Indoor Positioning Using Augmented Reality Markers
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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 cannot work in indoor spaces without wireless network connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces AR markers as intermediary objects that mediate between the computing device and the physical environment for positioning. These markers serve as reference points that enable location determination without requiring GPS satellites or wireless network infrastructure, thus resolving the contradiction between positioning reliability and environmental adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the physical environment by placing digital AR markers at known physical locations. This virtual representation allows the computing device to determine its position by detecting these marker copies in the real world, enabling indoor positioning without GPS.
2Reliability
If beacon-based location systems are deployed, then indoor positioning capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from complex beacon infrastructure and implements it using simple AR markers that can be detected by the computing device's existing camera and processor. This removes the need for dedicated beacon hardware, reducing system complexity while maintaining indoor positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The AR marker system serves multiple functions: it provides positioning references, enables navigation guidance, and works with existing device cameras without requiring specialized hardware. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to dedicated beacon systems.
3Reliability
If conventional location determination systems are used, then positioning function is achieved, but network connectivity dependency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device performs positioning autonomously by detecting AR markers and calculating its position using its own camera and processor. The system serves itself without requiring external network infrastructure, eliminating network connectivity dependency while maintaining the positioning function.
4Measurement precision
If beacon systems are implemented, then location tracking is improved, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive AR markers that can be printed or displayed on screens rather than expensive physical beacon devices. These digital markers can be deployed cheaply and updated remotely, dramatically reducing installation and maintenance costs while maintaining location tracking accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for providing indirect local geo-positioning using AR markers are disclosed. A first movable AR marker can be located or found by a computing device. A location of the first movable AR marker can be known and shared with the computing device. The location of the first movable AR marker can be based on distance between the first movable AR marker and a fixed AR marker. A distance to the first movable AR marker can be determined. Based on the known location of the first movable AR marker and the distance to the first movable AR marker from the computing device, an estimate of the location of the computing device can be determined without having line-of-sight (LOS) to the fixed AR marker.