Indoor Positioning via Visually Encoded Tags

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS) based on wireless communication technologies face challenges such as reduced accuracy in areas with weak signals or strong interferences, inability to function without network deployment, and privacy concerns due to reliance on satellite and network systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and device using visually encoded tags, such as QR codes, captured by a portable device to determine location through a predefined library, eliminating reliance on satellite and network systems, and enhancing privacy by local or offline querying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communication technologies are used for indoor positioning, then positioning coverage can be extended, but positioning accuracy deteriorates in areas with weak signals or strong interferences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning coverageVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces visually encoded tags as intermediary objects placed throughout the environment. These tags serve as mediators between the portable device and the positioning system, containing identification information that can be captured by image capturing equipment. This intermediary approach allows positioning to function independently of wireless communication signal strength, resolving the contradiction between coverage and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If satellite positioning systems are used, then outdoor positioning accuracy is improved, but the system cannot function in indoor environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidenvironmental applicability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the satellite-based electromagnetic positioning system with a visual recognition system using image capturing equipment. Instead of relying on satellite signals that cannot penetrate buildings, the system uses cameras to capture visually encoded tags in the environment. This substitution maintains positioning functionality across both outdoor and indoor environments while preserving accuracy through the visual recognition mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If network-based positioning systems are deployed, then positioning functionality is enabled, but privacy concerns arise due to reliance on network systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning functionalityVSAvoidprivacy concerns

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the positioning functionality from network-dependent systems and implements it locally through the portable device. The device captures images of visually encoded tags, decodes the identification information locally, and determines position without requiring network communication. This extraction eliminates privacy concerns associated with network-based positioning while maintaining full positioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If visual recognition methods are used for positioning, then network dependency is eliminated and privacy is improved, but the system requires visual encoding infrastructure deployment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprivacy protectionVSAvoidinfrastructure deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visually encoded tags that can be implemented as simple, inexpensive graphical elements (such as QR codes or custom visual patterns) that can be deployed on existing surfaces. These tags are lightweight, can be reproduced easily, and integrate into the environment without requiring complex infrastructure. The simplicity of the tag design and deployment process offsets the initial infrastructure setup requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This approach provides accurate and secure indoor positioning without network dependency, improving accuracy and privacy by using visually encoded tags to determine device location within an environment.

Implementation Method 1

capturing, by image capturing equipment of a portable device, a visually encoded tag in an environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9918296B2Method and device for positioning

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method of positioning and a corresponding portable device. In one embodiment, a method of positioning is provided. The method comprises: capturing, by image capturing equipment of a portable device, a visually encoded to in an environment; decoding the visually encoded tag to obtain an identification for generating the visually encoded tag; and determining a location of the portable device in the environment by querying a predefined library using the identification, the library recording correspondences between a set of identifications for generating visually encoded tags and a set of locations in the environment.