Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Indoor Positioning Systems
The BLE technology is renowned and utilized for most proximity solutions, due to its simplicity for implementation, and low cost. The energy efficient wireless technology allows BLE beacons to operate on a tiny battery for potentially years, which makes the technology ideal for Indoor Positioning Systems.
BLE 5.1 Angle of Arrival (AoA)
BLE traditionally rely on Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and Trilateration to calculate the position of the subject. Most Indoor Positioning System vendors in the market are providing BLE solution.
BLE 5.1 AoA utilizes Triangulation in addition to the former concepts mentioned for BLE. The AoA positioning algorithm reads incoming waves from unique direction, and calculate the position of the subject based on the angle from where the subject is transmitting the signal. This improves the accuracy of the position-reading up to ten folds, achieving an average accuracy of less than 1 meter.
Refer to the illustration to understand the concept of Triangulation for Indoor Positioning.
BLE Technology Comparison
| Indoor Positioning Systems | Bluetooth Low Energy RSSI | Bluetooth Low Energy Angle of Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Average Accuracy | 5 ~ 10 m | 0.1 ~ 0.5 m |
| Gateway Cost | Low | Medium |
| Tag Cost | Low | Low |
| Gateway IoT capabilities | No | Yes |
| Protocol | Gateway BT 4.0+, Tag BT 4.0+ | Gateway BT 5.1, Tag BT 4.0+ |
| Sales Model | SaaS Product, Enterprise Solution | Enterprise Solution |
AoA technology provides a pinpoint level of tracking down to <1m and BLE technology provides a proximity level of tracking between the range of 5 – 10m. Match the right solution to your need with the information above, a one-size-fits-all Indoor Positioning System does not exist.
No Indoor Positioning Solution can be designed to conform with all requirements as there are too many complications – i.e., can you afford to estimate your subject’s indoor position? What’s your budget?
Indoor Positioning: Zonal Tracking
If you do not require the sub-meter level kind of indoor tracking accuracy – the BLE Zonal solution would be more suitable for you. It is a non-complex, easy to install, and quick to launch solution.
Our subscription package provides the: online platform license, tags, and gateways.
The gateways will pick up the signals from the tags within its range and identify all the tags within its range.
Indoor Positioning: Pinpoint Tracking
If a sub-meter level kind of indoor tracking accuracy is required – the AoA Precise Tracking would be needed.
The gateways must be mounted at a considerable height from the ground for wider coverage area. Antennas on the gateway will pick up the signals from the tags within the coverage area and the angle that the signal is arriving from.
From the received signal, we are able to calculate the precise position of the tag and reflect them on screen.
Common Indoor Positioning Systems Queries
The best indoor positioning system is the QuickTrack Indoor Tracking solution from MWI.
Our conclusion is base on the cost per coverage and accuracy of the indoor positioning system. Although QuickTrack is designed to only achieve Zonal Tracking accuracy, the value per coverage area and accuracy is higher compared to other technologies and systems.
An alternative answer to the best indoor positioning system would be there is none. At the end of the day, every business have different requirements and the best indoor positioning system for the company would be the most affordable and sustainable one that can fulfill the requirements.
By Tracking Technology
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
- Ultra Wide-Band (UWB)
- WiFi-based systems
- RFID systems
- Acoustic systems
- Infrared systems
By Tracking Accuracy
- Sub-Room (Less than 1m)
- Room (1m to 10m)
- Premise (10m to 50m)
- Urban (50m to 1000m)
- Regional (1km to 10km)
BLE 5.1 Angle of Arrival (AoA) is the most accurate indoor positioning system that utilizes BLE technology.
The technology touts an indoor tracking accuracy of less than 1m by capturing the angle of arrival of the signals from the approaching BLE device. While the UWB technology is able to achieve an accuracy of 5 to 10cm, it is a lot more expensive and more susceptible to interference of its signal.
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