Probabilistic Grid System for Indoor Mobile Localization Using Multi-Power Bluetooth Beacon Emulator

Despite extensive research, indoor localization techniques remain an open problem, with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) continuing to be a dominant technology even in the presence of ultrawideband and Bluetooth 5.1. This study proposes a novel approach for indoor mobile device localization using BLE. Unlike traditional methods relying on the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), this technique employs spatial signal coverage analysis from multi-power Bluetooth emulators, with data collected by an array of receivers. These coverage patterns form a probability grid, which is processed to accurately determine the mobile device’s location. The method accounts for the intrinsic properties of antennas and the operational ranges of multiple beacon emulators, thereby enhancing localization precision. By utilizing receiver range data rather than RSSI, localization outcomes demonstrate greater consistency. Static measurements show an average error of 1.83 m, a median error of 1.73 m, and a mode error of 2.35 m. In dynamic settings, a moving robot exhibited a measurement error of 3.6 m for 70% of samples and 4.6 m for 94% of samples. This solution is currently being implemented to track attendees at trade fairs, providing metrics to inform stand rental pricing and insights for optimizing stand distribution to encourage visitor exploration.