Hybrid Indoor Positioning for Intelligent Inspection Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection mechanisms in factories suffer from human error due to unfamiliarity with the inspection process and navigation challenges in complex environments, leading to incomplete inspections and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent inspection device utilizing a combination of signal positioning and inertial positioning, integrated with a computing element, to provide accurate indoor positioning and automatic path planning, enhanced by augmented reality guidance and automated gauge reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used with maps and human navigation, then inspection personnel can perform visual checks, but they cannot guarantee successful navigation to destination in complicated work environments due to unfamiliarity and directional challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual navigation using paper maps and human directional sense with an automated electronic navigation system. The system uses a computing element to calculate routes, a display element to show navigation information, and positioning modules (signal positioning and inertial positioning) to track location, thereby eliminating the reliance on human directional skills and map-reading abilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary navigation system that acts as a mediator between the inspection personnel and the complex work environment. This system includes a computing element that processes location data and route information, and a display element that presents simplified navigation guidance, thereby shielding the user from the complexity of navigating the facility.
2Productivity
If new employees are used for inspection, then labor costs may be reduced, but inspection thoroughness decreases due to unfamiliarity with the inspection process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the inspection system to serve itself by providing automated guidance and information display. The navigation system and inspection process guidance reduce the need for extensive employee training, allowing new employees to perform inspections effectively without requiring deep prior knowledge of the facility or inspection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for human expertise and experience with an automated information system. The computing element stores and retrieves inspection procedures, equipment locations, and relevant data, presenting this information through the display element, thereby substituting human knowledge with an automated information delivery system.
3Measurement precision
If traditional positioning methods are used in indoor environments, then system complexity is kept low, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to signal blockage and environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two positioning methods: signal positioning (using wireless signals from access points) and inertial positioning (using accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers). The computing element integrates data from both systems, allowing the device to maintain positioning accuracy by compensating for the weaknesses of each individual system when used alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite positioning system that combines different positioning technologies with complementary characteristics. The signal positioning module provides absolute location references when available, while the inertial positioning module provides continuous relative position data, creating a robust hybrid system that leverages the strengths of both approaches.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device ensures thorough inspections by reducing human error and optimizing navigation, enabling efficient route planning and accurate data collection, thereby improving operational efficiency and quality control.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining, by the signal positioning module, a field signal through establishing a communication to a signal collection point, wherein the signal collection point is configured to collect the field signal emitted by a signal source
Implementation Method 2
collecting, by the inertial positioning module, inertial positioning information
Implementation Method 3
inertial positioning uses built-in sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to track the user's location and movements
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure proposes an intelligent inspection device and its operating method. The intelligent inspection device includes a signal positioning module, an inertial positioning module, and a computing element. The operating method includes: obtaining a field signal by the signal positioning module from a signal collection point, collecting inertial positioning data by the inertial positioning module, obtaining a device location of the intelligent inspection device from the field signal, a collection point location of the signal collection point and a signal source location of the signal source from a database, and calculating a relative position of the intelligent inspection device with respect to the signal source, and calculating positioning information of the intelligent inspection device according to the relative position and the inertial positioning information, with the positioning information including a three-dimensional coordinate and an orientation angle.