Indoor Mapping Linkage for Coordinate Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective solutions for indoor navigation within facilities, as GPS is not viable and static physical signs are expensive to update and provide limited information.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for providing navigation instructions within indoor facilities using indoor maps that contain a containing exterior space and a contained interior space, with a linkage for coordinate transformation, allowing users to determine paths between walkable areas and receive instructions for navigation between these spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If static physical signs and directories are used for wayfinding within facilities, then wayfinding information is provided, but updating costs are high and information coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies of facility maps and wayfinding information that can be distributed and updated electronically. Instead of physically manufacturing and installing new signs, the system uses digital representations stored on servers and accessed by user devices, allowing instant updates without remanufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static physical signs to dynamic digital maps that can be updated in real-time. The digital wayfinding information can change based on current conditions, facility modifications, or user needs, providing continuous adaptability without the costs associated with updating physical infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If GPS technology is used for outdoor wayfinding, then navigation accuracy is improved, but GPS is not viable for indoor navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coordinate transformation system that bridges indoor and outdoor reference frames. The linkage object with coordinate transformation projects indoor coordinates onto the outdoor map coordinate system, allowing indoor positions to be accurately represented and navigated using GPS-compatible digital mapping techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The system overlays an additional dimensional layer by projecting three-dimensional indoor space coordinates onto the two-dimensional outdoor map coordinate system through the linkage object. This allows indoor navigation to function within the existing GPS/digital map framework by adding a coordinate transformation dimension.
3Loss of information
If digital indoor mapping systems are implemented, then navigation accuracy and information coverage are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex indoor mapping system into distinct modular components: map data storage, coordinate transformation (linkage object), path calculation, and instruction generation. Each component handles a specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity through functional decomposition and allowing independent optimization of each segment.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for indoor mapping are described herein. The methods include providing an indoor map containing a current location of a user device, the indoor map having a containing exterior space, a contained interior space within the containing exterior space, and a linkage, the linkage having a coordinate transformation to project coordinates of the interior space onto coordinates of the exterior space. The methods also include receiving a point of interest, determining a path from the current location to the point of interest, the current location and the point of interest being in walkable areas, the path including a transition between the interior space and the exterior space, and providing instructions to navigate along the path, the coordinates of the interior space and the coordinates of the exterior space are referenced by either the instructions prior to the transition and the instructions after the transition.