Context-Aware Location Services Using 6 DOF Spatial Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location-based services lack flexibility and accuracy due to a 'flat' positioning approach that does not consider user orientation or contextual factors such as nearby users, time of day, weather, and demographics.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a server computer with a virtual world system and a location-based services engine (LBS engine) that processes spatial data using data fusion algorithms to determine accurate 6 DOF positional and orientational data, enabling context-aware location-based services by assessing spatial relationships and generating services based on contextual data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If flat positioning approach is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of location-based services deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D flat positioning (latitude/longitude) to 3D spatial positioning by incorporating vertical altitude data and orientation angles (pitch, roll, yaw). This dimensional expansion enables more precise location-based services by considering the device's position in three-dimensional space and its spatial orientation, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested data structure where basic location data (latitude, longitude) is embedded within a broader context of spatial coordinates (x, y, z), which in turn is nested within an even more comprehensive framework including orientation data and contextual information. This nested approach allows the system to maintain compatibility with simpler systems while providing enhanced precision when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If contextual data processing is added, then service personalization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex contextual data processing system into distinct modules: location data acquisition module, contextual data collection module (weather, traffic, user preferences), data fusion module, and service generation module. Each module handles specific tasks independently, making the overall complex system more manageable and maintainable while still achieving high service personalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the client device and the location-based services. The server handles the complex tasks of data fusion, contextual analysis, and service personalization, allowing the client device to remain relatively simple while still benefiting from highly personalized services through the intermediary's processing capabilities.
3Loss of information
If multiple data sources are integrated, then information completeness is improved, but loss of time in data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-collecting and pre-processing contextual data (user preferences, historical behavior patterns, environmental conditions) and storing them in accessible formats. When location data is obtained, the system can quickly retrieve and fuse this pre-prepared contextual information without requiring extensive real-time processing, thus reducing data processing time while maintaining information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
A system enabling accurate context-aware location-based services comprises at least one server computer storing a virtual world system configured to provide spatial data to a location-based services engine (LBS engine) associated therewith. The LBS engine is configured to obtain, from a processing device via a network, processed or semi-processed spatial data associated with a corresponding plurality of client devices, wherein the received spatial data is computed using data fusion algorithms by the processing device. The LBS engine is further configured to assess the spatial data to determine a spatial relationship between the client device and at least one target object stored in the virtual world system. If said spatial relationship matches a certain threshold, the LBS engine generates one or more location-based services for the plurality of client devices considering corresponding contextual data and sends the location-based services to the plurality of client devices via the network.