Abstract : Wireless sensor networks integrate microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), sensing technology, embedded technology, distributed information processing technology, and wireless communication technology, giving rise to a novel information interception and processing mode. Addressing the shortcomings of outdoor GPS positioning technology, this paper studies wireless sensor network positioning technology and designs an indoor positioning system based on Zigbee technology to achieve seamless positioning. This paper introduces a prototype indoor positioning system, focusing on its design. Keywords : Wireless sensor network (WSN); indoor positioning; prototype system; Zigbee; seamless positioning 1. Introduction Currently, GPS positioning technology is a popular and relatively mature technology, but it also has some inherent drawbacks. In indoor environments, GPS receiver positioning calculations are based on signals transmitted by GPS satellites. Therefore, the receiver only receives good signals when facing an open sky. However, in indoor locations such as shopping malls, offices, and covered parking lots, GPS receivers face difficulties in receiving signals because GPS signals attenuate significantly when propagating indoors. GPS receivers struggle to meet the requirements. According to the definition in the GPS system specification IS-GPS-200 D, the power of civilian L1 signals reaching the ground should not be less than -158.5 dBW (-128.5 dBm). Indoor signals can attenuate to -160 dBW to -200 dBW, making GPS unusable. Although many GPS receivers can now receive signals below -160 dBW, this is still insufficient. To achieve seamless positioning indoors—that is, to accurately locate a moving target regardless of its location—a wireless sensor network based on Zigbee technology is used for indoor positioning. 2. Introduction to Wireless Sensor Networks and Zigbee Technology 2.1 Introduction to Wireless Sensor Networks A wireless sensor network is a network composed of several multifunctional sensors that can collaboratively detect, sense, and collect information about various environments or objects within the network's distribution area in real time. This information is then processed to obtain detailed and accurate data, which is then transmitted to users who need it. The three elements of a sensor network are the sensor, the object being sensed, and the observer. Sensors are hardware modules that can integrate multiple functions such as information acquisition, data processing and wireless communication. The sensing object is the monitoring target that the observer is interested in, and it is also the sensing object of the sensor network. The sensing object is generally characterized by digital quantities that represent physical phenomena, chemical phenomena or other phenomena, such as temperature and humidity. A sensor network can sense multiple objects in the network distribution area. An object can also be sensed by multiple sensor networks. The observer is the user of the sensor network, and is the receiver and user of the sensing information. The observer can be a person, a computer or other device. A sensor network can have multiple observers. An observer can also be an observer of multiple sensor networks. The architecture diagram of the wireless sensor network [1] is shown in Figure 1 below: Research and Design of Indoor Positioning Prototype System Based on Wireless Sensor Network Full Text Download