Building Directory Aided Indoor Navigation via Image Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigation systems face challenges in indoor environments due to decreased GPS performance and difficulty in updating geographic data, particularly in dense urban areas with high buildings.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mobile device to capture images of building directories, apply image recognition algorithms to identify location values, and access a map database for navigation guidance, while also updating the database with new information and error reporting mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used for navigation, then outdoor navigation accuracy is improved, but indoor navigation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces building directories as an intermediary system between GPS and indoor navigation. The building directory contains location information that serves as a mediator, allowing the system to transition from GPS-based outdoor navigation to directory-based indoor navigation seamlessly, maintaining navigation reliability in both environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of building directories with location information and uses this copied data structure for indoor navigation. By capturing images of physical building directories and processing them into digital format, the system replicates the directory information for use in navigation algorithms, enabling indoor positioning without GPS
2Reliability
If map database is frequently updated to maintain accuracy, then data currentness is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-updating of the map database by capturing images of building directories and processing them through image recognition algorithms. The database updates itself without manual intervention by comparing captured directory images with stored data, automatically identifying and correcting discrepancies, thus maintaining data accuracy while reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where captured building directory images are compared against the stored map database. Discrepancies are identified and fed back into the system, triggering automatic updates to correct the database. This closed-loop feedback ensures continuous data accuracy while automating the update process
Data Source
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AI summary
A navigation system utilizes building directories to aid navigation. A mobile device, such as a mobile phone, captures an image of a building directory. The building directory includes information regarding the names and/or locations of tenants. An image recognition algorithm is performed on the captured image to extract information from the building directory. The extracted information is used to access a map database. The mobile device may display directions or a map to guide the user to a selected destination. In addition, the captured image may be used to build the map database or update the map database. Finally, the captured image may be matched with stored images of the building directory to determine the current location of the mobile device.