Indoor Location Estimation Using Wireless Triangulation and Image Refinement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the location of devices within interior spaces, such as homes and offices, are inefficient due to reliance on GPS signals that may not be available or accurate, and visual positioning systems that require large data processing and power consumption, making it difficult to configure and control multiple devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a combination of wireless communication signal analysis and visual positioning to determine the location of a computing device within an interior space, refining initial estimates through image data to provide accurate location and orientation, allowing for efficient configuration and control of controllable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS signals are used for location determination, then location data can be obtained, but GPS signals are not available or accurate in interior spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication devices (access points, routers) as intermediary objects whose signals can be received inside buildings. These devices act as mediators between the computing device and the exterior GPS satellite system, enabling location determination through indoor wireless signal triangulation when direct GPS signals are blocked by building structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes wireless communication devices serve dual functions: their primary function for data communication and an additional function as location reference points for triangulation. By enabling these common devices to also serve as positioning beacons, the system achieves location determination without requiring specialized GPS receivers or external infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If visual positioning systems are used for location determination, then location accuracy can be improved, but data processing requirements and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the camera-based visual positioning system (optical/mechanical approach) with a wireless signal-based triangulation system (electromagnetic approach). Instead of capturing and processing images to determine location, the system uses wireless signal strength measurements from multiple access points, significantly reducing computational burden and power consumption while maintaining acceptable location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from visual/image data to wireless signal strength (RSSI - Received Signal Strength Indicator). This parameter change enables location determination using low-power radio frequency measurements rather than energy-intensive camera operations and image processing algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If visual positioning systems are used for location determination, then location accuracy can be improved, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex visual positioning system with a simpler wireless signal triangulation approach. Instead of processing images, detecting features, and performing complex computational geometry, the system uses straightforward signal strength measurements and triangulation mathematics, reducing both processing complexity and computational resources required.
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
Enables precise location determination and configuration of devices with reduced data and power usage, allowing for effective control and grouping of devices within interior spaces, improving user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
determining a first location estimate based on a plurality of round-trip times, wherein each round-trip time of the plurality of times corresponds to a different wireless communication device
Implementation Method 2
trigger capture of image data; and determining a second location estimate based on the image data and the first location estimate
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining locations and configuring controllable devices are provided. Example systems and methods include determining a first location estimate for a computing device using a first interior location estimating technique. The example systems and method may also include determining a second location estimate for the computing device by refining the first location estimate using a second interior location estimating technique, the first interior location estimating technique being different than the second interior location estimating technique. The first interior location estimating technique may be based on round-trip time to multiple wireless communication devices. The second interior location estimating technique may be based on image data.