Visible Light Object Identification for Precise Indoor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination methods for objects, such as RFID and camera systems, face limitations in precision and cost-effectiveness, particularly in accurately tracking the movement of objects within large areas, due to the need for numerous receivers or cameras and powerful data processing systems.
Innovation Solution
A device combining a light-receiving unit for receiving information from stationary lighting devices and a radio transmitter unit to transmit this information to a radio receiver, allowing for precise location determination using Visible Light Communication (VLC) and radio signals, which can be processed with lower performance requirements, utilizing existing lighting infrastructure for cost-effectiveness and high resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID receivers are deployed to improve location determination accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring more receivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the RFID radio frequency system with an optical system using visible light communication. Light receiving units detect modulated light signals from lighting devices to determine object location, substituting electromagnetic radio waves with optical waves for more precise positioning without requiring numerous receivers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates light receiving units into existing lighting infrastructure, allowing lighting devices to serve dual purposes: providing illumination and transmitting location information through modulated light signals. This eliminates the need for separate RFID receiver infrastructure
2Measurement precision
If camera systems are deployed to improve location determination accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but use of energy and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex camera-based image processing systems with simple optical detection using light receiving units. These units detect modulated light signals from lighting devices, converting optical energy directly into location information without requiring powerful computers for image analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting devices themselves transmit location information through modulated light signals, eliminating the need for separate active transmitters. The system uses the existing illumination infrastructure to carry positioning data, reducing overall system complexity and energy requirements
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
This solution significantly improves location determination accuracy to a few centimeters, reducing operational disruptions and enhancing material flow efficiency, enabling more precise object tracking and utilization of storage and sorting systems, while minimizing data processing needs and costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light receiving unit for receiving light signals, wherein the light receiving unit is configured to receive information from positionally fixed lighting devices, which include at least one light transmitting unit for sending light signals
Implementation Method 2
at least one radio transmitting unit for sending radio signals, wherein the radio transmitting unit is configured to send at least the information received by the light receiving unit to at least one, preferably positionally fixed, radio receiving unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (10) for identifying an object (100), said device comprising: at least one light receiving unit (11) for receiving light signals, wherein the light receiving unit (11) is configured to receive information from illumination devices (20) which are fixed in position and which comprise at least one light transmission unit for transmitting light signals; at least one radio transmission unit (13) for transmitting radio signals, wherein the radio transmission unit (13) is configured to transmit at least the information received by the light receiving unit (11) to at least one radio receiving unit (30). The present invention also relates to a system and a method for determining the position of an object (100).