Indoor Navigation Floorplan Mediator for GPS Signal Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indoor GPS navigation systems face challenges due to unknown or dynamic indoor layouts, and existing customer incentive programs fail to dynamically address customer needs, leading to poor engagement and forgotten rewards accounts.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a device and a backend server that determines indoor location using various methods (GPS signal deterioration, Wi-Fi strength, sonic signals, magnetic/electric fields) and communicates with the server to provide personalized product recommendations and directions based on customer profiles and floorplans, allowing for dynamic customer engagement through tailored offers and easy account management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS technology is used for navigation, then outdoor location accuracy is improved, but indoor navigation capability deteriorates due to signal blockage by buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces floorplan maps as an intermediary representation of indoor spaces. These floorplans serve as a mediator between the device and the physical indoor environment, enabling navigation without direct GPS satellite contact. The floorplan contains encoded spatial information that allows the device to determine its location and navigate indoors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the indoor environment in the form of a floorplan map. This copy contains all necessary navigation information (walls, corridors, rooms, points of interest) and is stored on the device or server, allowing the system to navigate indoors by referencing this digital replica rather than relying on satellite signals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If indoor GPS navigation is implemented, then indoor location tracking is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to unknown or dynamic indoor layouts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires that floorplan maps be obtained and stored before indoor navigation begins. The floorplan is preprocessed and encoded with navigation data in advance, so when the device enters an indoor location, it can immediately reference the pre-existing map without needing to discover or learn the layout in real-time, ensuring reliable navigation even in dynamic environments.
3Ease of operation
If static coupon programs are used, then customer incentive distribution is simplified, but customer engagement deteriorates due to inability to dynamically address customer needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static coupon programs into dynamic systems by continuously updating promotional content based on real-time device location, customer profile data, and purchase history. As the customer moves through the store, the system dynamically generates and delivers personalized offers, product recommendations, and navigation guidance, making the incentive program adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where customer behavior (movement patterns, product views, purchases) is continuously monitored and fed back to the server. The server uses this feedback to adjust promotional content, offer timing, and product recommendations in real-time, creating a responsive system that adapts to customer needs rather than forcing customers to adapt to static offers.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rewards accounts are maintained, then customer choice is increased, but ease of use deteriorates due to difficulty in tracking and remembering accounts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple rewards accounts and promotional programs into a single unified mobile application interface. The system consolidates loyalty points, coupons, and offers from multiple programs into one accessible location, eliminating the need for customers to remember separate account credentials or navigate multiple applications. The device automatically manages account authentication and information retrieval.
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 accurate indoor navigation and enhances customer engagement by providing relevant product recommendations and easy account management, increasing the likelihood of in-store purchases by addressing customer needs dynamically.
Implementation Method 1
The Device can determine whether it has entered an indoor location... GPS technology has its limits because it is dependent on receiving an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. Obstacles such as buildings block the relatively weak GPS signals.
Implementation Method 2
A user's Device can be configured to determine whether the device has entered an indoor location... (Wi-Fi strength)
Implementation Method 3
A user's Device can be configured to determine whether the device has entered an indoor location... (sonic signals)
Implementation Method 4
A user's Device can be configured to determine whether the device has entered an indoor location... (magnetic/electric fields)
Implementation Method 5
A user's Device can be configured to determine whether the device has entered an indoor location... (magnetic/electric fields)
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a backend server are described. The device can determine whether it has entered an indoor location, and once in the indoor location, the device can communicate with the server the name of the location. The device can determine the current location of the user in the indoor location, and based on the floorplan and the indoor location of an item, the device can direct the user to the item. The floorplan can be constructed based on data accumulated from various visitors of the indoor location.