MEP Solution Components

MEP is a multi-sensor fusion processing system utilizing Loctronix’ DAIN and SCP technologies to deliver a fully autonomous positioning and navigation solution for high-accuracy indoor / outdoor applications. MEP does not require any external location server support, having everything it needs to enable the hosting device with high-accuracy indoor positioning capability.

Key Benefits

  • Meter-level positioning accuracy when GPS or high-accuracy network positioning not available
  • No external infrastructure, uses existing wireless signals (typically cellular)
  • Simplified integration, making it easy to support state-of-the-art indoor location-enabled applications
  • Works almost everywhere
  • Optional map-matching support - no walking through walls, and highest accuracy when map data available
  • Legacy device support options with software only version (MEP Lite)

MEP Logical

MEP integrates with readily available consumer-grade sensors including: MEMS accelerometers, gyroscopes, electronic compasses, and barometers to provide real-time 3-D positioning data when GPS or other wireless solutions are unavailable or their accuracy is degraded and unusable.

MEP provides positioning and navigation data through multiple APIs, thus simplifying application integration. Application developers do not have to manage multiple location providers simultaneously (a challenge for anyone who is not an expert). MEP fusion engine can integrate all available location data creating a robust positioning and navigation capability for all environments:

MEP Functions

MEP is comprised of five main components that can be tailored to meet the host device specifications:

  • DAIN Sensor Fusion Engine – multi-sensor federated fusion engine combines all available sensor input and determines current position, speed, and direction using our proprietary DAIN technology. The fusion engine utilizes multiple maximum likelihood estimators and fuzzy logic to align sensor observables with multiple motion profiles delivering superior performance even when handheld by the user.
  • API – MEP features multiple levels of API support, initially targeting the Android OS environment with tight integration with LocationManager. Effectively, MEP adds a new positioning source, in addition to GPS and network positioning. Lower-level APIs are also available for more advanced application integration (e.g. MapAssist), enabling configuration management and optimization.
  • SCP DSP – This is the core RF signal processing engine implementing SCP technology, which tracks signals of opportunity (including SCP GPS if available) providing Doppler / ranging observables for use in the sensor fusion process. Optional for MEP Lite applications.
  • GPS Nav – This optional real-time GPS data processing software uses SCP data observables. Addition of the GPS nav functions eliminates the need for a separate GPS solution. Fully integrated GPS navigation reduces size, weight, power and cost with the added benefit of being tightly coupled with the fusion processing engine.
  • Power Management – MEP optimizes power consumption based on the device’s operating state. Sensors are shut down when the device is not in motion, providing tremendous power savings and extending battery life. Most MEP functions are disabled when not in motion, and return to active state when the device moves more than a few meters.
  • Map Assist – This function enables real-time correction of positioning data with respect to current map information. Map Assist, for example, prevents people from walking through walls. This feature is also a key element in Loctronix’ non-RF MEP Lite implementation.
  • Wifi Pos. – MEP provides optional support for WiFi received signal strength (RSS) positioning for localization and augmentation of the sensor fusion engine. Using locally cached (or externally provided) fingerprint data WiFi positioning provides localization within 5 to 15 meters.
  • RSS Profiler – Optional RSS profiling collects WiFi access point fingerprints when MEP is active. Uses precise positioning results from sensor fusion engine to monitor access point signal strength values resulting in fingerprint data suitable for WiFi RSS positioning.
  • Data Cache – Configurable cache stores MEP data products to enhance future positioning sessions. Cached data products are avaialbe for upload to location services enabling crowd sourcing methods.

Supported Sensors

MEP uses data from multiple sensors to calculate and display real-time positioning and navigation information. MEP has been tested with a variety of consumer grade devices and can be readily adapted to support new sensors as required. 

  • 6-Axis Accelerometer / Gyroscope – Real-time acceleration measurements provide linear and rotational acceleration information for the device.
  • 3-Axis Compass – A real-time 3-D magnetic sensor provides an indication of magnetic north, enabling calculation of direction of movement.
  • Barometer – This sensor provides differential height information. The optional capability enhances 3-D performance.
  • RF Front-End – MEP features a “Signals of Opportunity” RF receiver, typically a one or two-channel RF radio for cellular bands. When the GPS navigation option is added to MEP, the RF front-end also has a GPS L1 C/A receiver path.
  • Traditional GPS/AGPS (not shown) – If available on the device, MEP can integrate GPS/AGPS sensing to use positioning data as part of sensor fusion engine.
  • Network Location Based Services – If available on the device through third party solutions, MEP can integrate with location data servicas through standard API functions. Support for both wide area wireless and local wireless positioning data as available. Serivce providers can augment MEP functions with external data or use the profiling data to collect information about indoor environments.