Indoor Position Estimation via Communication State Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position estimation systems struggle to accurately estimate the coordinates of objects in a predetermined space without requiring user input and while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A position estimation system that includes an obtainer for acquiring image or temperature distribution information, an estimator for calculating the coordinates of a person and objects based on this information, and a positioning system for determining the position of communication devices, allowing for the estimation of object coordinates through communication state analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a positioning system measures position based on communication state between devices, then position estimation can be achieved without user input, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces communication devices (first communication devices held by persons and second communication devices disposed in the space) as intermediaries to enable position estimation. The positioning system uses communication state information between these devices as a mediator to determine positions without requiring direct user input or complex tracking mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple communication devices are used for position measurement, then measurement precision improves, but the number of devices required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes communication devices serve multiple functions: they act as both positioning references (second communication devices) and tracked targets (first communication devices held by persons). This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve precise position measurement using a limited number of devices, as each device contributes to both the reference framework and the measurement process simultaneously.
3Ease of manufacture
If the system estimates coordinates of objects through communication state analysis, then cost is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or optical tracking systems with communication-based position estimation. Instead of using expensive cameras, lasers, or mechanical sensors to directly detect object positions, the system uses communication state information (signal strength, transmission time) between communication devices to infer positions. This substitution maintains cost-effectiveness while achieving sufficient measurement precision for the intended applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A position estimation system includes: an obtainer that obtains image information of an image showing an indoor space in which a person is located; an estimator that estimates the coordinates of the person in the indoor space, on the basis of the image information obtained; and a position information obtainer that obtains position information of a first communication device from a positioning system. The estimator estimates the coordinates of a target first communication device held by the person, based on the coordinates of the person estimated and the position information obtained, and estimates the coordinates of an object other than the person in the indoor space, on the basis of a state of communication between a third communication device held by the object and the target first communication device, and the coordinates of the target first communication device estimated.