3D AR Markers for Indoor Geo-Positioning Without Beacons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional geo-positioning systems, such as GPS, are ineffective in indoor spaces without wireless network connectivity, and beacon-based systems are costly and complex to maintain.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing physical three-dimensional (3D) augmented reality (AR) markers that can be identified by computing devices to determine location, allowing for geo-positioning and navigation without the need for beacons or network connectivity, by leveraging any existing 3D object as a marker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS is used for geo-positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but it becomes ineffective in indoor spaces without wireless network connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces 3D AR markers as intermediary objects that serve as reference points for positioning. These markers are placed throughout the indoor environment and can be detected by the computing device's camera, enabling location determination without requiring network connectivity or traditional beacon infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic beacon-based positioning system with an optical system using 3D AR markers and camera-based detection. This substitution eliminates the need for wireless network infrastructure and complex beacon deployments while maintaining positioning functionality in indoor spaces.
2Reliability
If beacon-based location systems are deployed, then indoor positioning functionality is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive 3D printed or physically manufactured 3D markers as replacement for expensive beacon devices. These markers are simple physical objects that can be mass-produced at low cost and do not require power sources, electronics, or maintenance, dramatically reducing system complexity and deployment cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the positioning reference function from complex electronic beacons and implements it through simple physical 3D markers. By separating the reference marker function from the positioning computation (which remains on the user's device), the system eliminates the need for complex beacon infrastructure while maintaining positioning capability.
3Ease of operation
If traditional beacon systems are installed, then navigation services are provided, but the environment requires alteration and maintenance resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing 3D objects in the environment serve dual purposes: their original function plus serving as positioning markers. For example, furniture, architectural features, or decorative objects can be 3D printed or modified to include marker characteristics, eliminating the need for dedicated beacon installations and reducing environmental modification requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of existing 3D objects by adding marker-specific features (such as specific geometric patterns, colors, or structural characteristics) that enable detection by the computing device's camera. This allows ordinary objects to become positioning markers without fundamentally altering their primary function or requiring extensive environmental modification.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for providing local geo-positioning using three-dimensional (3D) augmented reality (AR) markers are disclosed. A 3D AR marker located within an occupied space of a user can be displayed on a display of a computing device when the AR marker is within a field of view of the computing device. The 3D AR marker can be identified based on information stored in a storage device of the computing device. Physical attribute information of the 3D AR marker and location information for the 3D AR marker can be retrieved. A distance between the computing device and the 3D AR marker based can be determined based on the physical attribute information. A location of the computing device can then be determined based on the determined distance between the computing device and the 3D AR marker and the location information of the 3D AR marker.