Micro Digital Signage Location Determination via Peer Image Stitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In retail environments with multiple micro digital signage devices deployed in close proximity, determining the location of each device using conventional methods like radio frequency triangulation or global positioning is difficult, and manual configuration is time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A system where the micro digital signage server transmits a unique identifier to each device, which captures images of neighboring devices, and the server stitches these images to create a composite image, allowing it to identify and determine the location of each device using edge detection and pattern recognition, thereby reducing the need for manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration of location information is used for each micro digital signage device, then location data can be obtained, but the process becomes time consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables micro digital signage devices to automatically determine their own locations through peer-to-peer image capture and analysis. Each device captures images of neighboring devices, and the server processes these images to automatically assign location data, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing both time and human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with an automated optical system. Instead of manually entering location data, the system uses image capture devices (cameras) to photograph neighboring devices and employs image processing algorithms to automatically extract and assign location information, substituting human labor with automated visual recognition.
2Measurement precision
If radio frequency triangulation or global positioning is used to detect location information, then location data can be obtained, but it becomes difficult in densely deployed environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual image data as an intermediary medium for location determination. Instead of directly using radio frequency signals or GPS coordinates that fail in dense environments, the system captures images of neighboring devices as an intermediate step, which are then processed to extract location information, providing an alternative detection pathway that works in densely deployed scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies (images) of neighboring micro digital signage devices to determine their locations. By capturing and analyzing images of devices in the vicinity, the system can infer location information without relying on radio frequency triangulation or GPS, effectively copying visual information to solve the detection problem in dense environments.
3Quantity of substance
If a larger number of micro digital signage devices are deployed, then more coverage is achieved, but manual configuration becomes more time consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables each micro digital signage device to automatically participate in its own location determination process by capturing images of neighboring devices. This self-service approach scales automatically with the number of devices deployed, as each device contributes to the location determination of others without requiring additional manual intervention, thereby reducing configuration time proportionally as device quantity increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple devices into a collaborative location determination system. Each device serves dual purposes: displaying content and capturing images of neighboring devices for location analysis. By combining these functions and having devices work together in a networked manner, the system efficiently handles location configuration for large numbers of devices simultaneously, reducing overall configuration time.
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system, and method for determining a location of micro digital signage devices includes generating and transmitting a unique identifier corresponding to each micro digital signage device. Each micro digital signage device is to display its corresponding unique identifier and capture an image of other micro digital signage devices located on an opposite side of an aisle. The captured images are to be stitched together to generate a composite image. The unique identifiers of the micro digital signage devices are to be identified and the location of each micro digital signage device is to be determined using a known location of one of the micro digital signage devices as a reference. Each micro digital signage device identified from the composite image is to clear its corresponding unique identifier from display.