Different Approaches to Indoor Localization Based on Bluetooth Low Energy Beacons and Wi-Fi

Abstract

Thanks to Global Navigation Satellite Systems, the position of a smartphone equipped with the particular receiver can be determined with an accuracy of a few meters outdoors, having a clear view of the sky. These systems, however, are not usable indoors, because there is no signal from satellites. Therefore, it is necessary to use other localization techniques indoors. This paper focuses on the use of Bluetooth Low Energy and Wi-Fi radio technologies. We have created a special mobile application for the Android operating system in order to evaluate these techniques. This application allows localization testing in a real environment within a building of a university campus. We compare multiple approaches based on K-Nearest Neighbors and Particle Filter algorithms that have been further modified. The combination of Low Energy Bluetooth and Wi-Fi appears to be a promising solution reaching the satisfying accuracy and minimal deployment costs.