Indoor Map Model Using Convex Polygons for Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional GPS navigation systems are inefficient for indoor environments, as they rely on road graph models that do not accurately represent non-uniformly shaped open spaces and fail to capture navigable paths effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate indoor map models using convex polygons and adjacency relationships, where navigable areas are represented by specific colors and non-navigable areas are identified to create a map model suitable for route-finding operations, utilizing image analysis to define polygon boundaries and metadata for navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional road graph models are used to represent indoor environments, then the representation is simple and easy to generate, but the accuracy of capturing navigable paths and relationships between destinations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the indoor environment into multiple convex polygons, each representing a distinct navigable area. This segmentation allows complex non-uniform spaces to be broken down into manageable geometric units that can be systematically processed and represented, improving accuracy while maintaining computational feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D road graph representations to a 2.5D polygon-based representation that incorporates spatial relationships and adjacency information. By adding the dimension of spatial containment and connectivity between polygons, the system captures three-dimensional navigational relationships within the indoor environment
2Measurement precision
If convex polygons are used to represent navigable areas, then the accuracy of representing non-uniform spaces is improved, but the complexity of generating the map model increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual map creation processes with automated image processing techniques. By using computer vision algorithms to analyze images of indoor environments and automatically generate polygon representations, the system eliminates the need for manual surveying and mapping, making the process more accessible and easier to execute
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified polygonal copy of the actual indoor environment from image data. This copying process extracts essential geometric information from photographs or floor plans and transforms it into an abstract representation that captures navigable areas without requiring direct measurement or complex processing of the original environment
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for providing an indoor map representation are provided herein. Aspects of this disclosure provide a representation of an indoor map environment whereby navigable areas are represented by a series of convex polygons in adjacency relationships with one another. Image analysis may be performed on a floor plan image to identify navigable areas and to determine the boundaries of the polygons, such as by assigning one or more colors to navigable space and one or more colors to non-navigable space. Route-finding operations may be performed using the adjacency relationships to find a path from a source area to a destination area.