Zone-Based Optical Indoor Positioning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current indoor positioning systems face challenges such as limited coverage, inconsistent accuracy, and complexity in providing continuous positioning across diverse indoor environments, especially with the emergence of wearable devices and changing spatial frames of reference.
Innovation Solution
A zone-based positioning system that uses optical wireless communications between a user device and beacons, incorporating a zone positioning unit with an optical source and microcontroller to determine position through angle-of-departure measurements and ranging, allowing for seamless and adaptable indoor localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If timing-based schemes (TOF, TDOA) are used for indoor positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system complexity and difficulty of implementation increase due to time synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces timing-based positioning mechanisms with angle-based optical detection. Instead of measuring time of flight or time difference of arrival which requires complex time synchronization, the system uses angle-of-arrival (AOA) and angle-of-departure (AOD) measurements via optical detectors to determine position, thereby eliminating time synchronization complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental measurement parameter from time-based to angle-based positioning. By measuring angles rather than time intervals, the system achieves accurate positioning without requiring precise time synchronization between devices, thus reducing system complexity while preserving measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If commercial ultra-wideband and motion capture camera systems are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs low-cost optical components such as LEDs and photodetectors instead of expensive ultra-wideband systems or motion capture cameras. The system uses inexpensive light-emitting diodes as optical sources and simple photodetectors for reception, achieving accurate positioning at a fraction of the cost of commercial alternatives
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified optical positioning system that replicates the functionality of expensive commercial systems using readily available, low-cost components. By copying the essential measurement capability (angle detection) using simple optical elements rather than complex proprietary systems, the patent achieves similar positioning accuracy at much lower cost
3Device complexity
If a single positioning technology is used to cover all indoor environments, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to diverse indoor spaces and use-cases decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal optical positioning system that can adapt to various indoor environments and use-cases through software configuration rather than hardware changes. The same optical transceiver can function in different spatial configurations (2D/3D positioning, tracked object positioning, transitive positioning) and adapt to diverse environments (rooms, corridors, large spaces) by adjusting operational parameters, achieving both simplicity and versatility
4Measurement precision
If angle diversity positioning schemes (AOA) are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but coverage and continuous positioning capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges angle-of-arrival (AOA) and angle-of-departure (AOD) measurements into a unified positioning system. By combining both angle measurements from the optical transceiver, the system achieves accurate positioning while extending coverage area and enabling continuous positioning tracking as objects move through the environment, overcoming the limitations of AOA-only systems
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
The system provides accurate and continuous positioning with low system cost, privacy for users, and scalability, achieving position accuracy of less than 10 centimeters in three-dimensional space, similar to global navigation satellite systems outdoors.
Implementation Method 1
The ZPU includes an optical source configured to transmit an optical signal
Implementation Method 2
The first beacon includes a beacon optical detector configured to receive an optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, and method of operating the same, include a system for indoor positioning and localization. The apparatus includes a first beacon having a beacon optical detector to receive an optical signal, and a beacon microcontroller. The apparatus includes a zone-positioning unit (ZPU) having an optical source configured to transmit the optical signal, and a ZPU microcontroller. The beacon microcontroller is configured to identify and decode the optical signal after receipt by the beacon optical detector to determine data related to a position of the ZPU. The beacon microcontroller is further configured to wirelessly communicate with the ZPU microcontroller to convey information to the ZPU including the data related to a position of the ZPU and a known position of the first beacon. The ZPU microcontroller is configured to determine a position of the ZPU based on the information received from the first beacon.