Abstract

In the era of multifunctional mobile phones, wireless positioning is one of the most important branches of telecommunications development. This functionality is possible thanks to global positioning systems such as GPS, whose services are available to every average user. Global systems, however, suffer from their low accuracy in confined environments such as forests and building interiors. A popular workaround to this limitation is the use of local indoor positioning systems. The disadvantage of such solutions, however, is the high cost associated with the hardware infrastructure.

The goal of this thesis was to create a device implementing the functionality of the mobile terminal positioning based on a local Wi-Fi network and the ESPAR smart antenna. The thesis begins with an explanation of the theoretical issues related to positioning algorithms and with designing the developed system. The process of designing such a device is presented through solving subsequent implementation problems. The project resulted in creation of a system capable of positioning a mobile terminal connected to the Wi-Fi network. The system has been subjected to accuracy tests, carried out in a 2D space. During the measurements, reference and test points were defined for the k-NN positioning algorithm. The accuracy of the mobile terminal positioning in the test points was examined in dependence on the parameters of the algorithm. The tests proved the positioning accuracy to be satisfactory.

The thesis proves the possibility of creating a local positioning system without using a significant hardware resources. Using a locating device with an ESPAR antenna and Wi-Fi access points instead of a standard sensor network is enough to create a complete system.

Acknowledgement: This paper is a result of the SCOTT project (www.scott-project.eu) which has received funding from the Electronic Component Systems for European Leadership Joint Undertaking under grant agreement No 737422. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and Austria, Spain, Finland, Ireland, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Norway.

The document reflects only the author’s view and the Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

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