NPE (Navizon positioning engine)
The Navizon Positioning Engine (NPE) is a location-based technology that utilizes various wireless signals to determine the position of a device or user. It combines data from Wi-Fi access points, cellular towers, and other sources to provide accurate location information. NPE offers a wide range of applications across industries such as asset tracking, indoor navigation, and geofencing.
At its core, NPE uses a technique called trilateration to estimate the position of a device. Trilateration involves measuring the distance between the device and multiple known reference points, then using geometric calculations to determine the device's location. In the case of NPE, these reference points are Wi-Fi access points and cellular towers, which emit signals that can be detected and measured by the device.
The process of determining the position through NPE starts with the device scanning its surroundings for available Wi-Fi access points and cellular towers. It collects information about the signal strength and other characteristics of these signals, along with their corresponding locations. This data is then sent to the Navizon server for processing.
On the server side, the NPE algorithms analyze the collected data and perform trilateration calculations. By comparing the signal strength of each access point or cellular tower and their known locations, the system can estimate the distance between the device and these reference points. This information is used to determine the device's position in relation to the reference points.
To improve accuracy, NPE employs advanced techniques such as fingerprinting. Fingerprinting involves creating a database of signal characteristics for various locations. This database is built through a process called site surveying, where multiple measurements are taken at different points within an area of interest. The collected data is then used to create a unique fingerprint for each location.
When a device sends its signal data to the Navizon server, the system compares it against the fingerprint database to identify the most likely location. This matching process takes into account factors such as signal strength, signal propagation characteristics, and environmental conditions. By leveraging this extensive database of fingerprints, NPE can achieve higher accuracy in positioning.
One of the notable features of NPE is its ability to provide indoor positioning. While GPS signals struggle to penetrate indoor environments, NPE leverages Wi-Fi signals and other available data sources to overcome this limitation. By using Wi-Fi access points located within buildings, NPE can determine the position of a device even in complex indoor settings. This makes it suitable for applications such as indoor navigation in shopping malls, airports, and large venues.
In addition to positioning, NPE offers various features that enhance its usability and applicability. It supports multi-floor positioning, allowing it to determine the vertical position of a device in buildings with multiple levels. This is particularly useful in scenarios where accurate floor-level information is crucial, such as in hospitals or high-rise buildings.
NPE also provides a robust geofencing capability. Geofencing is a technology that enables the creation of virtual boundaries around specific geographic areas. When a device equipped with NPE enters or exits these predefined zones, it triggers notifications or actions. Geofencing has applications in various industries, including retail, logistics, and security.
Furthermore, NPE offers an application programming interface (API) that enables developers to integrate its positioning capabilities into their own applications. The API allows developers to access location data, retrieve information about nearby points of interest, and implement customized geofencing logic. This flexibility makes NPE a versatile tool for building location-aware applications.
It is important to note that while NPE provides accurate positioning and versatile functionality, it relies on the availability of Wi-Fi access points and cellular towers for optimal performance. In areas with limited coverage or where such infrastructure is sparse, the accuracy and reliability of NPE may be affected.
In summary, the Navizon Positioning Engine (NPE) is a location-based technology that leverages Wi-Fi access points, cellular towers, and other data sources to determine the position of a device or user. Through trilateration and fingerprinting techniques, NPE achieves accurate positioning both indoors and outdoors. It offers features such as multi-floor positioning, geofencing, and an API for developers. NPE finds applications in asset tracking, indoor navigation, and various other industries where location awareness is crucial.