Voice-Based Indoor Positioning Using Microphone Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current indoor positioning systems require dedicated communication means and software in connected devices, which many devices do not possess, making it difficult to determine the location of objects without such capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system utilizing a plurality of microphones to receive voice inputs from users, a localization module to determine user location based on sound differences, and a processor to identify and store object locations, allowing for the determination and storage of positions of objects without dedicated positioning means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated positioning means and software are used in connected devices, then positioning accuracy and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning system consisting of microphones and localization modules that mediate between the user and the positioning function. Instead of requiring positioning capabilities in every connected device, the system uses external microphones to capture sound and external localization modules to determine position, thereby resolving the contradiction by moving positioning functionality from individual devices to a centralized system.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated positioning communication means are installed in each connected device, then positioning precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring user configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling devices to automatically transmit their identifiers and enabling the system to automatically perform localization and mapping without requiring user configuration. The processor automatically receives identifiers from objects, determines their locations using sound-based localization, and stores this information, eliminating the need for manual setup while maintaining high positioning precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sound-based localization is used instead of dedicated positioning means, then adaptability to devices without positioning capabilities is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a positioning system that works with any device regardless of whether it has dedicated positioning capabilities. The system uses sound as a universal medium that can be detected by microphones in the positioning system, allowing it to locate any object that can transmit sound or has a sound-emitting component, thereby achieving broad adaptability while maintaining positioning precision through advanced signal processing and triangulation algorithms.
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
Enables the determination and storage of object locations in devices without dedicated positioning systems, facilitating control and mapping of objects within a space, and allowing for voice-controlled operations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of microphones configured to receive a sound input generated by a user... a localization module configured to determine a user location of the user relative to the plurality of microphones based on differences between the sound input received at different microphones
Data Source
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AI summary
A positioning system (100) for determining a location of an object is disclosed. The positioning device comprises a plurality of microphones (M1-M6) configured to receive a sound input (122) from a user (120), a localization module (102) configured to determine a user location of the user relative to the plurality of microphones based on differences between the sound input received at different microphones of the plurality of microphones, and a processor (104) configured to receive an identifier of the object, identify the object based on the identifier, determine the location of the object by setting the location of the object equal to the user location, and store the location of the object in a memory.