Inner region navigation by sound

[0001] The invention relates to a system for navigating in the interior by means of sound waves. In particular the invention relates to a lighting system with integrated, spatially distributed microphones and an associated evaluation. Receiving sound waves are emitted from a mobile communication device, location information for the mobile communications device determines and evaluated.

[0002] The location, determining a location with respect to a defined reference point so (fixed point) is a basis for many applications. In the strict sense than determining a location with respect to the reference point in a reference system location own to define. The determination of the own location is a prerequisite for a navigation, the defining a path to a destination point from a own location.

[0003] An application for a navigation method within a closed space is for example a customer by a locally targeted guide loading. Marketing applications on personal electronic devices can further under the instantaneous location based advertisement presented to customers.

[0004] It is known in principle a person within a building by electronic systems to determine location.

[0005]Aradio-based proposal for navigation within enclosed spaces is based on the "default Bluertooth low-the energy" (BLE). This transmitter are within a space (beacon - British, beacon) arranged as a signal transmitter, a signal of a uniquely identifying each respective transmitter Identifkationsinformation within predetermined time intervals sending. An electronic device, for example a mobile telephone with a suitable additional program (english. smartphone), can, for example by trilateration, from the received signals the position of the at least three transmitter receiving electronic device determining in two-dimensional space.

[0006] It is disadvantageous, that both the transmitter-side infrastructure, i.e. corresponding transmitter, a Bluetooth-capable mobile device with a corresponding and necessary auxiliary program installed.

[0007] Another known a system utilizes data transmission technology with visible light (lite - a visible english. VLC data communications) for position determination. A correspondingly furnished lighting system generates light pulses ordinary light in addition to site-specific. The camera of an electronic communication device, for example a mobile telephone with a suitable additional program detects the location specific light pulses and evaluates this from. The additional program is adapted, by access to a known function of the instantaneous location of the electronic communication device for example location light pulses on a building plan, display. The equipment of the mobile communications device is prerequisite for the use with a camera. Additionally is a complete equipment of the room with VLC-capable lighting, considerable equipment expense and installation expense required therefore.

[0008] Starting from the input state of the art the invention addresses the technical task represented, the position determination for individual users within a space to allow avoiding the mentioned disadvantages.

[0009] According to the invention by the features of the independent claim 1 this task is and by the features of independent Claims 9 and 12 dissolved. Advantageous refinements of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010]Asystem for locating a mobile communications device in a, by at least one light illuminated space comprises a mobile communication device, wherein the mobile communications device includes means for transmitting an acoustic signal and comprises means for wireless communication. According to the invention is distinguished from the system characterized in, that it comprises at least two receiving means for receiving the acoustic signal, wherein the receiving means to the at least one lamp or distributed over a plurality of lamps and spaced apart from each other with. The system further comprises evaluation means for determining a position information, wherein the location information for the mobile communications device from the received the evaluation means determines acoustic signal.

[0011] The inventive solution is advantageous, since an already existing lighting infrastructure in the space only with little expense by the retrofitting with acoustic receiving means and a suitable evaluation to determine the position information can be provided. Receiving means (microphones) are small and inexpensive and acoustic unlike VLC data is not engaging driving the lighting means necessary. With each mobile, personal communication device existing function of transmitting acoustic signals also allows the creation of a position-determining under low additional expense, usually an additional application program for the control of only of the mobile communications device comprises.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the system for determining the position is the receiving means adapted, the acoustic signal in a non-audible frequency range, especially in the ultrasonic range, to receive.

[0013] In accordance with one advantageous embodiment comprises the system for positioning the mobile communications device adapted, with identification information of the mobile communications device to transmit the acoustic signal.

[0014] According to a further embodiment of the invention the mobile communications device is arranged, the acoustic signal comprising a application information e.g. regard the transmit navigational target.

[0015] It is advantageous when the mobile communication device being arranged to, based on a user input to launch an application.

[0016]Asystem for determining the position of a further embodiment of the invention comprises a mobile communication device wherein the means for wireless communication is adapted, to receive a signal based on the position information, the received signal and the application evaluates.

[0017] Use may for example via the conventional means for wireless communication received data, based on the determined position information generated and transmitted according to the invention, an application for the user navigating in the space as to certain areas of interest take space. Example ice can be on a mobile communication device user to certain special actions are guided in a shop locally.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the system for determining the position is the evaluation means adapted, by difference formation from the received acoustic signal to determine the location information.

[0019]Apreferred system for position determination comprises evaluation means, the is adapted, by evaluating a propagation time difference and/or the location information from the received audio signal at the locations of the acoustic signal level to determine receiving means.

[0020] The technical problem is solved by a lamp according to the invention for use in a system for locating a mobile communication device in a space, wherein the space is illuminated by the lamp. The lamp according to the invention comprises at least one receiving means for a reception of an acoustic signal of the mobile communications device, and a transmitting means for transmitting the received acoustic signal as an electric signal to an evaluation means for determining positional information of the mobile communications device adapted from the received acoustic signal.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment comprises the light even the evaluation means.

[0022] Another construction of the lamp is characterized in that the transmission means is arranged, a received acoustic signal, the at least one further transmitted light, to receive.

[0023] The task is further solved by a mobile communication device for use in a system for determining the position within a space. To the mobile communications device comprises means for sending an acoustic signal, a means for wireless communication, and control means. The mobile communications device is characterized in that the control means is arranged, said means for sending an acoustic signal such drive, the said means for sending an acoustic signal with identification information of the mobile communications device transmits an acoustic signal.

[0024] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments and Figures. It show

[0025]Aschematic representation of the structure of a lighting system 1 figfig. invention,

[0026] Figfig. 2 a schematic representation of the position determination using acoustic signals, and

[0027] Figfig. 3 a schematic representation of a space, is provided with a system of the invention.

[0028] In Figures identical reference symbols designate the same or corresponding elements. For reasons of representation is an advantageous embodiments in the following description for a repetition largely abandoned.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a general structure of a lighting system according to the invention is formed in the shown example assumed 1st, that the system 10 comprises in a room lights. The illumination system 1 according to the invention is adapted for positioning within a space, but also on a larger system can also, the whole building or building complex or extends over several spaces extends across, are extended. It is likewise possible, that areas outside of buildings, for example free surfaces, parking space surfaces, theme parks, etc are equipped with a lighting system 1 according to the invention formed.

[0030] Further simplification is in this case assumed, with receiving means 11 for detecting acoustic signals that all lights 10 are provided, wherein these optional for all lamps 10 is required. In a further implementation of the invention is simply a lamp illumination system 1 10 11 equipped with receiving means an area, within a lamp housing of a lamp 11 the microphone array can form.

[0031] Alongside the at least one receiving means 11 comprises the lamp 10 according to one embodiment of the invention at least one illuminant 12 and also a transmission means 13.

[0032] The transmission means 13 is adapted, the receiving means 11 into an electrical reception signal converted from the received acoustic signal to a transmission signal for transmission to a evaluation means 20 obtained and implement.

[0033] 20 In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the evaluation means is central, spatially separated from the lamp 10 is arranged. The received acoustic signal into an electrical signal and converted for example with time information on the reception time to the evaluation means 20 transmits a supplemented. The evaluation means by means of the time information from a plurality of different receiving means 11 can 20 from a direction of arrival of the acoustic signal determining acoustic signals.

[0034] The evaluation means according to the invention can also be constructed as part of the lamp 10 20. This is particularly preferably, if a single lamp 10 with a plurality of microphones as receiving means 11 einet microphone array already has. With the converted received acoustic signal into electrical signals as an input variable the evaluating means determining a direction of arrival of the acoustic signal can 20. The transmission means can then be designed 13, in a data signal based on the light incident direction and a determined distance 10 for the acoustic signal to a central processing to transmit.

[0035] Can further be adapted to the transmission means 13, bidirectional communication with other lamps or their respective transmission means to realize 10 13. This is particularly advantageously then, if the evaluating means 20 is designed as part of the luminaire 10. In this case the transmission means 13 for example a respective direction of arrival of the acoustic signal for other lamps 10 receiving and evaluation means for determining positional information of the mobile communications device 20 to the output 30.

[0036] The transmission means 13 can for example a unit for communicating according to one interface standard for technical components be light, if this provides a capability for data transmission. The transmission means 13 for example as part of a communication device capable of operating lamp 10 can be realized.

[0037] The evaluation means 20 is adapted according to the invention, acoustic signals into electrical signals converted from the received location information to determine the receiving means 11. The location information of a mobile communication device 30 in the space 40 describes the spatial position. The evaluation means may for example by evaluation of the received position information 20 each acoustic signals at the individual lamps 10 determining by triangulation. In the determination of the position of the mobile communication device 30 involved in space 40 prior known distribution of the lamp 10 or 11 of the probes in the space 40 and the respective angle of incidence of the acoustic signal to the receiving means 11 a.

[0038] The evaluation means as part of the program on the mobile communication device 20 may also additive 30, for example in the form of a corresponding software module be implemented. The controller 32 then leads the additional program with the corresponding software module from. The mobile communications device over the wireless communication link to be 30 the necessary data on the received acoustic signals transmitted. The software module of the additional position detecting program on the mobile communications device via the received acoustic signal 30 determined from these data the position information and data to the additional programming further these ranges.

[0039] Figure 1 shows the illumination system 1, arranged at a ceiling of the space 40 from two lamps 10 is formed. The lamps each have at least one luminous means 10 and a control unit for driving the lighting means 12 12 not-shown internal on. Each lamp 10 is further provided with receiving means 11 for detecting acoustic signals, in this case 11 are formed by the microphones.

[0040] The lights 10 can be connected to a common bus system, wherein the exact topology of the bus system and the type of data transmission for the present invention is negligible. In particular would also be conceivable, that the bus system is formed by the lines of the general power supply, wherein then a communication means of the carrier frequency technology (english. powerline communications) is so-called.. As is also a wireless communication with each other and/or with the evaluation means 20 of the lamp 10 conceivable.

[0041]Apossibility of wireless communication would be for example, acoustic signals (preferably in the inaudible range) in turn to use. This could involve one or more of the lamps or a central unit having means for transmission of acoustic signals be provided, which then from those lamps, which are provided via respective receiving means, receiving and can be interpreted.

[0042] In this case the receiving means infrastructure both for determining the position and as communication channel used particularly effectively.

[0043] But it is advantageous, if the data transmission takes place via the bus system or the communication system also allows the transmission acoustic signals generally. Not shown in Figure 1 are components of the illumination system 1 further finally at least one command generator, the responsible for driving the lamp 10. Of course but could also be incorporated into the illumination system 1 further local commander. In particular is also the use of brightness sensors, sensors and/or operating devices under the local presence illumination system 1 conceivable.

[0044] The transmission of the acoustic signals corresponding electrical signals over the communications system is particularly required, detailed evaluation when a central point, in this case in the central evaluation means 20, to be carried out. The receiving means 11 for receiving the lamp 10 can alternatively or also each have corresponding acoustic signals self-evaluation means, then each even the received acoustic signals in view of the position of its origin at the individual receiving means 11 for example and more signal incident directions of at least two evaluation, but especially the location information determining three receiving means 11. Over the communications system are then evaluated in corresponding data signals to send only nor the position information.

[0045] Preferably is provided, that the respective receiving means 11 for detecting the acoustic signals received acoustic signals into electrical signals this reacting, over the communications system to the evaluation unit 20 forwarding. The evaluation unit 20 then takes an evaluation of the electrical signals generated based on the location information for this evaluation before and the mobile communications device 30.

[0046] In Figure 2 is the basic principle of determining a direction of arrival of an acoustic signal to a microphone system 50 shown. The microphone assembly 50 shown comprises four microphones 50.1, 50.2, 50.3 and 50.4, arranged apart from each other. For a space point c_s 51 are a delay time difference for an acoustic signal or by evaluating an acoustic signal level difference for the acoustic signal the angle a_s , β_s and Y_s to determine. The angle a_s , β_s and Y_s in Xn yne-Zn coordinate system again put the incidence direction of the acoustic signal for the space 52 point c_s 51 fixed.

[0047] The frequency range in which the acoustic signal is transmitted, can be arbitrary. The frequency of the acoustic signal can in a human or in a non-audible frequency range for audible (perceptible) lie. The frequency of the transmitted acoustic signal in the audible frequency range is preferably not, especially in the ultrasonic frequency range above 16 khz, selected for example 20 khz.

[0048] Acoustic transducers are devices, the acoustic signals as sound an alternating pressure and electrical signals, mostly interconverting electrical voltages.

[0049] As means for transmitting the acoustic signal is a speaker (sound generator) can be inserted. For example can be used dynamic speaker or piezo speaker or electrostatic. In particular Piezolausprecher, membrane made of piezoelectric ceramic plates so coupled, the reverse piezoelectric effect are excited to vibrations or directly using the driven piezoelectric plastics for the production of membranes are insertable ultrasonic.

[0050] As receiving means 11 for receiving acoustic signals sound receiver) is a microphone can be used. In principle work according to the same principle as sound receiver sound generator, so in this case the means for generating the acoustic signals 34.

[0051] The evaluation unit 20 can be arranged, the determined position information of the mobile communications device with an individual identification of the mobile communications device to a data processing device 30 30 21 (servers) forward.

[0052] The data processing device 21 uses the position information in association with the identification information of one embodiment 30 of the mobile communications device, the mobile communications device to a navigation information to produce and to provide 30.

[0053] The data processing device 21 of a further embodiment in connection with the identification information of the mobile communications device 30 uses the positional information, for example a targeted advertisement to the mobile communications device to communicate information to produce and 30. The generated targeted advertisement information can be based on and taking into account further data, the data processing device has access to the with the identification information of the mobile communications device 30 and 21 are linked, are generated.

[0054] Navigation information and/or for the transmission of information to the mobile communications device in accordance with a targeted promotional preferred embodiment of the invention 30 can for example a wireless local area network (wireless local area wireless english.), a personal radio network (english. personal area network) such as Bluetooth or a cellular mobile radio network for example ™/and one of the Standards GSM, the edge, a UMTS, lte, and/or a communication method by means of visible light (lite - a visible British communications among VLC) or an alternative method (e.g. acoustically, as previously described) are used. A central communication unit 22 according to the invention is used for the transmission thereto, the transmitting/receiving unit of the wireless communication with mobile communications device can execute 30.

[0055] The invention used to determine the position information system for positioning an acoustic signal.

[0056] Invention of a mobile communication device 30 transmits the acoustic signal. The mobile communications device 30 can be for example a mobile terminal or a portable computer. Preferably is a mobile radio device (english. smartphone) with extended functionalities as regards the use of an accessory or application programs and connectivity - or a portable computer with touch screen (Asp597 english.) (english. tray) used as mobile communication device 30.

[0057] The mobile communications device 30 has a communication unit for wireless communication with the central communication unit 22 to 31. For example wireless communication via an antenna or a camera as receiving means are guided. The invention further has a further mobile communications device 30/33 on output means, a user interface to a user of the mobile communication device 30 the implement. The further a - 33/output means can for example a screen, a touch screen, a touch surface, function keys, keyboard, microphone, ... comprise.

[0058] In Figure 1 as an essential part of the invention is a means for transmitting an acoustic signal 30 mobile communications device 34 represented. The means 34 for transmitting an acoustic signal is for example a speaker of the mobile communications device the means for transmitting an acoustic signal is adapted 34 30th, acoustic signals in the audible range and emit an acoustic frequency spectrum in a non-audible range. The term "audible" here refers to the acoustic frequency and level of the sound listening area according, the the human auditory system can observe.

[0059] The functions of the mobile communication device 30 are controlled by a control means 32. The control means 32 can comprise a microprocessor. The control means 32 can be designed, execute application programs. The control means 32 can in particular assisted position location of the mobile communications device an application program within the space formed in the illumination system 1 according to the invention 30 40 performing.

[0060] In particular can the control means 32 to control the loudspeaker 34, 34 that the loudspeaker emitting an acoustic signal. At least one identification information according to the invention transmits the acoustic signal, and/or its user uniquely identify the the mobile communications device 30.

[0061] The acoustic signal to an embodiment comprises a identification portion. The acoustic signal of a further embodiment comprises a payload portion adjacent the identification portion, and/or other devices in the user-specific information (data)- can be sent. E.g. according to a user input specifying a product may be, so that a navigation from the place can be mobile for product.

[0062] In the application of the invention is based on a schematic about a 3 figfig. illumination system 1 shown. The finding of goods on long-range shopping area, for example in large supermarkets shelves, were often very confusing because a high diversity. Locating said shelf in the space by use of the output and illumination system 1 according to the invention substantially improve. This provides an improved shopping experience for a customer and also reduced working time of staff required, for example for questions from the customers by product sites must be applied.

[0063] In Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a restaurant in a space 40 shown. The space is equipped with a plurality of shelves 41. 41 Between the shelves are traffic areas, available to a customer for the movement. The space is by means of a plurality of lamps 10, 42 illuminated, wherein adjacent conventional lamps 42 formed at convenient points in space acoustically 10 also invention lights are distributed. The clarity of the representation in Figure 3 that are neither supply lines of installation a basic communication lines, in particular connections between the components of the illumination system 1 according to the invention, for example the lamp 10, 11 each have an acoustic receiving means, the communication means 22, for example by a wireless base station (or access point wireless english.) the may be realized, shown. The central processing unit 21 in Figure 3 is also not shown.

[0064]Auser with a mobile communication device 30 is located at a current location in the input portion of the space 40 44. For example program for executing an additional 22 over the communication means according to the invention are loaded on the mobile communications device 30 40 within the space navigator. For loading the application program can the wireless communication link between the communication means and the communication means 31 22 used.

[0065] It is also possible, that the application program on the mobile communications device via a wire-bound or other communication link is loaded. The application program may also be an Internet presence of a user prior to restaurant over time are provided.

[0066] The control means 32 now leads the additional program. This controls the control means 32 the means for sending an acoustic signal at 34. The means for transmitting transmits an acoustic signal from the acoustic signal 34 according to the invention, the identification information of the mobile communications device comprises 30. So that the acoustic signal of the mobile communications device is distinguishable from other mobile communication devices 30 30 acoustic signals within the space 40.

[0067] The system of the invention shown in Figure 3 embodiment has three groups of receiving means for receiving the acoustic signal in a respective lamp 11 10th each lamp 10 of the illustrated system may also have a evaluation means 20. The acoustic signal is received at each lamp 10 and the evaluation means 20 may for example on the determination of the acoustic signal delay time differences at the individual receiving means 11 a group of receiving means 11 a position of the origin or at least one incidence direction 48.1, 48.2, 48.3 of the acoustic signal for each lamp 10 determining according to the invention. Each light can be further configured to 10, the incidence direction 48.1, 48.2, 48.3 the acoustic signal by means of a transmission to a central evaluation unit 13 to provide 20.

[0068] For determining the current location can be used a known method such as 44 of triangulation. Determining the current location of the mobile communications device 30 in a correspondingly designed lamp 44 can 10, but not shown in Figure 3 or in a central evaluation means 20 take place. The evaluation means for determining the current location to the corresponding position information 44 can 20 from the central data processing unit 21 to each lamp 10 according to the invention are provided. Determining the current location gives the position information, the data processing unit 21 can be transmitted from the evaluation means 20. The location information can be used for example, a user with a current location of its 44 to a from a path for Wegempfehlung user's location in the space 40 to give desired product 46.

[0069] Said user may 30 into a mobile communications device from the application program user provided at its surface a desired product inputting. This information about a desired product using the wireless communication link to the data processing unit 21 will transmit. The transmitted information cannot in the data processing unit 21 with a product of the desired product are linked information to a location 46. The data processing unit 22 may in turn a Wegempfehlung for the user over the wireless communication link to the mobile communication device 30 generating and transmitting. The mobile communications device 30 can provide to a user a - 33/Wegempfehlung over that output means.

[0070] Above the position determining system according to the invention is used, and the user to create a Wegempfehlung to provide. Other application using location related information may also be provided. In a further embodiment a user location based information on its site can available products, alternative products or products of interest on a screen of the mobile communications device may further proposed and presented to 30, wherein the presentation location can be based. Special offers for the user are well on its way to a desired location in the space 40 by reference to a screen of the product mobile communications device selectively 30 to market. This is particularly advantageous, when the attention of the user by a moving navigation within the space 40 already on the screen of the mobile communications device is directed to a significant portion 30.

[0071] The above features are represented in the frame of the invention in advantageously defined in claims combinable.