Navigational Assistance System for Retail Task Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex environments like retail facilities, inefficient task allocation to operators and inaccurate localization of task positions lead to underutilization, overutilization, and incorrect task execution due to insufficiently accurate mobile computing device localization.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for navigational assistance using a mobile computing device that receives anchor definitions and task definitions, captures images to detect feature sets, determines device position relative to anchor positions, and presents task overlay data on a display to guide operators to task locations within the facility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile computing devices are used for operator localization, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of stationary anchors and image capture modules that mediate between the mobile device and the facility environment. The anchors serve as reference points, and the image capture modules capture images of these anchors to enable precise triangulation of the mobile device's position, thereby achieving high localization accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or GPS-based localization systems with an optical/image-based system. Instead of relying on physical markers or satellite signals, the system uses image capture modules to detect anchors and compute positions through image processing and triangulation algorithms, achieving superior precision in indoor environments.
2Productivity
If multiple operators are deployed in complex environments, then productivity increases, but task allocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the server continuously receives location data from mobile devices, determines current task status based on operator positions, and dynamically reassigns tasks. This closed-loop system ensures optimal task allocation efficiency even as operators move through complex facilities, maintaining high productivity without increasing management complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An assistive navigational system for deployment in a facility having a global frame of reference includes: a server including a memory storing: a plurality of anchor definitions each containing (i) an anchor position in the global frame of reference, and (ii) a feature set corresponding to physical characteristics of the facility at the anchor position; and a task definition containing (i) a task position defined relative to the anchor position, and (ii) task overlay data; the server further including a communications interface, and a processor configured to: select one of the anchor definitions for association with the task definition; and transmit the selected anchor definition and the task definition to a mobile computing device, the mobile computing device configured to receive the selected anchor definition and the task definition; the mobile computing device further configured to present the task overlay data on a display.