Light Sensor Camera Tracking System for Line-of-Sight-Free Carrier Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-based tracking systems require a line of sight between the light source and the mobile communication unit, limiting their ability to track carriers when the unit is out of sight or in areas without light sources, such as shadows or daylight.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system that incorporates Advanced Lighting Sensors (ALS) and an intelligent light management system (iLMS) to detect and track mobile communication units using camera-based spectral evaluation, allowing tracking even without a direct line of sight by determining the position of light sensors relative to the unit and using additional sensors like magnetic and acceleration sensors for precise location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light-based tracking systems are used to achieve high positioning accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the system requires a line of sight between the light source and the mobile communication unit, limiting tracking capability in shadowed areas or when the unit is stored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device mounted on a light sensor housing. This camera captures images of the mobile communication unit and transmits them to a central control unit for identification and tracking. The camera acts as a mediator that enables tracking without requiring direct line of sight between light sources and the mobile unit, as the captured images can be processed even when the unit is in shadowed areas or stored in pockets
Solution Approach 2:
The light sensor housing is designed to perform multiple functions: it contains both light sensors for receiving identification information from light sources and a camera for capturing images of the mobile communication unit. This multi-functional design allows the system to maintain tracking capability across diverse scenarios, whether the unit is visible to light sources or not, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining positioning accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If radio-based systems (WLAN or Bluetooth) are used to enable tracking without line of sight, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates to an accuracy of only 5 to 10 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different tracking approaches: light-based identification information transmission (for precise positioning) and camera-based image capture (for line-of-sight-independent tracking). The central control unit integrates data from both the light sensors receiving LID signals and the camera capturing unit images, merging these complementary methods to achieve both high precision and adaptability simultaneously
3Device complexity
If light sources are used for both illumination and identification information transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but the system can only track when line of sight exists, worsening adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light sensor housing multi-functional by integrating both light sensing capabilities (for receiving identification information from light sources) and camera capabilities (for capturing images). This allows the same physical infrastructure (light sources for illumination) to serve dual purposes: providing light for visibility and transmitting identification information, while the added camera function ensures tracking continuity when line of sight is blocked
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 continuous tracking of mobile communication units and their carriers in various environments, including areas without light sources, with high accuracy and reliability, supporting location-based services and navigation without the need for a direct line of sight or GPS signals.
Implementation Method 1
the mobile communication unit is configured to receive the identification information transmitted by the at least one light source using its camera
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tracking system (10) comprising at least one light source (12) which is designed to send a clear identification information (LID1) associated with the light source (12) using a light signal; and a mobile communication unit (ME1) having a camera (18), wherein the mobile communication unit (ME1) is designed to receive with the aid of its camera (18) the identification information (LID1) sent by the at least one light source (12); wherein the tracking system (10) further comprises at least one light sensor (20) having a camera (22); a central control unit (24) which is at least coupled to the at least one light sensor (20); wherein, upon receipt of the identification information (LID1), the mobile communication unit (ME1) is further designed to send an activation signal (LID1') to the central control unit (24) for activating a tracking operation, the activation signal (LID1') comprising correlated data with the received identification information (LID1); wherein the central control unit (24) is designed to determine on the basis of the activation signal (LID1') transmitted by the mobile communication unit (ME1), at which position the mobile communication unit (ME1) is arranged and which at least one light sensor (20) is arranged in such a manner relative to the position of the mobile communication unit (ME1) that the mobile communication unit (ME1) can be detected by the camera (22) of said light sensor. The central control unit (24) is furthermore designed to actuate the camera (22) of the at least one detected light sensor (20) for providing image information with teh aid of its camera (22) to the central control unit (24), in order to determine and identify a carrier of the mobile communication unit (ME1) at the determined position; wherein the central control unit (24) is further designed to actuate at least one light sensor (20) which is coupled to said central control unit for tracking the identified carrier of the mobile communication unit (ME1).