Field validation of beacon-based indoor tracking and localization system for construction workers

초록

Construction operations involve various entities that require reliable tracking to ensure safety, optimize resources, and monitor progress. Traditional manual methods are labor-intensive and error-prone, making automated systems essential. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons are preferred for their minimal infrastructure setup and cost-effectiveness. However, their reliability is affected by environmental changes, presenting challenges in dynamic environments like construction sites. This study investigates the impact of beacon-receiver distance, beacon placement strategies, and indoor environmental geometry on BLE beacon-based tracking reliability. Experiments were conducted in two indoor environments with sixteen beacon installation points, with beacons placed at ground level and 1.2 m high. The impact of signal obstruction was assessed by collecting data with a smartphone inside and outside a pocket. A researcher walked across the testbed, holding a smartphone to collect stable RSSI readings from all beacons. Overall, the experiments yielded over 20,000 RSSI readings. The findings indicate that calibrated models, which require minimal setup, align closely with site-specific data and are recommended for effective tracking. The effective RSSI range was identified as one to six meters. Based on these experimental findings, the optimized BLE beacon deployment strategies are proposed to enhance tracking stability and accuracy on construction sites.

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