A Review of Indoor Localization Technologies: towards Navigational Assistance for Topographical Disorientation

Abstract

Indoor localization technologies hold promise for many ambient intelligence applications, including in-situ navigational assistance for individuals with wayfinding difficulties. Given that the literature on indoor localization is vast and spans many different disciplines, we conducted a comprehensive review of the dominant technologies. We propose a taxonomy of localization technologies on the basis of the measured physical quantity. In particular, we identified, radio frequency, photonic, sonic and inertial localization technologies as leading solutions in the field. For each selected technology, the fundamental scientific mechanisms for localization are explained, key recent literature appraised and the merits and limitations are discussed. Recommendations are made regarding the creation of context-aware systems that can be used to enhance a user's topographical orientation skills.

Wayfinding and Navigation for People with Disabilities Using Social Navigation Networks

“…A variety of other techniques are being explored to achieve indoor localization, some of which require alterations to the indoor environment or infrastructure that are not ubiquitous. Torres-Solis et al [1] review a variety of such indoor localization technologies. Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is a technique used to simultaneously explore an environment, build a map, and localize a user in the map [5].…”

Overview of positioning technologies from fitness-to-purpose point of view

“…The survey's results are explained in detail in the next chapter. [5,6]. This paper categorise localisation techniques into four main categories; RadioFrequency (RF) based positioning systems, Dead-Reckoning (DR) positioning systems, Multisensory positioning and finally Surveillance positioning systems.…”

Method, Design and Implementation of an Indoor Tracking System with Concurrent Fault Localization

“…Nowadays several technologies for IHT, based on various physical principles, are available. Torres-Solis et al [2] classify IHT systems based on the measured quantity: photonic energy, sonic waves, mechanical energy, magnetic fields, atmospheric pressure and radio frequency (RF) waves. This last physical quantity is widely used, in cost-effective and flexible systems, by leveraging different methods.…”

“…This last physical quantity is widely used, in cost-effective and flexible systems, by leveraging different methods. Focusing on RF-based methodologies, the main sampled quantities, observed to perform localization, are: Angle of Arrival, Time of Flight, Differences in Time of Arrival, Received Signal Strength (RSS) [2][3][4]. Depending on the observed quantity it is possible to adopt a method based on Lateration/Angulation (computing a precise position in space from three or more measurements of distance/angle from known locations [3]) or on Fingerprinting (defining specific areas in the environment and identifying the target presence in one of them [3]).…”