Asset Floor Map Using Signal Strength and Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large organizations, locating and managing shared resources such as equipment and locations is challenging due to the difficulty in maintaining up-to-date visual floor maps, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially with the dynamic nature of assets like hot desks and BYOD environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium with executable code to generate a visual asset floor map by identifying and locating assets through signal strength data, image processing, and Indoor Positioning Systems, allowing for real-time updates and crowd-sourced maintenance of asset locations and statuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual floor map building is used to identify and locate assets, then IT personnel can maintain asset information, but the process is very time consuming and requires many manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes with automated electronic systems. Specifically, it uses mobile devices with cameras and processors to automatically capture images, identify assets through image recognition, and update floor maps digitally, eliminating the need for manual floor map building and significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where mobile devices automatically perform asset identification, location determination, and floor map updates without requiring IT personnel intervention. The automated image processing and asset detection systems work independently to maintain and update floor maps, freeing IT staff from time-consuming manual tasks
2Reliability
If manual floor map building is used, then asset locations can be recorded, but the location can be based on approximations and/or be error prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces error-prone manual processes with automated image recognition and electronic positioning systems. Mobile devices capture precise location data through GPS and camera imaging, and automated systems process this data to generate accurate floor maps, eliminating human error and approximations inherent in manual methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates accurate digital copies of physical asset locations through camera imaging and electronic data capture. Instead of manual approximation, the system captures precise visual and spatial data that can be processed to generate accurate digital representations of asset positions on floor maps, improving reliability through precise copying of real-world locations
3Loss of information
If workers physically go to resources to check availability, then they can find out if resources are available or functional, but it costs valuable time and is not always accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical travel to resources with electronic information retrieval through mobile devices. The system uses automated asset tracking, image recognition, and database queries to provide real-time resource status information to users, eliminating the need for workers to physically visit locations and significantly reducing time loss while providing accurate, up-to-date information
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback mechanisms where asset status information is continuously updated and made available through mobile devices. Users receive immediate feedback about resource availability and functionality without physical travel, and the system continuously monitors and updates asset states, providing accurate information feedback that eliminates uncertainty about resource status
4Adaptability or versatility
If the number of assets on floor increases due to BYOD, then organizational flexibility improves, but keeping the visual floor map up-to-date becomes a significant challenge
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where mobile devices automatically detect, identify, and report asset locations to the floor map system. As new devices are brought to the organization, they automatically register themselves through camera imaging and GPS positioning, eliminating the need for manual tracking of each asset and maintaining floor map accuracy even as asset numbers increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual asset tracking with automated electronic systems that continuously monitor and update floor maps. Mobile devices with cameras and GPS automatically capture asset location data, and electronic processing systems update the visual floor map in real-time, maintaining productivity and accuracy even as the number of assets increases due to BYOD policies
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 intuitive and accurate identification and management of assets, reducing the time and effort required for IT personnel and end-users to locate resources, while ensuring the accuracy and liveliness of the floor map, even in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
capturing, using an application of the client device, signal strength data representing a signal field for at least one position on the floor map
Implementation Method 2
an image processing application programming interface (API) configured to classify an image and detect individual within the image
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a floor map indicating a layout of a location, displaying at least a portion of the floor map, capturing signal strength data representing a signal field for at least one position on the floor map, identifying an asset within the layout of the location, determining at least one property that identifies the asset using one of a discovery process using a wireless protocol and an image processing application programming interface (API) configured to classify an image and detect individual within the image, updating the floor map with the asset and the at least one property, and communicating the asset and the at least one property to the remote computing device.