Indoor Navigation System Using Segmented Map Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of wireless communications devices face difficulties in navigating unfamiliar physical locations and finding specific items within those locations, as existing systems only provide road maps and directions, lacking detailed building or item location information.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that communicate map information, including physical location layouts and item locations, to wireless communications devices based on their geographic position, using a computer system with modules for map generation, route determination, and item identification, enabling users to receive directions to specific items within a physical location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If road maps and directions are provided, then navigation to physical locations is enabled, but detailed item location information within the physical location is not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem location informationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments location information into multiple levels: road-level navigation (external maps) and building-level navigation (internal layouts with item locations). This segmentation allows the system to provide detailed item location information without redesigning the entire navigation system, by layering internal building map data onto external road map data structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested information structure where building floor plans and item location data are embedded within the broader road map navigation framework. The wireless communications device first retrieves external road maps, then overlays internal building layout information when approaching the destination, creating a nested hierarchy of location data from macro to micro levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Loss of information

If hard copy building maps and information booths are used, then detailed physical location information is available, but users must physically visit information sources and hard copy maps do not disclose item locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical location and item location detailsVSAvoiduser navigation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a digital copy of the physical building environment through wireless communications devices. Instead of users physically visiting information booths or consulting hard copy maps, the device transmits a virtual replica of the building layout and item locations via wireless signals, allowing users to navigate using their mobile device's display and audio guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical information delivery systems (physical information booths, hard copy maps, personnel) with wireless electronic communication. The system uses wireless signals to transmit building layout and item location data directly to the user's mobile device, eliminating the need for physical interaction with information sources and enabling real-time, dynamic navigation guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive building layout and item location data is provided, then navigation precision is improved, but data transmission and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem location accuracyVSAvoiddata processing energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-mapping building layouts and item locations before the user needs navigation. Building data is captured and stored in advance, allowing the system to retrieve and process only the specific portions of building data relevant to the user's current location and destination, rather than processing entire building databases in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies local quality by providing detailed building layout and item location information only in the specific areas where users need it, rather than uniformly across the entire building. The system determines which building zones and items are relevant based on the user's current position and navigation destination, selectively transmitting and processing only that localized information to minimize energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9020532B2Apparatus and methods for exchanging location-based information

Publication Date: 2015.04.28 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

The disclosed embodiments provide apparatus and methods for exchanging location-based information between a wireless communications device and a computer system. In one embodiment, the location-based information may include a layout of a physical location corresponding to a geographic position associated with the wireless communications device. In another embodiment, the location-based information may include directions from the geographic position, through the layout, to an item location associated with an item in the physical location. Additional disclosed embodiments relate to the wireless communications device, presentation of the location-based information on the wireless communications device, and associated computer-readable media.