Augmented Reality Navigation Using Bar Code Readers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional navigation methods, such as printed maps and GPS technology, are inadequate for providing dynamic and accurate directions within complex environments like buildings or small geographical areas, often lacking detail and experiencing signal interference or accuracy issues.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system utilizing invisible bar codes and augmented reality viewing devices, such as goggles or contact lenses, that use bar code readers to provide users with real-time, efficient route guidance through virtual track lighting, arrows, and textual instructions, integrated with a processor and database to plan optimal routes based on scanned bar codes and user location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS technology is used for navigation, then dynamic navigation instructions are provided, but signal reception may be unavailable in certain areas due to obstacles such as tall buildings or mountains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bar codes as intermediary markers placed throughout the environment that serve as reference points for navigation. These bar codes are detectable by the device's camera or bar code reader, providing location information without requiring GPS satellite signals. This intermediary system allows navigation to function in areas where direct GPS reception is blocked by buildings or terrain.
2Measurement precision
If GPS technology is used for navigation, then dynamic navigation instructions are provided, but triangulation accuracy is insufficient for small geographical areas such as office buildings or retail stores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the navigation area into segments marked by individually placed bar codes at specific locations. Rather than relying on GPS triangulation across large areas, the system uses discrete, localized bar code markers to define precise positions within small geographical areas. This segmentation approach enables accurate location identification in confined spaces like office buildings or retail stores where GPS precision is insufficient.
3Loss of information
If printed maps are used for navigation, then static location information is provided, but the maps cannot be updated without recreating the printed map and do not provide dynamic directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses bar codes as digital copies of location information that can be easily reproduced and updated. Instead of physically recreating printed maps to update information, the system stores location data in digital bar code formats that can be modified and redistributed electronically. This allows dynamic updates of navigation information without the complexity of reprinting physical maps.
4Loss of information
If signage is used for navigation, then intermittent directional instruction is provided, but the signage requires brevity and cannot provide comprehensive navigation guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the bar code system universal and multi-functional. Each bar code contains encoded location information that can serve multiple purposes: identifying specific locations, providing directional guidance, and enabling dynamic route calculation. The same bar code infrastructure supports both static location identification and dynamic navigation instructions, eliminating the need for separate comprehensive signage systems.
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 users to navigate efficiently and accurately within complex environments by providing dynamic, real-time navigation instructions that adapt to their surroundings, overcoming limitations of traditional methods like GPS and printed maps.
Implementation Method 1
These bar codes may be printed using ink which reflects light comprising wavelengths which are outside the human visual range, but which a bar code reader or camera may detect
Data Source
AI summary
The navigation system includes a series of bar codes and a bar code reader. The bar codes are placed at positions throughout the area to be navigated. The bar code readers scan the bar codes as a user moves through the area to be navigated. The navigation system may include a processor which includes instructions for receiving the user's current position and at least one location the user wishes to reach. The processor assembles the most efficient route from the user's position to the locations the user wishes to reach. The navigation system may include an augmented reality viewing device which receives signals from the processor and displays an augmented reality view to the user. The augmented reality view includes augmented reality images which provide step-by-step instructions from the user's position to the locations the user wishes to reach.