Waypoint Navigator Using Image Recognition for Signal-Free Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional navigation methods rely on GPS, RF, and WiFi signals, which can be unreliable or unavailable in certain environments, causing users to focus on their devices while moving, increasing the risk of collisions or losing orientation.
Innovation Solution
A waypoint navigator that uses image recognition on a mobile device to identify local waypoints and overlay visual directions to remote waypoints, allowing users to navigate independently of signal-based technologies, with the ability to update directions based on context and user preferences, and suggesting alternative routes or points of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS, RF, and WiFi signals are used for navigation, then navigation can be provided in open environments, but navigation becomes unreliable or unavailable in certain environments (indoor, urban canyons)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual landmarks and image recognition technology as an intermediary between the user and navigation guidance. Instead of relying on signal-based positioning, the system uses visual features of the environment (landmarks, signs, objects) as mediators to determine location and provide directional guidance, enabling navigation in environments where GPS, RF, and WiFi signals are unavailable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic signal-based navigation system (GPS, RF, WiFi) with a visual-based system using camera imaging and image recognition. This substitution transitions from electromagnetic field-based positioning to optical field-based landmark recognition, allowing the system to function independently of signal availability
2Ease of operation
If users focus on their devices while moving to follow navigation directions, then navigation instructions can be followed, but the risk of collisions or losing orientation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overlays navigation directions directly onto the user's field of view by annotating images captured by the device camera. This transforms navigation from a two-dimensional screen interface to a three-dimensional spatial overlay that aligns with the user's natural line of sight, allowing users to see both the environment and navigation guidance simultaneously without shifting focus between device and surroundings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the user's actual environment through camera imaging and overlays directional annotations directly onto this copy. This annotated image copy serves as a augmented reality interface that mirrors the real world while providing navigation instructions, eliminating the need for users to look at a separate map display
3Adaptability or versatility
If image recognition is used to identify local waypoints and overlay visual directions, then navigation can be provided without GPS or signal-based technologies, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the mobile device's existing camera and processing capabilities to perform multiple functions: capturing images for landmark recognition, providing visual feedback to users, and overlaying navigation directions. By making the device's camera serve as both the primary sensor for navigation and the display medium for guidance, the system avoids adding dedicated hardware while achieving signal-independent navigation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mobile device's own camera and processing resources to perform navigation functions without requiring external signal infrastructure. The device captures images of its surrounding environment, processes these images to identify landmarks and determine location, and displays the results back to the user, making the device self-sufficient for navigation in signal-denied environments
Data Source
AI summary
An example waypoint navigator method includes identifying a local waypoint using image recognition on an image of the local waypoint displayed on a mobile device. The example method also includes overlaying on the image of the local waypoint, a visual direction to the remote waypoint based on identifying the local waypoint, the visual direction based on context. The example method also includes updating the visual direction based on changes in the context.