Dimmable Beacon Light Modulation for Accurate Indoor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indoor positioning systems face challenges in accuracy due to the limitations of GPS in indoor environments and the unpredictability of radio wave propagation in complex indoor settings, necessitating a more reliable and accurate method for locating mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A dimmable beacon light source with a modulator that generates a digital pulse recognition signal, allowing LED light sources to transmit identification information through modulation of their light output, enabling precise positioning of mobile devices using photogrammetric techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used for indoor positioning, then outdoor location accuracy is maintained, but indoor positioning accuracy deteriorates due to signal blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light sources as intermediary objects between the positioning system and mobile devices. These light sources emit modulated visible light signals that serve as intermediaries to transmit positioning information indoors, where GPS signals cannot penetrate. The light sources act as local beacons that enable accurate indoor positioning without relying on satellite signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the radio wave-based GPS system with an optical system using visible light for indoor positioning. By substituting electromagnetic radio waves with optical light signals, the system overcomes the limitation of GPS signal blockage by buildings and achieves reliable indoor positioning through light-based modulation and detection.
2Area of stationary object
If radio wave propagation is used for indoor positioning, then coverage area is extended, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to unpredictable propagation in complex indoor settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the indoor space into multiple coverage zones, each associated with specific light sources. Instead of relying on a single omnidirectional radio signal, the system segments the positioning area and uses multiple localized light sources to provide accurate positioning information in each segment, achieving both coverage and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses modulation of light sources to encode positioning information, analogous to color changes. By modulating the intensity or frequency of visible light from different sources, the system transmits unique identification signals that allow mobile devices to determine their position based on which light sources are detected, achieving accurate positioning without relying on unpredictable radio wave propagation.
3Measurement precision
If light sources are modulated to transmit identification information, then positioning accuracy is improved, but light output control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes light sources multi-functional by enabling them to perform both illumination and positioning functions simultaneously. The same light sources that provide visible lighting are also modulated to transmit identification information for positioning, eliminating the need for separate positioning infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity despite the added modulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic modulation of light sources at frequencies imperceptible to humans to encode identification information. By applying periodic on-off keying or intensity modulation to the light output, the system transmits positioning data without affecting the perceived illumination, achieving accurate positioning while maintaining simple light source operation.
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
The system provides accurate three-dimensional positioning of mobile devices with high precision, enhancing the reliability of indoor positioning services and enabling the delivery of location-specific content.
Implementation Method 1
a light source is modulated to transmit identification information through visible light
Implementation Method 2
A dimmable beacon light source system using Digital Pulse Recognition (DPR) modulation, where a light source is modulated to transmit identification information
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a dimmable beacon light source for a light based positioning system. In some embodiments, the light source includes a dimmer control switch configured to generate a dimmer signal having a desired light output level, a dimmable driver for controlling the light output of the light source, and a modulator for receiving the dimmer signal from the dimmer control switch, generating a digital pulse recognition signal by controlling the frequency of the dimmer signal to a desired frequency value, and transmitting the digital pulse recognition signal to the dimmable driver to drive the light output of the light source. In some embodiments, the digital pulse recognition signal is a pulse width modulated signal. In some embodiments, the digital pulse recognition signal has a duty cycle based on the dimmer signal.