Indoor Path Mapping with Sensor-Guided IPS Suggestions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current indoor positioning systems require manual or semi-automatic mapping processes, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive, as they rely on manual association of sensor measurements with indoor map coordinates, especially in GPS-denied areas like indoors or dense urban environments.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for a semi-automatic mapping tool that uses a mobile device with sensors to collect and process data, allowing users to interact with an Indoor Positioning System (IPS) through a touchscreen interface for easy and efficient updating of indoor maps, incorporating features like constrained path mapping and Pedestrian Dead Reckoning for path suggestions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual mapping process is used to ensure high-quality mapping, then mapping precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service mapping by automatically generating suggested paths from sensor data without requiring manual intervention for path creation. The mobile device autonomously collects sensor measurements, the server processes this data to generate suggested paths, and the system automatically updates the map database, eliminating the need for manual path drawing while maintaining high mapping quality through algorithmic path optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual mapping process with an automated electronic system. Instead of manually associating sensor measurements with map coordinates, the system uses sensor data collection, server-side processing, and automatic suggested path generation to substitute the manual mechanical process, thereby improving productivity while maintaining precision through algorithmic accuracy.
2Productivity
If fully automated SLAM is used to improve productivity, then mapping speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where users can review and correct suggested paths before finalization. The mobile device collects sensor data, the server generates suggested paths, and the system provides these suggestions to the user for verification and correction. This feedback loop ensures that automated processing maintains high precision by allowing human oversight to correct any inaccuracies in the automatically generated paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated path generation based on sensor data before finalizing the mapping. By pre-generating suggested paths using algorithmic processing of sensor measurements, the system prepares high-quality path suggestions in advance that can be quickly reviewed and approved, thereby maintaining both speed and precision without requiring complete manual mapping.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual path correction is allowed to improve mapping precision, then location association accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides structured feedback mechanisms where users can review suggested paths and make corrections through a user-friendly interface. The mobile device presents suggested paths to the user, who can easily review and correct them if needed. This feedback approach maintains high location association accuracy while keeping the operation simple and intuitive, as users only need to review and correct rather than create paths from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to easily correct paths through self-service operations. The mobile device automatically generates suggested paths that users can review and correct through simple touchscreen interactions. This self-service correction mechanism maintains high mapping precision while minimizing the effort required, as the system handles the complex path generation automatically and users only need to perform simple verification and correction tasks.
4Manufacturing precision
If zooming and correction is used to improve mapping precision, then location association accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated path generation based on sensor data before user review. By pre-calculating suggested paths using algorithmic processing of sensor measurements, the system prepares accurate path suggestions in advance that reduce the need for time-consuming manual zooming and correction. Users can quickly review pre-generated paths rather than manually creating them, significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual zooming and correction operations with automated suggested path generation. Instead of requiring users to manually zoom and adjust paths to achieve accuracy, the system automatically generates precise suggested paths through server-side processing of sensor data, substituting the time-consuming manual mechanics with efficient automated computation that maintains high location association accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method for providing a mapping tool with a semiautomatic mode of operation, comprising: retrieving map data relative to an indoor environment from an indoor positioning system (IPS); collecting sensor data from one or more units of a mobile device while the mobile device in transit within the indoor environment and sending the collected sensor data to the IPS; processing the sensor data received by the IPS in order to return to the mobile device one or more paths suggestions; and enabling a user to accept, reject or modify each path suggestion and updating the IPS accordingly.