Indoor Navigation via Camera and Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems are inadequate for indoor navigation and do not utilize social crowdsourcing to build and update navigation information, making it difficult for users to navigate within buildings.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system that uses social crowdsourcing to determine a user's starting location and destination through image data comparison, tracks movement using WiFi positioning, accelerometers, and altimeters, and rewards users for establishing routes, allowing route information to be shared among users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current navigation systems are used for indoor navigation, then outdoor navigation capability is maintained, but indoor navigation effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system is segmented into multiple independent modules: WiFi positioning module for location determination, accelerometer module for movement tracking, camera module for visual navigation, and route management module. Each module operates independently but contributes to the overall indoor navigation function, enabling effective indoor navigation while maintaining outdoor capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device integrates multiple functions into a single navigation system: positioning (WiFi), movement sensing (accelerometer), visual capture (camera), and route management. This multi-functional approach allows the device to effectively navigate both indoor and outdoor environments, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
2Productivity
If navigation information is centrally managed, then system control is maintained, but user contribution and information updates are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where users' navigation experiences and route data are continuously fed back to update the central navigation database. This allows rapid incorporation of user-generated route information, accelerating information updates while maintaining centralized coordination through the server architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges centralized server management with distributed user contributions. The server maintains overall system coordination and data aggregation, while individual mobile devices independently capture and submit route information. This combination enables rapid information updates through user productivity while the server manages the complexity of data integration and distribution.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated for tracking, then navigation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device utilizes its existing self-service capabilities and built-in sensors (WiFi, accelerometer, camera) for navigation functions. By leveraging already-present components rather than adding dedicated navigation hardware, the system achieves improved location tracking accuracy through sensor fusion while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A navigation system and method are described. A destination may be determined for a user. A starting location may be determined for the user using data obtained via a mobile device of the user. The user may be enabled to establish a route from the starting location to the destination using the mobile device. Route information that details the established route may be stored in a database for subsequent display to other users. In some embodiments, a value total for each user may be stored, and value may be added to the user's value total in response to the user establishing the route from the starting location to the destination.