Small area location tracking?

Question

Hello Element 14 community,

I was looking for some help in regards to the Raspberry Pi.

I was curious if it is possible to track the location on a mobile phone using bluetooth or something similar.

This would only be in a home, so it wouldn't require long ranges and I would use multiple Pi's.

Also if someone knows if there are any Bluetooth modules available for the Pi that would be really helpful.

Thanks in advance.

Former Member · Accepted Answer

If I wanted to do this project, this is what I would have done. Create a network of interconnected APs like a mesh. When a device gets connected to an AP, it should be able to receive signals from multiple APs at a time. Measure the received power at mobile device from each AP. If you want to have location of device then have the received power from at least 3 APs. I know that is the exact process followed for GPS, but that would be the way I would follow. You can find the commands to get the power data from each router in the user manual of router you are using. You can have a Pi connected to the network and use it to send commands and process the data received. When you are localizing the device, consider the power attenuated due to walls, doors, etc. Best of luck.