Improved path loss prediction model for short range indoor positioning using bluetooth low energy

Achieving short range accuracy is an ongoing challenge in Indoor Positioning methods for providing location based services. Wireless positioning is a key enabler for location based services and many research papers have been published for indoor positioning using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZIGBEE, IR etc. The published research suggests that position of wireless beacon can be determined based on the time of arrival and the measured signal strength. But, the margins of error in the calculated value using the published formulae, negatively impacts the efficacy of most indoor positioning applications. This paper recommends methods to improve the accuracy of the calculated value when using Bluetooth LE technology. Methods used for Indoor positioning as compared to Outdoor positioning need to handle attenuation factors such as Multipath fading, diffraction, reflection etc. These become especially critical for short ranges of ~3m which is the general range of influence for a display unit. Hence, modelling a very short range Path Loss Prediction becomes imperative. This paper proposes a new Path Loss model for very short range between 10-12 ft with better accuracy and miniscule error rate.