Positioning Adapter Using Audio Interface Encoding for Indoor Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current indoor positioning technologies in hospitals face challenges with low accuracy due to interference from open frequency bands and the need for special hardware, which complicates cost, efficiency, and information security.

Innovation Solution

A positioning adapter that uses near field communication circuits to connect with smart devices, receiving position information from triggers at fixed positions and encoding it for transmission, allowing for accurate indoor positioning without requiring additional hardware or compromising information security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If open frequency band positioning is used, then coverage area is large, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an encoder as an intermediary device that converts position information into encoded form. The encoder receives position data from the communication circuit and transforms it into a coded representation that can be transmitted through the audio interface, thereby enabling accurate positioning without direct exposure to interference-prone open frequency bands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic wave-based positioning (prone to interference) with an audio signal-based transmission system. By using the smartphone's audio interface to transmit encoded position information, the system substitutes a more stable communication channel that is less susceptible to environmental interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If special positioning hardware is deployed, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidhardware requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the smartphone's existing audio interface serve multiple functions: it is used for both audio input/output and for transmitting positioning data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated positioning hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy through the encoded information transmission channel

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the smartphone's own built-in audio interface and processing capabilities to handle positioning tasks. The smartphone serves itself by using its existing hardware resources (microphone, audio processor) to receive, decode, and process position information, eliminating dependency on external specialized positioning devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If traditional positioning systems are used, then basic positioning function is provided, but information security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning functionVSAvoidinformation security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The encoder acts as a security intermediary that transforms sensitive position information into an encoded format before transmission. This intermediate encoding step protects the original position data from being directly intercepted or misused, enhancing information security while still allowing the positioning function to operate through the audio interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides accurate indoor positioning, reduces costs by utilizing common intelligent devices, and enhances user experience by enabling efficient navigation and queue management within hospitals.

Implementation Method 1

The first communication circuit is a near field communication circuit; the near field communication circuit is configured to receive position information transmitted from triggers at fixed positions and send the position information as well as identity information to the encoder. The near field communication circuit communicates through 125 KHz frequency signals.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10567932B2Positioning adapter, communication method, indoor positioning system and method
Publication Date: 2020.02.18 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • US10567932B2 patent drawing
  • US10567932B2 patent drawing
  • US10567932B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a positioning adapter, a communication method, an indoor positioning system and an indoor positioning method. The positioning adapter includes: a first communication circuit, an encoder, a second communication circuit and an adaptation interface. The first communication circuit is configured to receive position information, and send the position information as well as identity information to the encoder. The encoder is configured to receive the position information and the identity information, obtain encoded information that matches the smart device by encoding the position information and the identity information, and send the encoded information to the second communication circuit. The second communication circuit is configured to receive the coded information and transmit the coded information to the smart device through the adaptation interface. The adaptation interface is configured to connect the positioning adapter with the smart device, and communicate with the smart device through the second communication circuit.