A comprehensive algorithm for vertical positioning in multi-building environments as an advancement in indoor floor-level detection

Abstract

The proliferation of smartphones has catalyzed diverse services, mainly focusing on indoor localization to determine users’ and devices’ positions within buildings. Despite decades of exploration, the seamless integration of wireless technologies in tracking devices and users has become pivotal in various sectors, including health, industry, disaster management, building operations, and surveillance. Extensive research in laboratory and industrial settings, particularly in wireless sensor networks and robotics, has informed indoor localization techniques. This paper, referencing surveys and original literature reviews, proposes an innovative indoor location system amalgamating GPS and barometer readings. GPS identifies entry through doors, while barometer readings facilitate accurate floor-level tracking. The integration promises continuous real-time location updates, enhancing security, navigation, and emergency response. Notably, the algorithm is infrastructure-independent, relying on the smartphone’s barometer, and versatile, detecting elevator travel when Wi-Fi AP or LTE signals are available. Results indicate high accuracy, with building entry exceeding 93%, elevator recognition achieving 75% sensitivity and 97% specificity, and floor change detection surpassing 95% sensitivity and nearly 98% specificity (which translates to nearly 97% accuracy). This comprehensive solution, emphasizing the critical role of precise vertical positioning, signifies an advancement in tracking within urban structures.