Indoor and Outdoor Seamless Positioning

Abstract — Our research goal is developing and deploying indoor and outdoor seamless Location-Based Service (LBS) that covers indoor and outdoor locations. The prime concern for GPS-based positioning systems such as car navigation are that they are not allowed to use inside building nor underground, where GPS signals are out of range. To increase flexibility for providing such services, both indoor and outdoor seamlessly, we have developed a novel seamless positioning system with the following three steps. First, IMES (Indoor Messaging System), an innovative technology for seamless positioning that uses GPS chipset receiver was applied to realize indoor positioning. Any device that has a GPS chipset in the receiver can detect IMES signal for positioning. Second, the firmware on GPS chipset was modified in order to smoothly provide seamless location information both indoor and outdoor in accordance with the movement of the user. Third, Network-Assist GPS/IMES was developed to improve time to first fix and vertical positioning accuracy. The system will meet the needs of emergency where quick and accurate personal location information dramatically makes difference. The application may be extended to commercial activity as well for personal store navigation. A prototype of system has been implemented and a shopping application has been investigated