Indoor Mobile Object Positioning Using Signal Propagation Time
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in accurately specifying the position of mobile objects, particularly indoors, and in efficiently billing users based on actual operation time and content, as well as securely protecting information in IoT platforms.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a plurality of first devices and a mobile object with a second device to calculate distances and specify positions based on signal propagation time, and incorporating features for billing and encryption to address these challenges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite positioning systems are used for autonomous traveling, then position specification accuracy is improved, but indoor applicability deteriorates because radio waves from satellites cannot be received indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication devices as intermediary elements installed throughout the space. These devices receive satellite positioning information and relay it to mobile objects indoors, acting as mediators between the satellite positioning system and indoor mobile objects. This allows position specification indoors without direct satellite signal reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct satellite signal reception with a wireless communication-based position relay system. Instead of relying on mechanical/electromagnetic direct line-of-sight from satellites, the system uses wireless communication devices to transmit position information through infrastructure, enabling indoor positioning through substitution of the signal transmission mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If rental services charge per day or per use, then billing simplicity is improved, but fairness and revenue adequacy deteriorate because the same amount is charged regardless of actual operation time and content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the management device continuously receives position information from mobile objects and calculates actual operation time and distance. This feedback loop enables dynamic billing that reflects actual usage, allowing the system to charge based on real operational data rather than fixed time periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile object automatically transmits its position information to the management device, enabling self-reporting of usage. This self-service approach allows the system to gather accurate operation data without manual intervention, forming the basis for usage-based billing while maintaining ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If markers such as magnetic markers, optical markers, or QR codes are used for indoor guidance, then indoor position specification is improved, but system complexity and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wireless communication devices that transmit position information digitally rather than using physical markers. The position data is copied and transmitted through wireless communication, eliminating the need for physical magnetic markers, optical markers, or QR codes. This reduces physical infrastructure complexity while maintaining positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical marker system with an electronic wireless communication system. Instead of using physical markers that require installation and maintenance throughout the space, the system uses wireless transmission of position information, substituting mechanical infrastructure with electronic communication infrastructure.
4Extent of automation
If IoT platforms collect and process information, then functionality and automation are improved, but information security and privacy protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective information sharing where only necessary position information is transmitted to the management device, while sensitive personal information remains local to the mobile object. This local quality approach allows automation through data collection while protecting privacy by limiting what information is shared externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms detailed position data into aggregated usage metrics (operation time, distance) for billing purposes. By changing the parameter representation from granular location data to summarized operational statistics, the system maintains automation capability while reducing security and privacy risks associated with collecting detailed personal information.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate position specification of mobile objects, fair billing based on operation time, and secure information protection, enhancing efficiency and security in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a distance calculator that calculates a distance between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device based on a propagation time of information or a signal between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a system and a method capable of specifying a position of a mobile object. A system comprising a plurality of first devices and a mobile object including a second device is provided. The system comprises a distance calculator that calculates a distance between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device based on a propagation time of information or a signal between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device; and a position specifier that specifies a position of the second device based on the calculated distance between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device. It is preferable that the distance calculator calculates the distance based on a time deviation between a clock of one of the first devices and a clock of the second device.