Multi-mode Vehicle Location Device with Photo Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle location systems fail to operate effectively in areas with poor satellite reception or opaque structures, such as parking garages and buildings, due to their reliance on GPS and local beacons, leading to difficulties in guiding users back to their parked vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode electronic device that uses GPS, node location data, and vehicle location information, as well as photos of familiar landmarks, to assist users in locating their vehicles, even without satellite or beacon signals, by storing and displaying these photos along with location information to enhance navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS location data is used to determine vehicle position, then location accuracy is improved, but the system fails to operate in areas with poor satellite reception such as parking garages and buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The portable electronic device is designed to perform multiple location determination functions by supporting both GPS satellite-based positioning and Wi-Fi-based positioning. The device can automatically switch between these modes depending on signal availability, ensuring continuous operability across different environments including outdoor areas with satellite reception and indoor areas like parking garages where Wi-Fi positioning is used instead.
2Reliability
If local beacon signals are used for positioning, then the system can operate in areas without GPS reception, but the system fails when beacon signals are not received such as in opaque structures
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses Wi-Fi access points as intermediary infrastructure for positioning in areas where GPS is unavailable. By leveraging the widespread availability of Wi-Fi networks in buildings and parking structures, the system can determine location through Wi-Fi signal characteristics without requiring dedicated beacon infrastructure, thereby maintaining both operability and reasonable accuracy in diverse environments.
3Device complexity
If a single location determination method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to different environments and signal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The portable electronic device implements dynamic location determination by automatically selecting between GPS and Wi-Fi positioning methods based on real-time signal conditions. The system continuously monitors the availability and quality of satellite and Wi-Fi signals, then dynamically switches between positioning modes to maintain accurate location tracking across varying environments without requiring manual intervention or complex configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A user carried electronic device and method therefore is provided for directing the user to a parked vehicle using several modes of operation. The device includes a display, a memory, an interface for receiving information downloads from the vehicle and a controller coupled thereto for managing operation of the device. The controller stores the downloaded information in the memory and presents RETURN-TO-VEHICLE information on the display in response to a user request. The downloaded information desirably includes photographic information concerning the parked vehicle's environment obtained by vehicle camera(s) or otherwise. Vehicle location information and vehicle location accuracy information may be included. The device desirably includes location tracking elements that, when operating, provide graphical directions back to the vehicle based on vehicle location information in the download. Photo images of the vehicle environment can be included and are presented automatically when the device tracking and/or vehicle location information is not reliable.