Indoor Positioning via Camera-Beacon Optical Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Global Positioning System (GPS) devices struggle to accurately locate moving objects within covered areas, such as swimming pools, due to the inability to receive necessary satellite signals.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing cameras to capture images of beacons on moving objects, processing these images to determine positional coordinates, and converting them into GPS coordinates, allowing for real-time telemetry and performance metrics generation without relying solely on satellite signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS satellite signals are used to locate moving objects, then positional accuracy is improved, but the system fails to operate within covered areas where satellite signals are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces beacons as intermediary objects that are placed within the covered area to mediate the positioning function. These beacons receive satellite signals in areas where the moving object cannot receive them, then transmit position information to the moving object or to a central system, enabling positioning functionality to penetrate into signal-blocked zones
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from relying solely on three-dimensional satellite signal reception to incorporating two-dimensional image capture and processing. By using cameras to capture images of beacons and processing these images to determine positional coordinates, the system adds an optical dimension to the positioning methodology, enabling operation in environments where traditional satellite signals are blocked
2Adaptability or versatility
If cameras and image processing are used to determine positional coordinates, then operational coverage in covered areas is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beacons serve themselves by automatically transmitting their position information or by having their positions automatically determined through image processing. The system uses readily available camera technology and standard image processing algorithms to extract positional coordinates from images of the beacons, eliminating the need for complex specialized tracking equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies (images) of the beacons using cameras, then processes these copies to extract position information. This approach uses simple, inexpensive camera equipment to capture images, which are then digitally processed to determine coordinates, replacing complex specialized tracking devices with simpler imaging equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are disclosed for locating or otherwise generating positional information for an object, such as but not limited generating positional coordinates for an object attached to an athlete engaging in an athletic event. The positional coordinates may be processed with other telemetry and biometrical information to provide real-time performance metrics while the athlete engages in the athletic event.