AR Marker Placement Using Phased Arrays for Precise People Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for locating individuals in large crowds, initiating communication with strangers, and finding likeminded individuals in public spaces are inefficient and often inaccurate, leading to missed connections and difficulty in networking.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a phased antenna array and augmented reality (AR) markers to track and display the location of signal sources, enabling precise spatial awareness and communication between AR devices through triangulation and trilateration, with features like Kalman filters and AR markers to identify and filter data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional phone tracking software is used to locate individuals in large crowds, then communication can be initiated digitally, but the location accuracy is poor and individuals nearby may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces AR markers as intermediary visual indicators that bridge the gap between digital tracking data and physical location. These markers are overlaid on the real-world view through AR technology, providing intuitive visual cues about nearby individuals without requiring complex interface interactions. The markers serve as a mediator between the tracking system and the user, translating raw location data into actionable visual information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/search-based location methods with signal-based triangulation and trilateration. Instead of physically searching or using simple GPS coordinates, the system uses electromagnetic signals from phased antenna arrays to calculate precise positions. This substitution of mechanical search with computational signal processing achieves superior accuracy while reducing the need for physical movement or manual searching.
2Ease of operation
If traditional methods are used to initiate communication with unfamiliar individuals in public, then contact details must be known in advance or physical approach is required, but spontaneous digital communication is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and displaying AR markers that indicate the presence and basic information of nearby individuals before any communication attempt. The tracking system continuously monitors and prepares communication opportunities by visualizing potential contacts in the user's field of view, so when the user encounters someone of interest, the communication pathway is already prepared and immediately accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service communication initiation where the AR interface automatically presents communication options based on detected nearby individuals. Instead of requiring the user to manually search for contacts or exchange information, the system autonomously identifies potential contacts, displays their information through AR markers, and provides direct communication pathways, allowing users to initiate conversations with minimal effort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If no specialized system is used to find likeminded individuals in public spaces, then networking opportunities are limited, but implementing tracking and AR display systems increases device and system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional system where the AR device performs multiple functions: it acts as a camera for viewing the real world, a display for showing AR markers, a communication device for initiating contacts, and a navigation aid for locating individuals. The phased antenna array serves both communication and positioning functions. This universality allows the system to provide networking capabilities without requiring separate specialized devices for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate centimeter-level 3D mapping and seamless communication between individuals, enhancing networking opportunities and personal connections in public spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the position module determines the location of the one or more signal sources by triangulation and/or trilateration
Implementation Method 2
the position module determines the location of the one or more signal sources by triangulation and/or trilateration
Implementation Method 3
the position module utilizes at least one of a Kalman filter, a Joint Probabilistic Data Association (JPDA) operation, or a Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) algorithm to determine the location of each of the one or more signal sources
Implementation Method 4
the position module utilizes at least one of a Kalman filter, a Joint Probabilistic Data Association (JPDA) operation, or a Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) algorithm to determine the location of each of the one or more signal sources
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a position module configured to receive, from a phased antenna array, signals from one or more signal sources in an environment and determine, based on the signals, a location of each of the one or more signal sources in the environment relative to the phased antenna array; an AR marker module configured to identify each of the one or more signal sources for which identifying data is available and assign an AR marker to each of the one or more signal sources to produce AR-marked signal data; and a spatial awareness module configured to calculate a spatial position of each of the one or more signal sources with respect to at least one AR device and associate the spatial position of each of the one or more signal sources with the at least one AR device to produce AR device-specific tracking data.