摘要 |
The distance between the user of an electronic device (for example, a mobile telephone) at point A and a target destination at point H, is determined using a network of electronic devices (C to G), each provided with short range radio communication means. The method comprises transferring data packets from one device to the next from point A to a transceiver 210 located at point H, then determining the number of 'hops' of the signal, each hop defining a distance value, and summing the distance values to obtain an estimated value of the total distance between the points. The method may be repeated using different routes, with either a mean value or the smallest value being used as the distance determination. The network of devices may comprise static beacons or mobile devices. The method may be used to provide a low-cost system which can be used indoors, and may be particularly useful as a tool for blind or visually impaired people moving around unfamiliar locations. |