Light-Based Communication for Indoor Navigation Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GPS-based navigation technologies are ineffective in indoor environments and areas with poor GPS signal quality, such as parking garages and tunnels, as they struggle to maintain accurate location tracking and trip time calculations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of light-based communication (LCom) using pulsing light signals encoded with location data from solid-state luminaires, which are detected by light-sensing devices in computing devices to enhance navigation and trip time estimation, combining with GPS and other positioning systems for comprehensive navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS-based navigation is used, then outdoor navigation capability is provided, but indoor navigation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system is segmented into multiple independent positioning subsystems: GPS for outdoor positioning and LCom (light-based communication) for indoor positioning. Each subsystem operates independently in its optimal environment, with the GPS receiver handling satellite-based positioning and the light-sensing device handling indoor light-pulse-based positioning. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high reliability across both indoor and outdoor environments without compromising precision in either domain.
2Loss of information
If light-sensing devices detect pulsing light signals, then indoor location data is obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device is designed with universal components that serve multiple functions. The light-sensing device not only detects pulsing light signals for indoor positioning but can also function as a camera or ambient light sensor for other purposes. Similarly, the processor handles both GPS data processing and LCom data processing, and the display system presents information for both outdoor and indoor navigation contexts. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite the addition of indoor positioning capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive navigation data is collected from multiple sources, then navigation accuracy is improved, but data processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and storing navigation data from multiple sources (GPS, LCom, maps, traffic information) before actual navigation is needed. Location data, route information, and traffic conditions are continuously updated and cached in advance. When navigation is required, the processor can quickly retrieve and combine this pre-prepared data without performing extensive real-time calculations, thus maintaining high precision while minimizing computation time.
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 accurate indoor navigation and trip time calculation, improving navigation precision and accuracy in areas where GPS signals are unreliable, and provides real-time updates without the need for internet access.
Implementation Method 1
a light-sensing device configured to detect a pulsing light signal encoded with data about a location of a solid-state luminaire transmitting that signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for augmenting global positioning system (GPS)-based navigation via light-based communication (LCom). In accordance with some embodiments, a light-sensing device, such as a camera or an ambient light sensor configured as described herein, may be used to detect an LCom signal transmitted by a local LCom-enabled solid-state luminaire. The LCom signal may include data about the location of the transmitting luminaire, and in some cases that location data may be used, for example, in computing the amount of time that it would take to navigate indoors to the luminaire's location. In some instances, GPS data also may be considered to calculate the total trip duration for an entire trip, including time spent indoors and outdoors. In some other cases, the location data and, if available, GPS data may be used, for example, in computing an automotive navigation route.