Map Positioning via High-Contrast Feature Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the position of a device are limited by reliance on ceiling lights and natural features, which may be unreliable due to variability or unavailability, especially in indoor environments where lights can be turned off or not perceptible.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a spatial data collection device to obtain images, identify high-contrast features, calculate their center point coordinates, and embed this information into a map to enhance position determination, even when ceiling lights or natural features are not visible or reliable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ceiling lights and natural features are used for position determination, then the system can determine device position using existing environmental features, but the positioning reliability deteriorates when lights are turned off or features are not perceptible
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating an enhanced map with artificial high-contrast features before positioning operations begin. These pre-placed features ensure that reliable positioning references are always available, eliminating the reliability issue when natural features are unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary solution by embedding artificial high-contrast features into the environment. These features act as mediators between the positioning system and the environment, providing reliable reference points that are not dependent on natural features that may be unavailable.
2Device complexity
If the system depends solely on ceiling lights for positioning, then the implementation is simple, but the system is lost when no light is in view
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system achieves universality by being able to use multiple types of features - both natural high-contrast features and artificial features embedded in the enhanced map. This multi-functionality ensures continuous positioning capability regardless of which feature type is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-populating the enhanced map with artificial high-contrast features at known locations. This ensures that when natural features are unavailable, the positioning system can immediately switch to using the pre-prepared artificial features without loss of positioning capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If natural features are used for positioning, then no additional infrastructure is needed, but the features may not always be perceptible from the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing artificial high-contrast features at specific locations in the enhanced map where they are guaranteed to be perceptible from relevant device positions. This ensures that high-contrast features are always detectable when needed, addressing the detectability issue.
Solution Approach 2:
Artificial high-contrast features serve as intermediaries that bridge the gap between the positioning system and the environment. These features are deliberately placed and designed to be highly detectable, overcoming the limitations of natural features that may not always be perceptible.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods for map and position determination enhancement. The method includes obtaining at least one image of a view in an area. Also, identifying at least one high-contrast feature in the image of the area and, embedding the high-contrast feature in a map of the area. The result is the generation of an enhanced map of the area which can be used to determine the position of any device or object.