Relative Position Estimation Using Signal Intensity and Movement Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position estimation methods, such as those using GPS or wireless local area networks, often suffer from low accuracy due to signal interference, distance limitations, and ambiguity in crowded environments like heavy traffic areas.
Innovation Solution
A position estimation system employing two information terminals that transmit and measure wireless signals with identification information, where one terminal measures the reception intensity and estimates the relative positional relationship based on changes in signal intensity with respect to movement distance, allowing for improved accuracy in positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or wireless LAN positioning is used, then position information can be acquired, but position estimation accuracy deteriorates due to signal interference, distance limitations, and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary object (a specific item carried by the target person) that emits or reflects a signal. Instead of directly positioning the person, the system positions the intermediary object which serves as a reliable indicator of the target's location, thereby overcoming direct signal interference issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic signal-based positioning (GPS, wireless LAN) with an optical recognition system. A camera captures images of the intermediary object, and image processing algorithms determine position, substituting the problematic electromagnetic field-based system with an optical field-based system that is less susceptible to the identified interference
2Measurement precision
If traditional positioning methods are used in crowded environments, then position information can be obtained, but accuracy deteriorates due to ambiguity in identifying specific targets among multiple people or vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the target identification problem into two parts: first identifying the unique intermediary object carried by the target person, and then using that identification to locate the target. This segmentation allows the system to focus on recognizing a specific distinctive feature rather than attempting to identify the entire person among crowds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visual characteristics (analogous to color changes) of the intermediary object as a distinctive marker. The intermediary object has specific visual features that make it distinguishable from surrounding objects, enabling the camera system to uniquely identify and track the target person through these visual characteristics
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides enhanced position accuracy by leveraging changes in wireless signal reception intensity to estimate the relative position between terminals, effectively addressing issues of signal interference and ambiguity in crowded environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first information terminal having a function to transmit a wireless signal associated with identification information and a second information terminal having a function to measure a reception intensity of the wireless signal
Data Source
AI summary
A position estimation system uses an information terminal and has an improved position accuracy. To achieve the purpose, this position estimation system is provided with a first information terminal having a function to transmit a wireless signal associated with identification information and a second information terminal having a function to measure a reception intensity of the wireless signal, and is configured in such a way that: the reception intensity of the wireless signal transmitted by the first information terminal is measured by the second information terminal; at least one of the first information terminal and the second information terminal measures a movement distance; and at least one of the first information terminal and the second information terminal estimates a relative positional relationship between the first information terminal and the second information terminal from a change in the reception intensity of the wireless signal with respect to the movement distance.