An Optimized Algorithm for Indoor Localization and Concepts for Anonymous Dynamic Obstacle Detection

Indoor localization is a research field that has drawn the attention of many researchers over the last years. In some application scenarios, for example when assisting visually impaired persons with finding their way around within indoor environments, the aspect of dynamic obstacle detection plays an important role. In this work, an optimized localization algorithm based on field strength measurements is presented. Furthermore, methods for dynamic obstacle detection are developed and evaluated. For this purpose, a low-cost infrared array sensor is used. Since most of the encountered dynamic obstacles in indoor environments are generally persons, the major advantage of the proposed concept is that the anonymity of the detected persons is preserved and there are no conflicts with data protection regulations. It will be shown that reliable and accurate indoor localization based on field strength measurements within a wireless mesh network can be carried out. Also the detection of moving persons is possible and even the movement patterns of two persons simultaneously crossing the field of view of the sensor can be displayed. The achieved results are verified by extensive measurements and descriptive statistics.