Vehicle-Target Localization Using WiFi and Camera Fusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ride hailing systems face challenges in accurately and quickly determining the location of a target in areas with tall buildings or indoors due to unreliable GPS signals, leading to sluggish location calculations and degraded accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-target localization system that combines analysis of WiFi/Bluetooth signal strengths, encoded infrared signals, and facial recognition using onboard camera systems, along with map data to enhance location determination, independent of GPS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS signals are used for vehicle-target localization, then the system is simple to implement, but the location accuracy degrades in areas with tall buildings or indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple localization methods including GPS, WiFi positioning, Bluetooth beacon triangulation, and visual recognition systems into a unified vehicle-target localization system. This integration allows the system to switch between or combine different positioning methods depending on environmental conditions, thereby maintaining high location accuracy in challenging environments while managing system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a composite approach by integrating heterogeneous positioning technologies (satellite-based GPS, wireless network-based WiFi/Bluetooth, and optical camera systems) into a single localization framework. This composite system leverages the strengths of each individual technology while compensating for their weaknesses, achieving reliable localization across diverse environments
2Productivity
If GPS-based localization is used, then the system architecture is simple, but the location calculation becomes sluggish in challenging environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces intermediary positioning technologies such as WiFi access point triangulation and Bluetooth beacon positioning as intermediate steps when GPS signals are unavailable or unreliable. These intermediary methods provide alternative pathways for location calculation, ensuring continuous and timely localization results even in GPS-denied environments like urban canyons or indoor facilities
Solution Approach 2:
The localization system dynamically adapts its operational mode based on environmental conditions and signal availability. It automatically switches between GPS-based positioning, WiFi/Bluetooth-based positioning, and camera-based visual localization, optimizing calculation speed and reliability in real-time according to the specific operational context
3Measurement precision
If multiple localization methods (WiFi, Bluetooth, camera) are integrated, then location accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex localization system is segmented into independent functional modules: GPS reception module, WiFi positioning module, Bluetooth beacon module, camera-based visual recognition module, and data fusion module. Each module operates independently and can be developed, tested, and maintained separately, reducing the practical complexity of implementing and managing the integrated system while maintaining high localization accuracy through their coordinated operation
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
Improves the accuracy and speed of target localization, enabling efficient and timely pickup in challenging environments by triangulating target location using non-GPS signals and camera data.
Implementation Method 1
generate target profile data (TPD) comprising location information for the target, the TPD having a first component that is a function of a detected first WiFi signal having a first signal strength
Implementation Method 2
perform the V-T localization as a function of the RT TPD and transmit V-T localization data to the target module
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for vehicle-target localization, identification and indication. The system includes a vehicle module operating onboard a vehicle and configured to receive a request for a tether and send the tether responsive thereto, and a target module operating on a target external to the vehicle. The target module can generate target profile data (TPD) comprising location information for the target, such as, a first component that is a function of a detected first WiFi signal having a first signal strength. The request for the tether including the TPD is transmitted to the vehicle module; a tether of secured communications is established between the vehicle module and target module. Real-time TPD is exchanged during the tether and the vehicle module performs the V-T localization as a function of the RT TPD, and commands the vehicle based on V-T localization data.