Photo-Based Positioning Using Visual Feature Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wi-Fi based location services are not precise due to variations in wireless signal transmission caused by factors like reflection and absorption, leading to inaccurate positioning.
Innovation Solution
A photo-based positioning method that involves obtaining a positioning photo within a predetermined space, comparing feature elements from sampling photos with the positioning photo to determine the location, and calculating position parameters using the identified feature elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Wi-Fi based positioning technology is used, then location-based services can be provided, but positioning precision deteriorates due to signal variations from reflection and absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic signal-based positioning system (Wi-Fi) with a visual-based positioning system using photos and feature element recognition. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects of signal reflection and absorption by using optical image processing instead of wireless signal measurement, thereby improving positioning accuracy while maintaining service availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from signal strength (RSS) to visual feature element positions in photos. By transforming the positioning basis from electromagnetic signal characteristics to geometric feature coordinates, the system achieves more stable and accurate positioning results that are not affected by signal propagation variations
2Measurement precision
If feature elements are extracted and compared from sampling photos, then positioning accuracy improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs feature element extraction and photo preprocessing in advance during the sampling phase. By pre-processing the reference photos and storing extracted feature elements, the system reduces the computational burden during actual positioning operations, as the complex feature extraction only needs to be performed once rather than repeatedly for each positioning query
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feature element positions as simplified representations (copies) of the complex photo content. Instead of comparing entire photos or performing complex image matching, the system compares positions of extracted feature elements, which are simplified copies that retain the essential geometric information needed for accurate positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A method photo-based positioning includes obtaining a positioning photo taken by a mobile device within a predetermined space; comparing multiple feature elements exacted from sampling photos taken within the predetermined space in advance with the positioning photo to determine each feature element existing in the positioning photo; obtaining a first position coordinate of each feature element which is determined to exist in the positioning photo in a sampling photo corresponding to the positioning photo, and a second position coordinate of each feature element which is determined to exist in the positioning photo in the positioning photo; and calculating position parameters of the mobile device by using each of the obtained first position coordinate and second position coordinate, wherein the least number of feature elements existing in the positioning photo is determined according to the number of the position parameters.