Access Point Location via Composite 3D Map
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the location of access points within a building structure are inaccurate and time-consuming, often requiring trained personnel and precise measurements, which can lead to errors due to obstacles and inaccuracies in floor plans.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that use a floorplan and images of the building structure, along with reference points, to generate a composite 3D map, allowing for the accurate determination of access point locations through sub-area division and image stitching, reducing the need for precise measurements and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods using trained personnel and precise measurements are used to determine access point locations, then measurement precision may be improved, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone due to obstacles and floor plan inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated image processing system. The system uses photographs of access points, automatically detects their locations through image analysis, and determines positions using computational algorithms rather than manual surveying techniques, thereby reducing time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical environment through photographs and uses this digital representation to determine access point locations. Instead of directly measuring physical positions, the system analyzes visual copies (images) of the access points and their surroundings to infer locations, which speeds up the process and reduces human error
2Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used to determine access point locations, then measurement precision might be achieved, but the complexity and difficulty of the process increases due to obstacles and floor plan errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary digital model (composite image or 3D reconstruction) that mediates between the physical access points and the measurement process. This digital intermediary captures spatial relationships and allows for automated location determination without direct manual measurement, reducing the difficulty of detecting and measuring locations despite obstacles or floor plan inaccuracies
Solution Approach 2:
The system substitutes manual mechanical measurement with automated computer vision and image processing techniques. Algorithms automatically detect access points in photographs, track their positions across multiple images, and calculate locations using computational geometry, thereby reducing the difficulty of the measurement process while maintaining precision
3Productivity
If automated image-based methods are used to determine access point locations, then the time required is reduced, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex task of location determination into distinct manageable steps: photograph capture, access point detection in images, position tracking across multiple images, and location calculation. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently and reduces overall system complexity by breaking down the automated process into modular functions
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of access points located within a building structure may provide various location-based services, such as navigation, to mobile devices within the building structure. To more accurately determine the location of the plurality of access points, a floorplan of the interior of the building structure may be obtained. A plurality of images of the interior of the building structure is then obtained. At least one of the images includes an image of at least one of the plurality of access points. A plurality of reference points may also be located within the building structure and obtained. Based on the plurality of images, reference points, and the floorplan, a composite image of the interior of the structure is generated. Based on the composite image, the location of each of the plurality of access points is determined.