Indoor Navigation via Local Coordinate Systems and Context Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic maps and web-based mapping services are inadequate for providing turn-by-turn directions and location-based services in specific, localized environments such as indoor spaces, as they rely on outdoor positioning systems and global coordinate systems, which are impractical for navigating complex indoor areas.
Innovation Solution
Establishing local coordinate systems and using location context identifiers (LCIs) to associate location information with specific indoor environments, allowing mobile devices to request and receive location-based data that provides navigational information and points of interest within these environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If outdoor positioning systems and global coordinate systems are used, then mapping and directional services can be provided, but the services become impractical for navigating complex indoor areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the global positioning system into localized coordinate systems for different indoor environments. Each indoor location has its own coordinate system established through reference points and landmarks, allowing independent and accurate positioning within each localized area without relying on the global system's limitations indoors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local coordinate systems tailored to specific indoor environments rather than using a uniform global coordinate system. Each localized environment receives customized positioning parameters based on its unique physical characteristics, reference points, and navigational requirements, thereby improving accuracy and adaptability for that specific location.
2Ease of operation
If electronic maps and web-based mapping services are used, then directions can be provided outdoors, but turn-by-turn directions are limited to roadways and cannot provide analogous services indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning framework that functions both outdoors and indoors by establishing coordinate systems at multiple levels. The system can operate with global coordinates for outdoor navigation and switch to localized coordinate systems for indoor navigation, providing consistent turn-by-turn directional services across both environments without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends navigation from two-dimensional outdoor road networks to three-dimensional indoor spaces by incorporating vertical levels, floors, and multi-level structures into the coordinate system. This dimensional expansion allows the system to provide turn-by-turn directions through buildings, across floors, and through complex indoor geometries that traditional 2D mapping cannot handle.
3Measurement precision
If global coordinate systems are used for mapping, then outdoor navigation is supported, but precise location determination becomes difficult in specific localized indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces localized coordinate systems as intermediary structures between the global coordinate system and the specific indoor environment. These intermediate systems act as translators that convert global references into locally meaningful coordinates, enabling precise positioning indoors while maintaining connection to the global framework through transformation parameters and reference point mappings.
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems, methods, apparatuses, articles, etc. for mobile device locating in conjunction with localized environments. For certain example implementations, a method may comprise obtaining at a mobile device one or more signals comprising information indicative of a location thereof. The information may be transmitted to one or more servers. A location context identifier (LCI) may be received responsive to the transmitting, with the LCI corresponding to a localized environment at which the mobile device is located. The LCI may be transmitted to the one or more servers. Location-based data may be received responsive to the transmitting of the LCI, with the location-based data being associated with the LCI and pertaining to the localized environment. The location of the mobile device may be determined with respect to the localized environment based, at least in part, on the location-based data. Other example implementations are described herein.