Wireless Tag Positioning Using Camera Orientation and GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the location of wireless tags are limited in accuracy, often relying on triangulation with tag readers which results in imprecise location estimates.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a user device's camera to capture an image of the wireless tag, determine the device's orientation, and combine this information with GPS-based location data to calculate the precise location of the tag, enhancing accuracy through image analysis and orientation sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation based on tag readers is used to determine tag location, then the system can provide location information, but the location accuracy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location determination methods (image-based geometric calculation and signal-based triangulation) into a unified system. The camera captures images of the tag, calculates position based on geometric relationships with known markers, and merges this with triangulation data from multiple tag readers to achieve higher accuracy than either method alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate reference markers with known positions as mediators between the camera and the tag. These markers provide fixed reference points that enable accurate geometric calculation of the tag's position, bridging the gap between simple image capture and precise location determination
2Measurement precision
If image-based geometric calculation is used to determine tag location, then location accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to orientation sensing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The user device is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing images with the camera, determining orientation using sensors, receiving location signals, and calculating tag position. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized devices, managing complexity while maintaining high accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with optical and electronic sensors. Instead of using mechanical theodolites or surveying equipment, the system uses a camera combined with electronic orientation sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) to achieve precise location determination through software-based geometric calculations
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining a location of a wireless tag. The method comprises: obtaining an image of the wireless tag by a camera of a user device; determining a location of the user device based on location signals received by the user device; determining an orientation of the user device; determining a location of the wireless tag with respect to the user device based on the obtained image and the orientation of the user device; and combining the determined location of the user device with the determined location of the wireless tag with respect to the user device to obtain a final location of the wireless tag.