Relative Device Positioning via Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination technologies, such as GPS, face limitations in accuracy and availability, particularly in determining the relative position and orientation of devices within a shared space, like a room, where signals may be unreliable or unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that uses image comparison from devices within a threshold distance to determine relative positions, involving a proximity module to identify nearby devices, an imaging module to capture and transmit images, and a positioning module to analyze overlapping portions or visual identifiers for precise location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS technology is used to determine device location, then location information can be obtained, but accuracy is limited and availability is restricted to areas with GPS signal coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces images as an intermediary medium to determine device relative positions. Instead of relying directly on GPS signals which fail in certain environments, the system uses images captured by device cameras as a mediator to infer location information through image analysis, matching, and geometric relationship calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic signal-based GPS system with an optical-based image capture and analysis system. By substituting the mechanical/optical measurement approach (camera imaging) for the electromagnetic signal approach (GPS radio waves), the system achieves reliable location determination in environments where GPS signals are unavailable.
2Measurement precision
If traditional location technologies are used, then location can be determined in open areas, but accuracy deteriorates in shared spaces like rooms where signals are unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location determination problem from dependence on external signal infrastructure (GPS towers, cellular networks) and solves it using only local resources available in the shared space - specifically, images captured by the devices themselves. This extraction eliminates the harmful effect of signal interference and unavailability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image copying and matching - capturing images of the same physical space from different device perspectives, then comparing these copies to determine relative positions. By creating and analyzing multiple copies of the same environment from different viewpoints, the system achieves precise relative location determination without external signals.
3Measurement precision
If image comparison method is implemented, then relative position determination accuracy improves in shared spaces, but device complexity increases due to additional modules required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing device components multi-functional. The camera, originally designed for photography, is also used for location determination. The processor, originally for general computation, performs image analysis and geometric calculations. This universality allows the system to achieve enhanced functionality without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the location determination function with the existing imaging and processing capabilities of mobile devices. Rather than adding completely separate dedicated location hardware, the system combines image capture, image processing, and position calculation into an integrated workflow that leverages existing device architecture, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject technology relate to systems, methods, and machine-readable media for determining a location of a device. A system is configured to identify a group of devices, wherein each device in the group of devices is within a threshold distance of the other devices in the group of devices, receive at least one image of a surrounding area from one or more devices in the group of devices, and determine a relative position for at least one device in the group of devices based on the at least one image received from the one or more devices.