Localization of Mobile Client in Multistory Building using Public Wireless LAN System

Abstract

This paper describes a method for the localization of wireless mobile clients in multistory buildings using a public wireless LAN system. The global positioning system (GPS) is used for the outdoor localization of a mobile client carried by humans or mobile robots;however, it is difficult to estimate the global position of the mobile client in multistory buildings since the GPS is not suitable for indoor localization. The proposed method uses public wireless LAN access points which are settled three-dimensionally in a building. The application of the method involves the assumption that the humans or robots carrying the mobile client move horizontally on each floor in the building. The method simultaneously estimates the position of the mobile client and its floor number. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method is feasible.