemplary scenario for determining the position of mobile communication terminals,
• 7th an exemplary diagram to illustrate the temporal change in distance matrices with respect to the exemplary scenarios according to FIG 4th to 6th ,
• 8th an exemplary mesh network of mobile communication terminals, and
• 9 an exemplary flowchart for a method for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal.

1 shows an example of how a radio beacon works in principle FB1 - FB4 (e.g. iBeacon from Apple). The radio beacons FB1 - FB4 (Beacons) are a few centimeters small transmitters that can be installed in a building and that do nothing other than a “beacon” (radio signals) of tiny data packets BS1 - BS4 to send. The range of these radio signals is a few tens of meters. The radio beacons are based with advantages FB1 - FB4 on the radio technology Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This guarantees a long runtime or operating time over several years without the need to change the battery. In principle, radio beacons FB1 - FB4 (Beacons) can also be connected to a power supply. The radio beacons FB1 - FB4 can for example be based on Bluetooth 4.0 or Bluetooth 5.1.

The radio beacons FB1 - FB4 continuously send respective broadcast radio signals in the form of data packets BS1 - BS4 from that of a mobile communication terminal MG of a user P be received when the mobile communication terminal MG (e.g. a smartphone) in the radio range of the radio beacons FB1 - FB4 is located. The mobile communication terminal is for this purpose MG with a Bluetooth transmitter / receiver and corresponding software (e.g. a corresponding app) for processing the radio signals BS1 - BS4 fitted.

• • UUID (Universally Unique Identifier), zur eindeutigen Identifizierung des Senders FB1, FB2.
• • MajorID, MinorID, zur Bestimmung von Haupt- und Unterbereichen einer UUID.
• • RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), ein Indikator für die Stärke des empfangenen Signals.
• • TxPower, die TxPower ist die gemessene Leistung in einem 1 Meter Entfernung zu einem Empfänger.

A radio signal BS1 - BS4 essentially comprises the following information:

• • UUID (Universally Unique Identifier), for the unambiguous identification of the sender FB1 , FB2 .
• • MajorID, MinorID, to determine the main and sub-areas of a UUID.
• • RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), an indicator of the strength of the received signal.
• • TxPower, the TxPower is the measured power at a distance of 1 meter from a receiver.

With the TxPower signal and the RSSS, the removal of a mobile communication terminal MG to one of the radio beacons FB1 - FB4 be calculated. The distance of a mobile communication terminal MG to one of the radio beacons FB1 - FB4 can also be done by evaluating the transit time of the signals BS1 - BS4 be calculated. The distance to a mobile communication terminal is advantageously calculated MG to one of the radio beacons FB1 - FB4 based on the evaluation of the respective signal strength (RSSI) and the respective signal transit time of the signals BS1 - BS4 .

Receives a mobile communication terminal MG eg the signals BS1 - BS3 of at least three reference radio beacons, e.g. FB1 - FB3 so z. B. by trilateration or by the fingerprinting process the position of the mobile communication terminal MG calculate in two-dimensional space. To determine the position of the mobile communication terminal MG in three-dimensional space are the signals BS1 - BS4 of four reference radio beacons FB1 - FB4 required.

2 shows an example of a plan for positioning radio beacons FB5 - FB18 in a building GB . The circles around the radio beacons FB5 - FB18 indicate which area of the respective radio beacons FB5 - FB18 is covered. If a mobile communication terminal (e.g. smartphone) is in one of these covered areas, it receives from the respective radio beacon FB5 - FB18 a respective radio signal. The representation according to 2 shows that there are many radio beacons for a large or complete coverage FB5 - FB18 are needed.

3 shows an exemplary arrangement for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal MG1 - MG7 . The fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 (e.g. a reference beacon installed at a defined location in a building) sends out signals. These signals include a unique identification code Id1 that of the fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 assigned. Via the identification code Id1 is a reference radio beacon RFB1 clearly identifiable. The mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 that are within radio range RWB1 the fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 receive the signals (e.g. radio signals) and thus the identification code Id1 the reference radio beacon RFB1 via a suitable communication link KV1 . It is advantageous to use the communication link KV1 a Bluetooth connection (e.g. BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Bluetooth 4.0 or Bluetooth 5.1). The mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG7 are set up accordingly for communication via Bluetooth (e.g. Bluetooth app and suitable Bluetooth transmitting / receiving device.

The mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 can use a suitable communication link KV2 with a server S. communicate. In the communication link KV2 it can be, for example, a WLAN connection or a suitable cellular connection (e.g. 5G, UMTS, LTE). In the server S. is the identification code Id1 the reference radio beacon RFB1 stored, as well as the location Pos1 (physical installation location in the building) of the reference radio beacon RFB1 with the identification code Id1 . Reference radio beacon RFB1 can for example be based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or on Eddystone technology. The mobile communication terminal can also advantageously MG7 with the server S. communicate, e.g. via WLAN or mobile data (e.g. GSM, UMTS, 5G).

The mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 that are within radio range RWB1 the fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 send via the respective communication link KV2 the identification code Id1 the reference radio beacon RFB1 to the server S. and received from the server S. the, the identification code Id1 assigned location Pos1 the reference radio beacon RFB1 . The server is advantageous S. realized in a cloud infrastructure. The mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 that are within radio range RWB1 the fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 based on the location Pos1 the reference radio beacon RFB1 and through triangulation and / or corresponding radio signal measurement and evaluation in collaboration with mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 that are within radio range RWB1 the fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 determine their respective position.

For the sake of clarity, in 3 for mobile communication terminals MG5 and MG6 the communication links and communication with the server S. or the reference radio beacon RFB1 not shown.

Mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG7 that are in a communication region KR1 - KR3 are, for example, within the Bluetooth signal range of each other and in a WLAN connection to the server S. , can based on the local position Pos1 the reference radio beacon RFB1 and evaluation of the reference radio beacon RFB1 received signals (e.g. the corresponding UUID identifier) to determine their own position. The mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG7 are set up for this purpose, the signal strengths and / or the signal transit times (TOA, Time of Arrival or TDOA, Time Difference of Arrival, or AoA, Angle of Arrival) of the reference radio beacon RFB1 and to evaluate the signals received for the mobile communication terminals (eg smartphones) located in the communication region, eg evaluation of the measured RSSI levels and signal strengths (RSSI stands for Received Signal Strength Indication).

The representation according to 3 shows three exemplary communication regions KR1 - KR3 . In the exemplary communication region KR1 are the mobile communication terminals MG3 , MG4 and MG5 as well as the reference radio beacon RFB1 . In the exemplary communication region KR2 are the mobile communication terminals MG1 , MG2 and MG6 , as well as the reference radio beacon RFB1 . In the exemplary communication region KR3 are the mobile communication terminals MG2 , MG6 , MG3 , MG5 , as well as the other mobile communication terminal MG7 . Mobile communication terminals (e.g. smartphones) can communicate and / or collaborate with each other via suitable communication connections (e.g. WLAN, Bluetooth, or mobile data radio (e.g. LTE, 5G) (e.g. if they are logged on to a common collaboration platform) MG7 which is not in the radio range RWB1 the reference radio beacon RFB1 is located, based on the position data Pos MG2 , Pos_MG3 , Pos_MG5 , Pos_MG6 the mobile communication terminals MG2 , MG3 , MG5 , MG6 and corresponding triangulation to determine its own position, even though it is with the fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 is not in radio communication, ie outside the radio range RWB1 the reference radio beacon RFB1 is. The position data Pos_MG2 , Pos_MG3 , Pos_MG5 , Pos_MG6 of mobile communication terminals MG2 , MG3 , MG5 , MG6 can from the server S. for the communication terminals MG1 - MG6 stored, maintained and for the respective communication terminals MG1 - MG6 can be provided via the corresponding communication link. In the server S. can, for example, in a corresponding storage medium (eg list, database) for the communication terminals MG1 - MG6 respective identifications (identifiers, for example “fake” UUIDs or virtual UUIDs) can be stored, to which the respective position information of a respective communication terminal device MG1 - MG6 assigned. The position data Pos_MG2 , Pos_MG3 , Pos_MG5 , Pos_MG6 of mobile communication terminals MG2 , MG3 , MG5 , MG6 but can also be used in the respective communication terminals MG1 - MG6 can be determined, maintained and saved by yourself.

The other mobile communication terminal MG7 received via a suitable communication link KV3 (e.g. cellular connection; e.g. LTE, UMTS; WLAN) the position data Pos_MG2 , Pos_MG3 , Pos_MG3 , Pos_MG6 of mobile communication terminals MG2 , MG3 , MG5 , MG6 .

In principle, the further mobile communication terminal MG7 also via a suitable communication connection to the server S. (e.g. cellular connection; e.g. LTE, UMTS; WLAN) the position data Pos MG2 , Pos_MG3 , Pos_MG3 , Pos_MG6 of mobile communication terminals MG2 , MG3 , MG5 , MG6 receive.

Receives a mobile communication terminal MG1 - MG7 the signals from at least three mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG7 or from two mobile communication terminals and a reference radio beacon RFB1 so z. B. by trilateration and / or triangulation and / or by the fingerprinting method to calculate the position of the respective mobile communication terminal in two-dimensional space. The signals from four mobile communication terminals are used to determine the position of a mobile communication terminal in three-dimensional space MG1 - MG7 or from three mobile communication terminals and a reference radio beacon RFB1 required.

The processing intelligence (hardware, software) for position determination (e.g. trilateration, triangulation, fingerprinting) can be located in the server. Optionally, the processing intelligence (hardware, software) for position determination (e.g. trilateration, triangulation, fingerprinting) can be located in the server and in the communication terminals involved. The processing intelligence (hardware, software) for position determination (e.g. trilateration, triangulation, fingerprinting) can optionally be located in the communication terminals.

The servers are advantageous S. or the server-based platform S. set up, the location of built-in reference radio beacons RFB1 to be determined by georeferencing.

First advantageous embodiment of the invention for an arrangement:

Arrangement for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal MG1 - MG7 ,
where a fixed reference radio beacon (reference beacon) RFB1 is set up, in collaboration with appropriately set up mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 that are in radio range RWB1 the fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 are to determine their position,
being another one out of range RWB1 the fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 located mobile communication terminal MG7 is set up for collaboration with the mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 that are in radio range RWB1 the fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 located, and
where based on their respective determined position the in radio range RWB1 the fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 located mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 the position of the further mobile communication terminal MG7 is determined.

An advantageous embodiment is that the fixed reference radio beacon (reference beacon) RFB1 is set up, in collaboration with appropriately set up mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 that are in radio range RWB1 the reference radio beacon RFB1 to determine their position via triangulation and / or via measurement of signal strengths and / or signal transit times.

An advantageous embodiment is that the position of the further mobile communication terminal MG7 is determined based on the particular specific position of the in radio range RWB1 the fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 located mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 , via triangulation and / or via measurement of signal strengths and / or signal transit times of the corresponding mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG7 .

An advantageous embodiment is that the further mobile communication terminal MG7 henceforth acts as a further reference radio beacon for further mobile communication terminals.

Second advantageous embodiment of the invention for an arrangement:

• eine serverbasierte Plattform S zur Kollaboration von entsprechend eingerichteten und bei der serverbasierten Plattform S registrierten mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräten MG1 - MG6;
• eine erste ortsfeste Referenz-Funkbake RFB1, wobei die erste ortsfeste Referenz-Funkbake RFB1 zur Kollaboration mit der serverbasierten Plattform S eingerichtet ist, wobei in der serverbasierten Plattform S die Ortsposition Pos1 und eine Identifikationskennung Id der ersten Referenz-Funkbake RFB1 hinterlegt sind;
• wobei die erste Referenz-Funkbake RFB1 dazu eingerichtet ist, ihre Identifikationsnummer Id an mobile Kommunikationsendgeräte MG1 - MG6 zu übertragen, die sich in Funk-Reichweite RWB1 zur ersten Referenz-Funkbake RFB1 befinden,
• wobei die in der Funk-Reichweite RWB1 der ersten Referenz-Funkbake RFB1 befindlichen mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräte MG1 - MG6 in Kollaboration mit der serverbasierten Plattform S und der ersten Referenz-Funkbake RFB1 ihre jeweilige Position bestimmen;
• wobei ein weiteres mobiles Kommunikationsendgerät MG7, in dessen Funkreichweite sich drei mobile Kommunikationsendgeräte befinden, deren Position bekannt ist, seine Position über Triangulation mit diesen drei mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräten bestimmt, wobei das weitere mobile Kommunikationsendgerät sich nicht in der Funk-Reichweite RWB1 der ersten Referenz-Funkbake RFB1 befindet.

Arrangement for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal MG1 - MG7 , the arrangement comprising:

• a server-based platform S. for collaboration between appropriately set up and server-based platforms S. registered mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 ;
• a first fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 , the first fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 for collaboration with the server-based platform S. is set up, being in the server-based platform S. the location Pos1 and an identification code Id of the first reference radio beacon RFB1 are deposited;
• being the first reference radio beacon RFB1 is set up to send your identification number Id to mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 to transmit that is within radio range RWB1 to the first reference radio beacon RFB1 are located,
• being in the radio range RWB1 the first reference radio beacon RFB1 located mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 in collaboration with the server-based platform S. and the first reference radio beacon RFB1 determine their respective position;
• being another mobile communication terminal MG7 , in whose radio range there are three mobile communication terminals whose position is known, its position is determined by triangulation with these three mobile communication terminals, the further mobile communication terminal not being in the radio range RWB1 the first reference radio beacon RFB1 is located.

The server-based platform is advantageous S. in a cloud infrastructure C. realized, with appropriate processor, memory and communication means. The mobile communication terminals are advantageous MG1 - MG6 at the server-based platform S. via a corresponding app. The mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 are thus for collaboration with the reference radio beacon RFB1 and the server-based platform S. set up. The server-based platform S. can be implemented on a cloud server.

An advantageous embodiment is that the fixed reference radio beacon (reference beacon) RFB1 and the server-based platform S. are set up in collaboration with the appropriately set up mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 that are within radio range of the reference radio beacon RFB1 to determine their respective position via triangulation and / or via measurement of signal strengths and / or signal transit times.

An advantageous embodiment is that the further mobile communication terminal MG7 that is not in the radio range RWB1 the first reference radio beacon RFB1 is located, and the mobile communication terminals MG2 , MG6 , MG5 , MG3 that are in the radio range KR3 of the further mobile communication terminal MG7 located, are further set up, the position of the further mobile communication terminal via measurement of signal strengths and / or signal propagation times MG7 to determine. In terms of radio range KR3 it is, for example, the radio range of a common radio cell.

An advantageous embodiment is that the further mobile communication terminal MG7 henceforth acts as a further reference radio beacon. This allows the number of fixed reference radio beacons in a building to be reduced.

An advantageous embodiment is that the further mobile communication terminal MG7 acts as a further reference radio beacon for other mobile communication terminals that are outside the radio range RWB1 the first fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 are located. This also allows the number of fixed reference radio beacons in a building to be reduced.

An advantageous embodiment is that the arrangement comprises further fixed reference radio beacons, the further fixed reference radio beacons each for collaboration with the server-based platform S. are set up, being in the server-based platform S. the respective local position and the respective identification code of the further reference radio beacons are stored. The other stationary reference radio beacons can be located, for example, on other floors or in other parts of the building.

An advantageous embodiment is that the further mobile communication terminal MG7 that is not in the radio range RWB1 the first fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 not on the server-based platform S. is registered. This increases the flexibility for a user.

An advantageous embodiment is that the server-based platform S. registered mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 form a mesh network. As a result, extensive radio coverage can be achieved without any additional infrastructure for an IPS (Indoor Positioning System).

Third advantageous embodiment of the invention for an arrangement:

• eine serverbasierte Plattform S zur Kollaboration von entsprechend eingerichteten und bei der serverbasierten Plattform registrierten mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräten MG1 - MG6;
• eine erste ortsfeste Referenz-Funkbake RFB1, wobei die erste Referenz-Funkbake RFB1 zur Kollaboration mit der serverbasierten Plattform S eingerichtet ist, wobei in der serverbasierten Plattform S die Ortsposition Pos1 und eine Identifikationskennung Id der ersten Referenz-Funkbake RFB1 hinterlegt sind;
• wobei die erste Referenz-Funkbake RFB1 dazu eingerichtet ist, ihre Identifikationsnummer Id an mobile Kommunikationsendgeräte MG1 - MG6 zu übertragen, die sich in Funk-Reichweite RWB1 zur ersten Referenz-Funkbake RFB1 befinden,
• wobei die in der Funk-Reichweite RWB1 der ersten Referenz-Funkbake RFB1 befindlichen mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräte MG1 - MG6 in Kollaboration mit der serverbasierten Plattform S und der ersten Referenz-Funkbake RFB1 ihre jeweilige Position bestimmen;
• wobei ein weiteres, sich nicht in Funk-Reichweite RWB1 der ersten Referenz-Funkbake RFB1 befindliches mobiles Kommunikationsendgerät MG7, seine Position über Triangulation mit mobilen Kommunikationsendgeräten MG2, MG3, MG5, MG6 bestimmt, die sich in Funk-Reichweite RWB1 zur ersten Referenz-Funkbake RFB1 befinden, wobei das weitere mobile Kommunikationsendgerät MG7 fortan als weitere Referenz-Funkbake für weitere mobile Kommunikationsendgeräte fungiert.

Arrangement for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal MG1 - MG7 , the arrangement comprising:

• a server-based platform S. for the collaboration of appropriately set up mobile communication devices registered with the server-based platform MG1 - MG6 ;
• a first fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 , being the first reference radio beacon RFB1 for collaboration with the server-based platform S. is set up, being in the server-based platform S. the location Pos1 and an identification code Id of the first reference radio beacon RFB1 are deposited;
• being the first reference radio beacon RFB1 is set up to send your identification number Id to mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 to transmit that is within radio range RWB1 to the first reference radio beacon RFB1 are located,
• being in the radio range RWB1 the first reference radio beacon RFB1 located mobile communication terminals MG1 - MG6 in collaboration with the server-based platform S. and the first reference radio beacon RFB1 determine their respective position;
• being another being out of radio range RWB1 the first reference radio beacon RFB1 located mobile communication terminal MG7 , its position via triangulation with mobile communication terminals MG2 , MG3 , MG5 , MG6 determined to be within radio range RWB1 to the first reference radio beacon RFB1 are located, the further mobile communication terminal MG7 henceforth acts as a further reference radio beacon for further mobile communication terminals.

An advantageous embodiment is that the further mobile communication terminal MG7 acts as a further reference radio beacon for other mobile communication terminals that are outside the radio range RWB1 the first fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 are located.

An advantageous embodiment is that the arrangement comprises further fixed reference radio beacons, the further fixed reference radio beacons each for collaboration with the server-based platform S. are set up, being in the server-based platform S. the respective local position and the respective identification code of the further reference radio beacons are stored.

An advantageous embodiment is that the further mobile communication terminal MG7 that is not in the radio range RWB1 the first fixed reference radio beacon RFB1 not on the server-based platform S. is registered.

An advantageous embodiment is that the server-based platform S. registered mobile communication terminals form a mesh network.

4th shows a first exemplary scenario for determining the position of mobile communication terminals with a beacon (reference radio beacon) B1 whose exact location is stored in the server. The mobile communication terminals M1 - M3 calculate their position via the server from the distance and the angle to the beacon and to each other. The representation according to 4th shows a fixed reference radio beacon B1 and mobile communication terminals M1 - M3 (e.g. appropriately equipped smartphones). In the 4th shown circular lines D-M1B1 , D-M1M2 , D-M1M3 , D-M2M3 , D-M2M1 , D-M2B1 , D-M3M2 , D-M3M1 , D-M3B1 represent the respective distances (distances) between the mobile communication terminals M1 - M3 with each other or between the respective mobile communication terminals M1 - M3 and the reference radio beacon B1 at a point in time t ₀ .

5 shows a second exemplary scenario for determining the position of mobile communication terminals, 5 shows the fixed reference radio beacon B1 and the mobile communication terminals M1 - M3 . In the 5 shown circular lines D-M1B1 ' , D-M1M2 ' , D-M1M3 ' , D-M2M3 ' , D-M2M1 ' , D-M2B1 ' , D-M3M2 ', D-M3M1 ', D-M3B1 'represent the respective distances (distances) between the mobile communication terminals M1 - M3 with each other or between the respective mobile communication terminals M1 - M3 and the reference radio beacon B1 at a point in time t _n . In the illustration according to 5 the location of the device M1 across from 4th changed and with it the distance and the angle to the beacon B1 and to the devices M2 and M3 . The new location on the server will be Device M1 redetermined based on the changed (new) data.

6th shows a third exemplary scenario for determining the position of mobile communication terminals, 6th shows the fixed reference radio beacon B1 and the mobile ones Communication terminals M2 - M4 . In the 5 shown circular lines D-M2M3 , D-M2M4 , D-M2B1 , D-M3M2 , D-M3M4 , D-M3B1 , D-M4M2, D-M4M3 represent the respective distances (distances) between the mobile communication terminals M2 - M4 with each other or between the respective mobile communication terminals M2 - M4 and the reference radio beacon B1 at a point in time t _0. In the illustration according to FIG 6th is the location of the device M4 outside the radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon B1 . But since the positions of the devices in the server M2 and M3 are known is also device M4 able its local position via the server from a distance and the angle to the devices M2 and M3 to determine.

For reasons of clarity, the 4th to 6th the advantageously cloud-based server S. (please refer 3 ) not shown.
7th FIG. 11 shows an exemplary diagram to illustrate the change in distance matrices over time with regard to the exemplary scenarios according to FIG 4th to 6th . The matrix MT1 shows the devices in the system (e.g. server-based platform, ecosystem). The left column of Matrix MT1 shows the respective distance D of the mobile devices Mx to the beacon B1 (fixed reference radio beacon). The right column of Matrix MT1 shows the respective distance D of the mobile devices to one another (Mx to My).

The matrix MT2 shows the respective distances (distances) of the devices at time t ₀ .

The matrix MT3 shows the respective distances (distances) of the devices at time t ₁ .

The information in the matrices can be used for triangulation.

With the mobile communication terminals M1 - M4 are Bluetooth devices. At the beacon B1 (fixed reference radio beacon) it is, for example, an iBeacon based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

The present invention uses only one or a few reference beacons B1 whose position in the building is / are precisely known and possibly also georeferenced. It combines device-based (client-side) and infrastructure-based (server-side) position determination.

The mobile devices M1 - M3 and M4 (e.g. mobile communication devices, e.g. smartphones) are connected to the server- or cloud-based ecosystem ( E1 , please refer 8th ) or with a server-based platform ( S. , please refer 3 ) connected, in which the fixed (local) beacon B1 is stored with its exact position. Furthermore, the relative distances between the mobile devices are shown M1 - M3 to the beacon B1 determinable. Furthermore, the relative distances of the mobile device M4 to the mobile devices M2-M3 determinable. To measure a distance between a transmitter and a receiver, there are various algorithms, such as Time-of-Arrival (TOA), Time-Difference-of-Arrival (TDOA), or Received Signal Strength (RSS).

Time of Arrival (TOA)

The TOA principle is based on measuring the absolute time it takes for a signal to travel from a transmitter to a receiver. A very precise synchronization of the clocks of the transmitter and receiver is necessary for this.

Time-Difference-of-Arrival (TDOA)

In contrast to TOA, with TDOA the receiver does not need to know the absolute time when the signal was transmitted; the time difference between the arrival of the signal from synchronized transmitters is sufficient.

Received Signal Strength (RSS)

With RSS, the measurement of the distance is based on the measured signal strength, which is only possible with radio signals. In order to determine the distance from the transmitter to the receiver, the signal strength is measured and evaluated.

In principle, the distance can also be determined by measuring and evaluating signal propagation times.

The method involves locating and tracking a variety of mobile electronic Bluetooth devices M1-M4 in an indoor environment, which by joining the ecosystem ( E1 , please refer 8th ; S, see 3 ) their distances relative to each other and, if in range, to a reference beacon B1 can exchange. About triangulation of the mobile electronic bluetooth devices M1 - M4 each other is in connection with the reference beacon B1 it is possible to determine the position of the mobile electronic Bluetooth devices at a point in time t ₀ . These become cyclical in the ecosystem E1 (please refer 8th ) or in the server S. (please refer 3 ) are processed and are thus updated for all logged-in mobile electronic Bluetooth devices M1 - M4 also available at a point in time t _n . The more mobile electronic Bluetooth devices are registered in the ecosystem or in the server-based platform and thus share their relative position, the better the position determination of the individual devices becomes M1 - M4 . In a mesh network, mobile electronic Bluetooth devices M) can also determine their position, even if they not directly with the referenced beacon B1 Can exchange data.

About triangulation of the mobile electronic bluetooth devices M1 - M4 each other is in connection with the reference beacon B1 determining the position of mobile electronic Bluetooth devices M1 - M4 possible. All mobile devices share through an opt-in or collaboration in the positioning ecosystem M1 - M4 their relative position to each other, which enables the calculation of the absolute position via triangulation. Are bluetooth mobile electronic devices M1 - M4 Always at a distance from one another, peripheral mobile electronic Bluetooth devices can also be part of a mesh network M4 which are not directly connected to a beacon B1 communicate, determine their position.

Opt-in (consent) or registration for collaboration in the positioning ecosystem is advantageously carried out using a corresponding app on the mobile devices.

8th shows an exemplary mesh network of mobile communication terminals of users involved in each case P1 - P15 . The users or users P1 - P15 form an ecosystem with their communication devices (e.g. Bluetooth-enabled smartphones) E1 . The users are at an advantage P1 - P15 via a corresponding app or via a suitable opt-in procedure for the ecosystem E1 registered. The ecosystem E1 comprises at least one fixed reference radio beacon B1 (e.g. an iBeacon based on Bluetooth BLE, its location coordinates (installation location) in the ecosystem E1 are known. The ecosystem E1 includes suitable data processing, storage and communication means. In the illustration according to 8th are the users P1 - P7 directly (ie in direct communication) with the fixed reference radio beacon B1 connected. In 8th are the users P1 - P7 directly with the fixed reference radio beacon B1 connected are shown as a circle with a star. The user P8 - P15 are not directly connected to the fixed reference radio beacon B1 connected, but with neighboring users. The user P8 - P15 that are not directly connected to the fixed reference radio beacon B1 are connected are in 8th each shown as a circle without a star. Through collaboration between users P1 - P15 among each other, can also change the position of users P8 - P15 which are not determined directly with the fixed reference radio beacon B1 are connected. The mobile communication terminals of users P8 - P15 that are not directly connected to the fixed reference radio beacon B1 connected can also act as a further reference radio beacon and be used for position determination.

The present invention requires significantly less installed infrastructure (beacons, reference radio beacons) and is therefore more cost-effective than the known standard installations.

Another embodiment of the invention lies in the additional use of the so-called “Pedestrian Dead Reckoning” method (dead reckoning). This increases the accuracy of the position determination, among other things. It is the position determination by an inertial system. All of the user's movements are continuously recorded, evaluated, and new positions are calculated from them. This approach is characterized above all by the iterative type of position determination.

Mobile electronic Bluetooth devices can also determine their position in a mesh network, even if they are not connected to the beacon (fixed reference radio beacon). Another benefit can come from the ecosystem E1 of mobile devices and their users P1 - P15 arise, which requires an opt-in to use the service. E.g. friend finder in a shopping mall.

The present invention uses only one or a few reference beacons, whose position in the building should be known precisely and which is / are also georeferenced, if applicable. The invention advantageously combines terminal-based (client-side) and infrastructure-based (server-side) position determination methods. Mobile electronic Bluetooth devices that are not directly connected to a beacon but are part of the mesh network can also use this new method to determine their position. Eg is about triangulation of Bluetooth mobile electronic devices P1 - P15 (i.e. the user P1 - P15 with the Bluetooth devices) to each other, in connection with the reference beacon B1 determining the position of mobile electronic Bluetooth devices P1 - P15 possible. By opting in to the positioning ecosystem E1 all devices share their relative position to each other, which enables the calculation of the absolute position via triangulation. If mobile electronic Bluetooth devices are always at a distance from one another, peripheral mobile electronic Bluetooth devices that are not directly connected to a beacon can also determine their position in a mesh network.

9 shows an exemplary flowchart for a method for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal,
(VS1) wherein a fixed reference radio beacon is provided which is set up to determine the position of the fixed reference radio beacon in collaboration with appropriately set up mobile communication terminals that are within radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon;
(VS2) where another one is not in the radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon the mobile communication terminal is set up for collaboration with the mobile communication terminals that are within radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon; and
(VS3) the position of the further mobile communication terminal being determined based on the respective determined position of the mobile communication terminals located within radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon.

The fixed reference radio beacon is advantageously set up to determine its position in collaboration with appropriately set up mobile communication terminals that are within radio range of the reference radio beacon, via triangulation and / or via measurement of signal strengths and / or signal propagation times .

The position of the further mobile communication terminal is advantageously determined based on the respective determined position of the mobile communication terminals located within radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon, via triangulation and / or via measurement of signal strengths and / or signal transit times of the corresponding mobile communication terminals.

The further mobile communication terminal advantageously functions from now on as a further reference radio beacon for further mobile communication terminals.

The fixed reference radio beacon is e.g. an iBeacon based on Bluetooth BLE technology. The mobile communication terminals are e.g. Bluetooth-enabled smartphones. Like the corresponding arrangements for determining position, the method is advantageously implemented in a server-based cloud infrastructure.

The mobile communication terminals are advantageously registered or registered in an ecosystem. The users with their mobile communication terminals are advantageously registered and managed by a correspondingly set up server of the ecosystem. It is advantageously a cloud-based server.

If, for example, there is an ecosystem for each floor of a building, there is no influence between the systems. The server manages the ecosystems ( E1 to En) and therefore knows which mobile communication terminals are assigned to which ecosystem.

Method and arrangement for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal, with a fixed reference radio beacon being provided which is set up to determine the position of the reference radio beacon in collaboration with appropriately set up mobile communication terminals that are within radio range of the reference radio beacon, Another mobile communication terminal that is not in the radio range of the reference radio beacon is set up for collaboration with the mobile communication terminals that are in the radio range of the reference radio beacon, and based on their respective determined position the one in radio range of the reference radio beacon located mobile communication terminals the position of the further mobile communication terminal is determined. A particular advantage of the present invention is that the range for determining the position of mobile communication terminals is not limited by the radio range of a fixed reference radio beacon. Mobile communication terminals that are within the radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon act as repeaters for other mobile communication terminals that are outside the radio range of the fixed reference radio beacon.

List of reference symbols

FB1 - FB18

Radio beacon

RFB1, B1

Reference radio beacon

RWB1

Radio range

S.

server

C.

Cloud infrastructure

KR1 - KR3

Communication region

Id1

Identification code

Pos1

Location

Pos_MG2, Pos_MG2

position

Pos_MG6, Pos_MG7

position

KV1 - KV3

Communication link

BS1 - BS4

Radio signal

MG, MG1 - MG7, M1 - M4

Mobile communication terminal

App

App

P, P1 - P15

user

GB

building

D-M1B1, D-M1M2, D-M1M3, D-M2M3, D-M2M1, D-M2B1, D-M3M2, D-M3M1, -M3B1, D-M1B1 ', D-M1M2', D-M1M3 ', -M2M3 ', D-M2M1', D-M2B1 ', D-M3M2', -M3M1 ', D-M3B1', D-M2M4, D-M3M4, -M4M2, D-M4M3

Distances

MT1 - MT3

matrix

E1

Ecosystem

VS1 - VS3

Process step

Claims (16)

Arrangement for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal (MG, MG1 - MG7, M1 - M4), A fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) is set up to determine their position in collaboration with appropriately set up mobile communication terminals (MG1 - MG6) that are within radio range (RWB1) of the fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1), Another mobile communication terminal (MG7) that is not within the radio range (RWB1) of the fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) is set up for collaboration with the mobile communication terminals (MG1-MG6) that are within radio range (RWB1) of the fixed reference Radio beacon (RFB1), and the position of the further mobile communication terminal (MG7) being determined based on their respective determined position of the mobile communication terminals (MG1-MG6) within radio range (RWB1) of the fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1). Arrangement according to Claim 1 , the fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) being set up in collaboration with appropriately set up mobile communication terminals (MG1 - MG6) that are within radio range (RWB1) of the fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1), via triangulation and / or trilateration and / or fingerprinting and / or to determine their position by measuring signal strengths and / or signal transit times. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the position of the further mobile communication terminal (MG7) is determined based on the respective determined position of the mobile communication terminals (MG1-MG6) located in radio range (RWB1) of the fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) via Triangulation and / or by measuring signal strengths and / or signal transit times of the corresponding mobile communication terminals (MG1-MG7). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the further mobile communication terminal (MG7) from now on functions as a further radio beacon for further mobile communication terminals. Method for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal (MG, MG1 - MG7, M1 - M4), A fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) is provided which is set up to determine the position of the fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) in collaboration with appropriately equipped mobile communication terminals (MG1-MG6) that are within radio range (RWB1) of the fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) , Another mobile communication terminal (MG7) that is not within the radio range (RWB1) of the fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) is set up for collaboration with the mobile communication terminals (MG1-MG6) that are within radio range (RWB1) of the fixed reference Radio beacon (RFB1), and the position of the further mobile communication terminal (MG7) being determined based on their respective determined position of the mobile communication terminals (MG1-MG6) within radio range (RWB1) of the fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1). Arrangement for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal (MG, MG1 - MG7, M1 - M4), the arrangement comprising: a server-based platform (S, E1, C) for collaboration between appropriately set up and registered with the server-based platform (S, E1, C) mobile communication terminals (MG1-MG6); a first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1), the first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) being set up for collaboration with the server-based platform (S, E1, C), the location in the server-based platform (S, E1, C) (Pos1) and an identification code (Id1) of the first stationary reference radio beacon (RFB1) are stored; The first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) is set up to transmit its identification number (Id1) to mobile communication terminals (MG1 - MG6) that are within radio range (RWB1) of the first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1), The mobile communication terminals (MG1 - MG6) located in the radio range (RWB1) of the first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) in collaboration with the server-based platform (S, E1, C) and the first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) determine their respective position; characterized in that another mobile communication terminal (MG7), in whose radio range (KR3) there are at least three mobile communication terminals (MG2, MG3, MG5, MG6), whose position (Pos_MG2, Pos_MG3, Pos_MG5, Pos_MG6) is known in each case , determines its position via triangulation and / or trilateration and / or fingerprinting with these at least three mobile communication terminals (MG2, MG3, MG5, MG6), the further mobile communication terminal (MG7) is not within the radio range (RWB1) of the first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1). Arrangement according to Claim 6 , the fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) and the server-based platform (S, E1, C) being set up in collaboration with the correspondingly set up mobile communication terminals (MG1 - MG6) that are within radio range (RWB1) of the fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) are located to determine their respective position via triangulation and / or fingerprinting and / or via measurement of signal strengths and / or signal transit times. Arrangement according to Claim 6 or 7th , the further mobile communication terminal (MG7) that is not in the radio range (RWB1) of the first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1), and the at least three mobile communication terminals (MG2, MG3, MG5, MG6) that are are in the radio range (KR3) of the further mobile communication terminal (MG7), are further set up to determine the position of the further mobile communication terminal (MG7) by measuring signal strengths and / or signal propagation times. Arrangement according to one of the Claims 6 to 8th , the further mobile communication terminal (MG7) from now on functions as a further radio beacon. Arrangement according to one of the Claim 9 , the further mobile communication terminal (MG7) acting as a further radio beacon for further mobile communication terminals which are outside the radio range (RWB1) of the first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1). Arrangement according to one of the Claims 6 to 10 , the arrangement comprising further fixed reference radio beacons, the further fixed reference radio beacons each being set up for collaboration with the server-based platform (S, E1, C), the respective local position in the server-based platform (S, E1, C) and the respective identification code of the further stationary reference radio beacons are stored. Arrangement according to one of the Claims 6 to 11 , whereby the mobile communication terminals registered with the server-based platform (S, E1, C) form a mesh network. Arrangement for determining the position of a mobile communication terminal (MG, MG1 - MG7, M1 - M4), the arrangement comprising: a server-based platform (S, E1, C) for collaboration between appropriately set up and registered with the server-based platform (S, E1, C) mobile communication terminals (MG1-MG6); a first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1), the first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) being set up for collaboration with the server-based platform (S, E1, C), the location in the server-based platform (S, E1, C) (Pos1) and an identification code (Id1) of the first stationary reference radio beacon (RFB1) are stored; The first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) is set up to transmit its identification number (Id1) to mobile communication terminals (MG1 - MG6) that are within radio range (RWB1) of the first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1), The mobile communication terminals (MG1 - MG6) located in the radio range (RWB1) of the first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) in collaboration with the server-based platform (S, E1, C) and the first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) determine their respective position; characterized in that another mobile communication terminal (MG7) not in radio range (RWB1) of the first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1) determines its position via triangulation and / or trilateration with mobile communication terminals (MG1-MG6) that are within radio range (RWB1) of the first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1), with the further mobile communication terminal (MG7) now functioning as a further radio beacon for further mobile communication terminals. Arrangement according to one of the Claim 13 , the further mobile communication terminal (MG7) acting as a further radio beacon for further mobile communication terminals which are outside the radio range (RWB1) of the first fixed reference radio beacon (RFB1). Arrangement according to one of the Claims 13 to 14th , the arrangement comprising further fixed reference radio beacons, the further fixed reference radio beacons each being set up for collaboration with the server-based platform (S, E1, C), the respective local position in the server-based platform (S, E1, C) and the respective identification code of the further stationary reference radio beacons are stored. Arrangement according to one of the Claims 13 to 15th , whereby the mobile communication terminals registered with the server-based platform (S, E1, C) form a mesh network.

Images