Mobile Device Indoor Positioning via Pixel Pattern Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation methods for mobile devices rely heavily on satellite signals, which can be unreliable in areas with poor coverage or weather conditions, and do not effectively utilize image analysis for determining location and guiding movement within indoor environments, such as buildings.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that use a mobile device's imaging device to generate and search a database of pixel patterns, deriving positional information based on image analysis, including size and angular orientation, to determine the device's location and guide movement, even without satellite signals, by creating a database of pixel patterns and their associated positional information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite signals are used for navigation, then outdoor positioning can be achieved, but positioning reliability deteriorates in areas with poor coverage or weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual markers as intermediary objects between the imaging device and the positioning system. These markers serve as reliable reference points that can be detected through image analysis, providing a mediator that enables positioning when direct satellite signals are unavailable or unreliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the satellite-based electromagnetic signal system with an image-based visual recognition system. By substituting the satellite signal mechanism with optical image capture and pattern recognition, the system achieves positioning capability in environments where satellite signals fail.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image analysis is used for indoor positioning, then positioning capability in indoor environments is improved, but device complexity increases due to database generation and image processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating a database of pixel patterns and their associated positional information before actual positioning is needed. This preparation work is done in advance, so that during operation, the system only needs to perform image capture and pattern matching, significantly reducing the computational complexity during real-time positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified representation (copy) of the physical environment in the form of a pixel pattern database. Instead of processing complex 3D spatial data in real-time, the system uses 2D image patterns that can be efficiently matched against pre-stored references, reducing processing complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If pixel pattern database is generated and stored, then positioning accuracy is improved through pattern matching, but memory requirements and data storage needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential visual features (pixel patterns) from the environment that are necessary for positioning, storing them in a database. By taking out only the relevant pattern information rather than storing complete images or detailed environmental data, the system achieves good positioning accuracy with reduced storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by focusing on specific distinctive pixel patterns at key locations rather than uniformly processing or storing all visual information. Each stored pattern represents a localized distinctive feature that provides sufficient information for positioning without requiring comprehensive storage of all possible visual data.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for generating and using a database of pixel patterns includes obtaining images using a mobile device including a common pixel pattern and processing each image based on a size of the pixel pattern and/or angular orientation of the pixel pattern relative to an imaging direction to derive positional information about the pixel pattern. Location of the mobile device is determined by obtaining an image including a stationary pixel pattern, searching the database for the obtained pixel pattern, and retrieving positional information about a closest match pixel pattern. With the retrieved positional information, an angle between an imaging direction in which the image including the closest match pixel pattern was obtained and an imaging direction in which the image was obtained and/or a size differential between the closest match pixel pattern and the pixel pattern in the obtained image is/are analyzed to derive positional information about the mobile device's location.