Hybrid GPS Visible Light Location Tracking for Indoor Outdoors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
GPS signals cannot be received in areas such as rooms or tunnels, making it difficult to track the location, speed, and positioning of mobile terminals or vehicles accurately.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that combines a GPS signal processor and a visible light signal processor, along with a GPS/visible light selector and location information output unit, to identify location information using visible light communication signals when GPS signals are unavailable, allowing for accurate tracking by comparing signal strengths and controlling operations between the two systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If GPS signal processing is used for location tracking, then location information can be obtained outdoors, but location tracking cannot be performed indoors or in areas where GPS signals are not received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS signal processing and visible light communication (VLC) signal processing into a single apparatus. The GPS signal processor handles outdoor location tracking while the VLC signal processor handles indoor location tracking. The signal processor selectively activates either the GPS module or the VLC module based on signal availability, enabling seamless location tracking across both outdoor and indoor environments without relying on a single technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a signal strength detector as an intermediary component that measures the strength of both GPS and VLC signals. This detector provides information to the processor about signal availability, which then determines which processing module should be activated. This intermediary mechanism enables reliable switching between GPS and VLC modes based on real-time signal conditions
2Reliability
If visible light communication modules transmit location information continuously, then location tracking is always available, but communication resources and power are consumed unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the visible light communication module transmit location information only at specific intervals rather than continuously. The module transmits location data when the mobile terminal is detected to be moving between different areas, and remains silent when the terminal is stationary. This periodic transmission approach maintains location tracking reliability while significantly reducing power consumption and communication resource usage
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for identifying location information by using visible light communication and a GPS (Global Positioning System). The apparatus includes: a GPS signal processor for receiving a GPS signal, and identifying location information; a visible light signal processor for receiving a visible light signal, and identifying location information; a GPS/visible light selector for identifying strengths of signals provided by the GPS signal processor and the visible light signal processor, and controlling an operation of the GPS signal processor and an operation of the visible light signal processor; and a location information output unit for outputting the at least one location information provided by the GPS signal processor and the visible light signal processor.