Indoor Positioning Using Independent LED Beacons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor positioning systems face challenges in accuracy due to the limitations of GPS in construction materials and complex indoor environments, as well as the unpredictability of radio wave propagation in WiFi and Bluetooth-based methods, while optical signals offer directionality but struggle with alignment reliability.
Innovation Solution
A light-based positioning system using independent LED beacons that transmit identification codes through modulated visible light, allowing mobile devices to determine their position by capturing these codes and utilizing photogrammetric image processing to calculate coordinates from multiple light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used for indoor positioning, then outdoor positioning accuracy is maintained, but positioning accuracy deteriorates when signals pass through construction materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light sources as intermediary objects that emit optical signals as a mediator between the positioning system and the mobile device. These light sources are placed throughout the indoor environment and serve as reference points for triangulation, enabling accurate positioning without relying on GPS signals that cannot penetrate construction materials effectively
2Adaptability or versatility
If WiFi or Bluetooth RSSI techniques are used, then positioning can be implemented in indoor environments, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to unpredictable radio wave propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radio wave-based positioning system (WiFi/Bluetooth) with an optical signal-based system. By substituting electromagnetic radio waves with optical light signals from dedicated light sources, the system eliminates the problems of unpredictable radio wave propagation through buildings while maintaining indoor environment adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the outdoor GPS positioning concept by establishing a network of light sources throughout the indoor environment. Each light source acts as a reference point similar to GPS satellites, allowing the mobile device to calculate its position through triangulation based on receiving signals from multiple light sources
3Measurement precision
If optical signals are used for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved due to directionality, but reliability deteriorates due to alignment difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical signal transmission into multiple independent light sources distributed throughout the environment. Each light source emits signals in multiple directions simultaneously, and the mobile device receives signals from multiple light sources to perform triangulation. This segmentation eliminates the need for precise alignment between a single transmitter and receiver
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional alignment problem (single transmitter to single receiver) to a three-dimensional spatial problem involving multiple light sources positioned at different locations and heights. The mobile device calculates position by triangulating across multiple dimensions based on signal strength and arrival time from multiple sources, converting an alignment reliability issue into a geometric calculation problem
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 system provides precise indoor positioning with high accuracy, enabling relevant content delivery and improved user experience in location-aware applications, such as augmented reality, by leveraging the directionality and reliability of optical signals.
Implementation Method 1
transmit identification codes through modulated visible light
Implementation Method 2
independent LED beacons that transmit identification codes through modulated visible light
Implementation Method 3
utilizing photogrammetric image processing to calculate coordinates from multiple light sources
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided that disclose providing a positioning service for devices based on light received from one or more light sources. This light based positioning service uses light information transmitted by each light source to determine the position of the device. The positioning information can include three dimension position information in a building that can then be used to deliver services and information to a mobile device. The content delivered to a mobile device can include multimedia, text, audio, and/or pictorial information. The positioning information along with other location or positioning information can be used in providing augmented reality or location aware services. The light sources can be independent beacons that broadcast information in visible light at a rate that is undetectable by the human eye. Content can be retrieved from a server over a communications connection.