Indoor Positioning via Triangulation Using Unique Reference Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GPS systems are ineffective in determining the location of devices indoors due to weak satellite signals, particularly in basements or enclosed spaces.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system that uses a plurality of reference objects with unique feature information and a positioning device equipped with an image capturing unit and processing unit to estimate the location of a to-be-positioned device using a triangulation method, based on image data of the reference objects, without relying on satellite signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS satellite signals are used for positioning, then positioning can be achieved globally, but positioning fails indoors where satellite signals are weak or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference objects as intermediary elements between the positioning device and the environment. These reference objects are placed throughout the indoor space and serve as mediators that the positioning device can detect and use to calculate its location, effectively bridging the gap where satellite signals cannot reach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the satellite-based electromagnetic signal system with a local optical/image-based detection system. Instead of relying on GPS satellite signals, the system uses an image capturing unit to detect reference objects and a processing unit to calculate position, substituting the external satellite system with a local self-contained positioning mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional image-based positioning methods are used, then satellite signal dependency is eliminated, but positioning precision deteriorates due to insufficient feature information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each reference object possess unique feature information that is distinct from other reference objects. This uniqueness allows the processing unit to identify and differentiate between multiple reference objects, enabling precise triangulation and accurate position calculation based on the specific spatial relationships between detected reference objects
3Measurement precision
If more reference objects are deployed to improve positioning accuracy, then positioning precision improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing reference objects with a standardized structure that includes unique feature information. Each reference object serves the same fundamental function (providing positioning reference), but with distinct identifying features. This allows the system to use multiple identical-type reference objects throughout the environment without proportionally increasing processing complexity, as the same image capture and feature recognition algorithms can handle any number of them
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 precise positioning of movable devices on or above a floor surface indoors by leveraging unique feature information from reference objects, improving location determination accuracy and overcoming satellite signal limitations.
Implementation Method 1
The image capturing unit is configured to obtain image data of at least three of the reference objects
Implementation Method 2
estimate, using a triangulation positioning method, a positioning coordinate of a location of the to-be-positioned device with respect to the coordinate system based on the at least three pixel positions, a focal length of the image capturing unit
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning system for positioning a to-be-positioned device includes three or more reference objects each providing individual unique feature information associated with a two-dimensional coordinate. A positioning device includes an image capturing unit obtaining image data of three of the reference objects, and a processing unit obtaining, based on the image data, three pixel positions corresponding respectively to the three reference objects in the image data, obtaining the two-dimensional coordinate of the location of the three reference objects, and estimating a positioning coordinate of the to-be-positioned device using a triangulation positioning method based on the three pixel positions, a focal length used for obtaining the image data and the two-dimensional coordinates.