Topology Map User Location Estimation Without Precise Indoor Maps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Indoor location estimation technologies face high initial costs and installation challenges, limiting their rapid deployment in new spaces, and existing methods require precise maps or Wi-Fi intermediaries that are costly and time-consuming to create.

Innovation Solution

A topology map-based user location estimation method that uses image recognition to identify characters from a user's surroundings, filtering and determining location on a generated topology map without prior map creation, enabling quick adaptation to changing environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If precise maps are created to provide accurate location information, then location accuracy is improved, but initial costs and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a topology map that is a simplified copy of the physical space, capturing only essential connectivity and landmark information rather than precise geometric details. This allows location estimation without requiring time-consuming creation of highly accurate maps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The topology map serves as a lightweight, easily updateable representation that can be quickly created and modified. Instead of investing significant resources in permanent precise maps, the system uses simpler map structures that can be rapidly adapted to changing environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If precise maps are created to provide accurate location information, then location accuracy is improved, but initial costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidinitial costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a simplified topological copy of the environment rather than precise geometric maps. This reduces the resources needed for map creation while still enabling effective location estimation through landmark and connectivity information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential elements needed for location estimation (landmarks, connectivity, topological relationships) from the physical environment, discarding unnecessary detailed geometric information. This extraction process significantly reduces the cost and complexity of map creation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If Wi-Fi intermediaries are installed to estimate location, then location estimation capability is improved, but adaptability to new spaces decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation estimation capabilityVSAvoidadaptability to new spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses visual landmarks and OCR technology to automatically identify and map environmental features without requiring pre-installed infrastructure. This self-service capability allows rapid adaptation to new spaces without installation of specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/Wi-Fi intermediary-based location estimation system with a vision-based system using cameras and OCR. This substitution eliminates the need for installed intermediaries and enables quick deployment in new environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If topology maps are used for location estimation, then adaptability to changing environments is improved, but measurement precision may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to changing environmentsVSAvoidlocation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The topology map maintains high precision locally around the user's position by focusing computational resources on the current vicinity. The system estimates location based on local landmark recognition and topological relationships rather than requiring global map precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the environment into discrete topological nodes and edges, allowing independent updates and modifications. This segmentation enables the system to adapt to local changes without requiring complete remapping, maintaining both adaptability and precision in the affected areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250389540A1Topology map-based user location estimation apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A topology map-based user location estimation apparatus includes an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) module, an OCR filter, and a location finding module. The OCR module is configured to recognize characters from an image of an environment surrounding a user. The OCR filter is configured to, based on a similarity determination with location information stored in a topology map that is generated based on a guide map image, filter one or more characters from the recognized characters. The location finding module is configured to, based on the filtered one or more characters, detect a current location of the user on the topology map.