Title: Analysis of challenges in the application of deterministic wireless channel modelling in the implementation of WLAN-based indoor location system in large complex scenarios

Authors: Iris Sesma; Leire Azpilicueta; José Javier Astrain; Jesús Villadangos; Francisco Falcone

Addresses: Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, UPNA, Pamplona, Navarra 31006, Spain ' Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, UPNA, Pamplona, Navarra 31006, Spain ' Mathematics and Computer Engineering Department, UPNA, Pamplona, Navarra 31006, Spain ' Mathematics and Computer Engineering Department, UPNA, Pamplona, Navarra 31006, Spain ' Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, UPNA, Pamplona, Navarra 31006, Spain

Abstract: This paper describes user location and tracking on indoor scenarios based on the pattern recognition of IEEE 802.11 signal strength measurements by means of a fuzzy inference system. Signal fluctuation makes difficult and imprecise the trilateration of the user location, so we propose the use of fuzzy techniques to deal with such imprecision. To implement the location system, deterministic wireless channel characterisation is obtained by means of in-house implemented 3D ray launching code. Several scenarios are analysed, since their size strongly impacts on algorithm convergence. The limitations and solution, based on subdivision of the scenario in sub-zones, are analysed and applied to the case of a new emergency hospital complex in Navarra. Simulation and measurement results are presented showing good agreement. The results can aid in the determination of an optimised WiFi-based location system providing efficient positioning and communication services in complex indoor scenarios.

Keywords: wireless location systems; 3D ray launching; fuzzy sets; wireless LANs; local area networks; WLAN access points; wireless channel modelling; indoor locations; complex scenarios; fuzzy logic; pattern recognition; IEEE 802.11 signal strength; fuzzy inference systems; FIS; emergency hospital complex; Spain; simulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAHUC.2014.059916

International Journal of Ad Hoc and Ubiquitous Computing, 2014 Vol.15 No.1/2/3, pp.171 - 184

Received: 27 Dec 2012
Accepted: 22 Aug 2013

Published online: 19 Mar 2014 *

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