Microscopic Coded Object Location Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination methods face challenges in environments with signal obstructions and security risks due to the use of recognizable images for navigation, which can be tampered with by unauthorized personnel.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a camera and processor that captures and decodes microscopic objects with coded information, such as QR codes, to determine location without relying on external signals, with features like adjustable focal length, auto-focusing, and error detection, ensuring secure and reliable location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If recognizable images are provided at known locations for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but security risk increases due to potential tampering by unauthorized personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from macro-scale recognizable images to micro-scale coded objects. By scaling down the location markers to microscopic dimensions (e.g., 10-100 micrometers), the system maintains location determination capability while making the markers imperceptible to the human eye, thus eliminating the security risk of tampering while preserving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses coded information patterns (such as QR codes or barcode-like structures) at microscopic scales as copies of location identifiers. These micro-codes encode location data that can be read by the device's camera and processor, providing a secure alternative to traditional visible images that could be tampered with.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external signals (radio frequency or GPS) are used for location determination, then location capability is provided, but reliability deteriorates in environments with signal obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces microscopic coded objects as intermediary markers placed at known locations within the environment. Instead of relying on external signals that may be blocked, the device captures images of these local markers using its camera and decodes the coded information to determine location. This intermediary approach enables reliable location determination indoors or in environments where external signals are obstructed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic signal-based location system (radio frequency or GPS) with an optical-based system using camera imaging and digital code decoding. By substituting the signal transmission mechanism with local visual markers that can be captured and processed digitally, the system achieves reliability in signal-obstructed environments.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If microscopic objects with coded information are used for location determination, then security is improved by reducing tampering risk, but device complexity increases due to requirements for high-resolution camera and processing capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the device's existing camera and processor capabilities to perform multiple functions: capturing images, decoding coded information, and determining location. By making the camera and processing system multi-functional for these tasks, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated hardware systems, thus limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving enhanced security through microscopic coded markers.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus, a method, and a system for determining location. The apparatus comprises an apparatus comprising a camera, and a processor. The camera is configured to capture an image of a microscopic object located at a predetermined location. The microscopic object comprises coded information. The processor is configured to process the image to decode the coded information and to determine a location of the device as being the predetermined location based on the decoded information. The apparatus may further comprise a manually operated inventory carrier (such as a shopping trolley or cart) or a robotic inventory carrier. The predetermined location may be in a supermarket or an inventory facility. The microscopic object may comprise a QR code or other barcode, and may be one of an array or repeating patterns of microscopic objects.