Indoor Wayfinding Navigation Graphs for Real-Time Route Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current facility wayfinding systems rely on static physical signs, which are costly to update and provide limited information, and mobile applications that require installation and may lack accuracy, especially without GPS or WiFi signals, failing to offer real-time updates and efficient navigation within facilities.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device-based wayfinding system that stores facility maps, directories, and metadata, generates navigation graphs, and plots routes between selected waypoints, providing real-time updates and accurate navigation using a combination of CPU and GPU processing, with a backend system for data management and updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If static physical signs and directories are used for facility wayfinding, then wayfinding information is provided, but updating costs are high and information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical signs and directories with digital copies displayed on mobile devices. The system creates a digital replica of the facility map and directory information that can be updated and distributed without physical production costs, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and update cost
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static physical signs to dynamic digital displays that can be updated in real-time. The mobile application allows facility managers to update wayfinding information, routes, and alerts dynamically without incurring manufacturing or distribution costs, addressing both information completeness and update cost concerns
2Ease of operation
If facility-specific mobile wayfinding applications are installed, then wayfinding information is provided, but user acceptance is low due to installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device itself universal by utilizing its existing camera, display, and processing capabilities for wayfinding. Instead of requiring a specialized application, the system uses the device's native functions to capture facility markers and display routes, eliminating installation barriers while maintaining wayfinding accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the mobile device to serve itself by using its own camera to scan facility markers and its own display to show navigation information. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external applications or complex setup, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
3Measurement precision
If signal-based localization (GPS or WiFi) is used for routing, then location tracking is provided, but accuracy is insufficient and additional systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces facility-mounted markers as intermediaries between the mobile device and the localization system. These markers serve as reference points that the device's camera can detect, providing accurate location information without requiring complex GPS or WiFi infrastructure, thus improving measurement precision while reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces signal-based localization (electromagnetic fields from GPS/WIFA) with optical recognition using the device's camera. This substitution uses light-based marker detection instead of radio signal triangulation, achieving higher accuracy indoors without additional localization infrastructure, resolving both precision and complexity concerns
4Adaptability or versatility
If interactive public display devices are installed, then wayfinding information is provided, but real-time updates and route guidance are limited due to fixed locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized display system into individual mobile device instances. Instead of one fixed interactive display, multiple mobile devices each receive customized route information based on the user's selected waypoints. This segmentation provides route customization adaptability while reducing infrastructure complexity by eliminating fixed display locations
Data Source
AI summary
A wayfinding system, device, and method for providing a route between waypoints within a facility. The method includes generating a navigation graph of traversable areas connecting a set of waypoints; determining a shortest traversable path between each waypoint and every other waypoint based on the navigation graph; setting one or more requirements for plotting a route traversing the set of waypoints; and plotting the route traversing the set of waypoints, wherein the route is plotted according to the one or more requirements.