LCom Luminaire Hazard Detection for Indoor Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GPS and Wi-Fi-based navigation systems are inadequate for indoor navigation, especially in emergency situations, due to limited accuracy and availability, failing to provide effective evacuation routing and hazard avoidance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of light-based communication (LCom) using LCom-enabled luminaires that detect hazards and transmit encoded light signals for indoor navigation, enabling more precise positioning and emergency evacuation routing through a network of luminaires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS and Wi-Fi-based navigation systems are used for indoor navigation, then network coverage is available, but navigation accuracy and reliability are insufficient especially in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RF-based Wi-Fi positioning with optical-based LCom technology for indoor navigation. The system uses visible light communication from luminaires to transmit positioning and navigation data, achieving superior accuracy and reliability. The optical system provides precise location tracking through light-based triangulation and enables real-time emergency evacuation routing with hazard avoidance capabilities that RF systems cannot deliver.
2Measurement precision
If light-based communication is implemented for indoor navigation, then positioning accuracy and emergency evacuation routing are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into existing luminaire infrastructure. The luminaires serve both traditional lighting purposes and LCom signal transmission for navigation. The system combines hazard detection sensors, light-based communication transmitters, and positioning data services within the same physical infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate dedicated navigation hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing luminaire network to provide both lighting and navigation services autonomously. The luminaires self-configure as LCom transmitters and automatically provide positioning data to mobile devices. The hazard detection sensors integrated into the luminaires autonomously monitor environmental conditions and trigger appropriate navigation routing without requiring external control systems.
3Reliability
If LCom-enabled luminaires with hazard detection are deployed, then emergency evacuation routing with hazard avoidance is achieved, but installation and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges hazard detection sensors, LCom transmission capabilities, and positioning data services into the existing luminaire infrastructure. By combining multiple navigation and safety functions within the same physical device that provides lighting, the system eliminates the need for separate sensor networks, communication infrastructure, and positioning systems, thereby simplifying installation and reducing infrastructure requirements.
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
Enhances indoor navigation accuracy and safety by providing real-time emergency evacuation routing and hazard avoidance, overcoming limitations of GPS and Wi-Fi systems, and facilitating navigation to safe locations within buildings.
Implementation Method 1
a solid-state light source configured to emit a pulsing light signal encoded with the data about the emergency evacuation route
Data Source
Figure 1A~1A'
Figure 1B~1B'
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for enhancing indoor navigation using light-based communication (LCom). In some embodiments, an LCom-enabled luminaire configured as described herein may include or have access to a sensor configured to detect a hazardous condition. In response to detection of a hazard, the LCom-enabled luminaire may adjust its light output, transmit an LCom signal, or both, in accordance with some embodiments. A given LCom signal may include data that may be utilized by a recipient computing device, for example, in providing emergency evacuation routing or other indoor navigation with hazard avoidance, emergency assistance, or both. In a network of such luminaires, data distribution via inter-luminaire communication may be provided, in accordance with some embodiments, via an optical interface or other wired or wireless communication means. In some cases, the network may include a luminaire that is not LCom-enabled yet still configured for inter-luminaire communication