Indoor Navigation via Tag-Based Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigation systems relying on satellite data, such as GPS, are ineffective in areas with poor satellite signal reception, like underground locations or buildings, where users need guidance to reach specific destinations.
Innovation Solution
A user guidance system utilizing tags with destination information that can be read by a portable electronic device, which communicates with a reader and guidance computer to provide directions and control access to elevators and doors, allowing users to navigate through unfamiliar areas without relying on satellite signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS satellite navigation is used, then navigation accuracy is improved, but it becomes ineffective in areas with poor satellite signal reception such as underground locations or buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of tags placed throughout the building and a portable reading device. The tags serve as intermediary markers that the reading device can detect to determine position, replacing the direct satellite-to-receiver signal path that fails in indoor environments. This intermediary tag-based system enables navigation where GPS signals cannot penetrate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a portable electronic device with tag reading capability is implemented, then navigation capability in buildings is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the portable electronic device multi-functional by enabling it to both read tags for navigation purposes and emulate tags for access control. This universal device eliminates the need for separate navigation devices and access cards, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced adaptability for both navigation and access control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device performs multiple functions autonomously - it reads tags to determine position for navigation, and emulates tags to automatically gain access to secured areas. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional specialized devices and simplifies the user experience while enhancing navigation and access control capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If tag reading and route determination systems are deployed, then navigation functionality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the navigation system and access control system into a unified integrated system. The same portable device, tags, and processing logic serve both navigation (determining position and providing route guidance) and access control (emulating tags to open doors). This consolidation reduces system complexity by eliminating redundant components while improving ease of operation through a single integrated interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A user can use a portable electronic device (110) to read destination information at a starting location (202). The portable electronic device (110) can be, for example, a smartphone (900). The destination information can be read from a tag (120) located at the starting location (202). The user can then present the portable electronic (110) device to a reader (140), which reads the destination information from the device (110). In response to reading the destination information from the device (110), various actions can be performed to aid the user. For example, an elevator call can be placed, trip information can be provided to the user, and/or another action can be performed.