Unlocking Precision: Implementation and Evaluation of UWB-Based Indoor Positioning System on iPhone

Ultra-wideband (UWB) has been gaining attention as a wireless communication technology capable of highly accurate positioning, achieving centimeter-level precision when used with dedicated devices. Recently, the number of smartphones equipped with UWB communication functions, such as the iPhone 11, has been increasing. However, there has been limited evaluation of UWB positioning systems using smartphones. This study aims to evaluate an indoor positioning system utilizing the UWB communication function in iPhones, focusing on positioning accuracy and identifying potential challenges. The experiment assessed the positioning accuracy of UWB, as well as its integration with Bluetooth Low Energy and Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR) technologies, in both narrow area scenarios where handover is not required and wide area scenarios where handover is necessary. The results show that UWB can provide highly accurate positioning in small areas, but availability in large areas is significantly reduced due to inadequate handover. The paper concludes with a discussion of the need for improved communication protocols to enhance UWB positioning systems.