Notification Assistance System Using Image-Based Location Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
During emergency calls, operators in command rooms struggle to quickly determine the location of notifying parties, especially when the party is unfamiliar with their surroundings or when the communication terminal does not support positioning systems, leading to potential inaccuracies and panic.
Innovation Solution
A notification assistance system that acquires a captured image from a communication terminal, detects multiple objects within the image, identifies location information relevant to these objects, and estimates the notifying party's position based on this information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a positioning system such as GPS is used to acquire location information from a communication terminal, then location information can be automatically transmitted to the notification destination, but the current location cannot be identified when the notifying party owns a communication terminal that is not supported by the positioning system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using image recognition technology as a mediator between the communication terminal and the notification destination. Instead of relying directly on GPS positioning, the system captures images from the terminal's camera, detects landmarks and environmental features in the images, and uses these visual data as intermediaries to determine location. This allows location identification to work across different terminal types regardless of GPS support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic positioning system (GPS) with an optical system (camera-based image capture and recognition). By substituting the GPS-based location acquisition mechanism with image-based landmark recognition, the system achieves compatibility with communication terminals that lack positioning system support while still enabling location identification.
2Measurement precision
If the notifying party is caused to answer questions about surrounding landmarks to identify position, then location information can be obtained, but the notifying party may not be able to appropriately answer when falling into panic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the communication terminal itself to perform location identification functions through automated image capture and processing. The terminal's camera automatically captures images of the surrounding environment, and the system automatically detects landmarks and calculates position without requiring the notifying party to manually describe or identify landmarks. This eliminates the need for the user to cognitively process and verbally report location details during panic situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically capturing images and detecting landmarks before location information is needed. The image capture and landmark detection processes are initiated automatically upon emergency call, eliminating the need for subsequent user interaction to identify landmarks. This preliminary automated processing ensures location information is obtained even when the user is unable to respond.
3Reliability
If traditional positioning systems are used, then location information can be transmitted, but the accuracy of the positioning system may decrease depending on the place where the notifying party is located
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by creating a location identification system that functions across diverse environments and terminal types. The image-based landmark recognition approach serves multiple functions: it works in urban areas with buildings, rural areas with natural features, and indoor environments with artificial landmarks. This multi-functional approach replaces the GPS system that has limited effectiveness in certain locations with a more universally applicable image recognition system.
Data Source
AI summary
A notification assistance system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition circuit for acquiring captured images from a communication terminal in the possession of a notifying party; a detection circuit for detecting a plurality of objects included in the captured images; an identification circuit for identifying location information corresponding to each of the plurality of detected objects; and an estimation circuit for estimating the location of the notifying party on the basis of the identified location information.