LOCAL POSITIONING AND RESPONSE SYSTEM

摘要

Enables a local positioning and response system that allows devices in a defined area to determine their local positions in the area, and to generate individual responses based on their positions, for example based on broadcast messages. Responses can include light, sound, shock, vibration, temperature or any other physical signal. Positioning may use overlapping shaped beam signals that permit each device to determine its local position. Response to broadcast messages with local position dependency enables efficient communication with potentially thousands or millions of response units over limited bandwidth channels. Efficient communication may also be supported by messages containing high-level graphical primitives, with devices determining their individual contributions to an aggregate image. The system may also provide correction for image distortions. Applications include stadium light or sound shows, virtual fences, feedback on performance that requires specific motions or positions, and contests for event spectators.

主权项

1. A local positioning and response system comprising
a server computer configured to store a message associated with at least one position; one or more transmission units coupled with said server computer wherein each of said one or more transmission units transmit shaped beam signals and comprise
a plurality of shaped beam antennas, each configured to transmit a shaped beam signal to at least a portion of an area, wherein each of said shaped beam signals has a respective predefined intensity profile; and, one or more response units located in said area, each comprising
a receiver configured to receive said shaped beam signals;one or more action modules configured to emit one or more physical signals;a processor coupled with said one or more action modules and said receiver, wherein said processor is configured to
calculate a local position from a relative intensity of said shaped beam signals,calculate an individual response to said message, based on said local position and on contents of said message, and
command said one or more action modules to emit said one or more physical signals based on said individual response; wherein said one or more physical signals emitted by said one or more action modules comprise light; wherein said server computer is configured with one or more graphical images to be displayed on a plurality of said one or more action modules, wherein each of said one or more action modules displays one pixel of each of said one or more graphical images; wherein said server computer is further configured to generate said message to display said one or more graphical images on said plurality of said one more action modules; and, wherein said processor coupled with said one or more response units is further configured to calculate intensity and color of the light to emit from each of said one or more action modules based on said message and on the local position of said one or more response units.