Architecture and Prototypical Realization of NFC-based Indoor Positioning with Android and Google Maps

摘要

This paper discussed challenges and possible solutions for accurate indoor positioning systems with the main focus on potential integration of NFC readers and tags as location sources. Designed as an experimental platform for location algorithm testing, the presented ITC Indoor Positioning System (IIPS) prototype acquires data from several location sensors, aggregates and prioritizes the location information to infer on accurate indoor location. The QoPos (Quality of Positioning) concept introduced by this paper categorizes location sources according to several metrics, most simple one being proximity. Passive NFC tags can be read by NFC devices integrated with today's smartphones, identifying an exact indoor position. Augmenting such accurate momentary location information with WLAN fingerprinting, indoor maps, and advanced sensors like, e.g., accelerometer, magnetometer, and/or gyroscope as proposed by can enable indoor floor-level door-to-door routing in large buildings like airports or shopping malls.