Intuitive real spatial aiming-based system, identification and communication methods for identifying near by devices to form a network within a region

• US 7,751,834 B2
• Filed: 08/23/2006
• Issued: 07/06/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
• Original Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
• Inventors: Lee, Woohun, Park, Kyu-Ho, Baek, Sung Hoon
• Primary Examiner(s): Corsaro; Nick
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ngo; Chuong A
• Application Number:
  US11/508,525
• Publication Number:
  US 20070066323A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,413 Days
• Field of Search: 455/41.2, 455418-420, 4554561-457
• US Class Current: 455/456.2
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 5/0205 Details
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 5/0284 Relative positioning
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 Location-based management or tracking services

Abstract

An intuitive real spatial aiming-based system and identification and communication methods are presented. The intuitive real spatial aiming-based system includes aiming device, target devices and an indoor location-based service server. The aiming device includes a mobile computer or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), which is provided with a first wireless communication tool, a first location tracking sensor, and an electronic compass having a magneto resistive sensor for detecting a directions. The target devices each includes a fixed computer, a home appliance, a PDA, or a mobile communication terminal, which is selectively provided with second wireless communication tool and a second location tracking sensor. The indoor location-based service server tracks the indoor locations and coordinates the aiming device and the target devices in real time. To tolerate sensor'"'"'s error, an angle-based target region, a width-based target region, and a combination of the two regions presented.

Claims

1. An identification method using an intuitive real spatial aiming-based system, the intuitive real spatial aiming-based system including an aiming device including a mobile computer or a PDA, which is provided with first high-speed wireless communication means, a first location tracking sensor, and an electronic compass having a magneto resistive sensor for detecting a direction;

target devices each including a fixed computer, a home appliance, a PDA, or a mobile communication terminal, which is selectively provided with second high-speed wireless communication means and a second location tracking sensor; and

an indoor location-based service server for tracking indoor locations and coordinates of the aiming device and the target devices in real time, the identification method comprising the steps of;

tracking by the indoor location-based system the coordinates of the aiming device and the target devices;

setting by the aiming device a target region according to an aiming direction of the aiming device provided with the electronic compass having the magneto resistive sensor;

wherein, detecting when a central axis in a direction in which the aiming device is oriented forms an x axis in a first angle, as the target region includes both an angle-based target region, defining as a region between two infinitely long straight lines that are spaced apart from the central axis by a second predetermined angle and formed in a fan shape, and a width-based region, which is defined as a region between two infinitely long parallel straight lines spaced apart from the central axis by a predetermined width; and

searching by the aiming device for the target devices within the set target region, and identifying the target devices.

2. A communication method using an intuitive real spatial aiming-based system, the intuitive real spatial aiming-based system including an aiming device including a mobile computer or a PDA, which is provided with first high-speed wireless communication means, a first location tracking sensor, and an electronic compass having a magneto resistive sensor for detecting a direction;

target devices each including a fixed computer, a home appliance, a PDA, or a mobile communication terminal, which is selectively provided with second high-speed wireless communication means and a second location tracking sensor; and

an indoor location-based service server for tracking indoor locations and coordinates of the aiming device and the target devices in real time, the communication method comprising the steps of;

(S1-1) orienting the aiming device, which is provided with the electronic compass having the magneto resistive sensor, in a direction in which the target device is located;

(S1-2) applying an arbitrary user command, such as a file transfer, to the aiming device through any one of body motion, voice, and button input devices;

(S1-3) the aiming device requesting information about locations of all the target devices located within a target region from the indoor location-based service server, wherein, when a central axis in a direction in which the aiming device is oriented forms an x axis in a first angle, detecting where target region includes both an angle-based target region, which is defined as a region between two infinitely long straight lines that are spaced apart from the central axis by a second predetermined angle and formed in a fan shape, and a width-based region, which is defined as a region between two infinitely long parallel straight lines spaced apart from the central axis by a predetermined width;

(S1-4) the indoor location-based service server transmitting coordinates based on said detecting and network addresses of the target devices to the aiming device through wireless communication in real time;

(S1-5) the aiming device setting the target region using a detected rotational angle, factor angle, and width of the target region, and searching for arbitrary target devices present in the set target region;

(S1-6) the aiming devices establishing communication channels with the found target devices and transmitting the user command to the found target devices;

(S1-7) the target devices processing the user command; and

(S1-8) the target device notifying the aiming device of completion of the user command.