Visual Location Probability Indication in Multi-Level Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination methods for mobile devices in multi-level environments, such as buildings, face challenges in accuracy due to limited visibility and interference from indoor signals, leading to uncertain location identification.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a graphical user interface to visually indicate location probability through opacity or color cues in a three-dimensional representation of the environment, allowing users to discern their location more easily by displaying potential locations with varying confidence levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used for location determination in multi-level environments, then outdoor positioning accuracy is improved, but indoor location determination fails due to signal blockage and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless access points as intermediary elements to establish location determination in indoor environments. Instead of relying directly on GPS satellites which are blocked by buildings, the system uses locally deployed access points as mediators to provide location information through wireless signal strength measurements, thereby overcoming the signal blockage problem in multi-level indoor environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic positioning system with a local wireless network-based positioning system. By substituting the mechanical/electromagnetic GPS infrastructure with a deployable wireless access point network, the system achieves location determination in environments where GPS signals are unavailable or unreliable
2Loss of information
If multiple potential locations are displayed to indicate location uncertainty, then location probability information is provided, but user comprehension becomes difficult due to complex multi-level environment representation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the visual representation of different location probabilities within the same graphical interface. Each potential location is displayed with distinct visual characteristics (such as different icons, colors, or opacity levels) that correspond to their respective probability levels, allowing users to quickly comprehend location uncertainty without overwhelming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes as a visual cue to represent location probability. Different colors or shades are assigned to indicate varying levels of confidence in potential locations, enabling users to intuitively understand which locations are more likely without requiring complex numerical data or extensive explanation
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for visually indicating location probability, particularly in a multi-level, three-dimensional environment. In general, a method of a graphical user interface may be provided that displays the uncertain location of a device within an environment in an easily discernable format. A method may be provided that includes providing for transmission of a location request from a first location within an environment and receiving at least two potential locations that are within the environment. The method may further include providing for display of a graphical representation of the environment including visual indicators of the potential locations within the graphical representation of the environment and receiving an indication that a potential location corresponds to the first location. Each visual indicator may convey the accuracy confidence level for each respective location.