Communication system with indoor navigation mechanism and method of operation thereof

A communication system includes: a first storage unit configured to receive relevant information by entering a region of interest; a first control unit, coupled to the first storage unit, configured to parse the relevant information; and a display, coupled to the first control unit, configured to display the relevant information, a target object, and a suggested path.

TECHNICAL FIELD

An embodiment of the present invention relates generally to a communication system, and more particularly to a system for accessing the communication network between and among points of interest.

BACKGROUND

Mobile devices of today can perform multiple functions. They are communication devices, cameras, global positioning systems, day planners, contact organizers, and information sources. Most personal communication devices or smart phones possess more computing power than was available from the first mid-sized computer mainframes. Our personal communication devices can provide driving directions, access to the Internet, schedule alerts, or just a way to call home.

While the network power of the modern communication system can be tapped by the personal communication devices they do have limitations. When a user of a personal communication device enters enclosed shopping structures, such as a shopping mall, most of the functions of the personal communication device become useless. The structure of the shopping mall can disrupt signaling to cell towers or satellites that provide the all-important link between the personal communication device and the communication network.

In order to extend the communication to which we have become accustomed, these enclosed structures have added micro-towers laid-out within their structure in order to provide continued access to the communication network. While this continued access can be enjoyed by the patrons of the enclosed shopping mall, they don't provide any business benefit to the operators of the enclosed shopping structures.

Thus, a need still remains for a communication system with indoor navigation mechanism for providing extended communication capabilities within enclosed structures. In view of the ever increasing reliance on our personal communication devices, it is increasingly critical that answers be found to these problems. In view of the ever-increasing commercial competitive pressures, along with growing consumer expectations and the diminishing opportunities for meaningful product differentiation in the marketplace, it is critical that answers be found for these problems. Additionally, the need to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and performance, and meet competitive pressures adds an even greater urgency to the critical necessity for finding answers to these problems.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention provides a communication system, including: a first storage unit configured to receive relevant information by entering a region of interest; a first control unit, coupled to the first storage unit, configured to parse the relevant information; and a display, coupled to the first control unit, configured to display the relevant information, a target object, and a suggested path.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of operation of a communication system including: receiving relevant information by entering a region of interest; displaying on a display the relevant information of the region of interest; identifying a target object from the relevant information including identifying alternative sources of the target object; and overlaying a suggested path on the display for locating the target object in the region of interest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the present invention provides a first device that can communicate with the communication network, through the micro-tower, in order to download the relevant information for the region of interest. The embodiment of the present invention also provides the calculation of the acquisition path that can be performed by either the first device or the second device depending on the computing resources available when the first device crosses the geo-fence. Once the acquisition path is available within the first device, the augmented reality module can overlay the output of the camera for presentation in the graphical display window.

In the following description, numerous specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In order to avoid obscuring an embodiment of the present invention, some well-known circuits, system configurations, and process steps are not disclosed in detail.

One skilled in the art would appreciate that the format with which image information is expressed is not critical to some embodiments of the invention. For example, in some embodiments, image information is presented in the format of (X, Y); where X and Y are two coordinates that define the location of a pixel in an image.

The phrase “region of interest” referred to herein is defined to be an enclosed interior region, selected by a user, serviced by a communication path that can include micro-towers as an extension and part of the communication path. The term “geo-fence” referred to herein is defined to be a communication boundary established by a segment of a communication network. One of the purposes of the geo-fence is to alert a communication device that it has entered or left the region of interest. The term “items of interest” referred to herein is defined to be any desired element or commodity which is housed within the region of interest.

The phrase “relevant information” referred to herein comprises the information relating to items of interest to the user, such as local business, hours of operation, advertised specials, location of inventory, maps, and nearby community or personal information.

The term “micro-tower” is defined to be any short range repeater that is coupled to a communication network for providing limited range access to the communication network when direct access is not available.

The term “module” referred to herein can include software, hardware, or a combination thereof in accordance with the context in which the term is used. For example, the software can be machine code, firmware, embedded code, and application software. Also for example, the hardware can be circuitry, processor, computer, integrated circuit, integrated circuit cores, a pressure sensor, an inertial sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), passive devices, or a combination thereof.

Referring now toFIG. 1, therein is shown is a communication system100with indoor navigation mechanism in a first embodiment of the present invention. The communication system100includes a first device102, such as a client or a server, connected to a second device106, such as a client or server, with a communication path104, such as a wireless or wired network.

For example, the first device102can be of any of a variety of mobile devices, such as a cellular phone, personal digital assistant, a notebook computer, automotive telematic navigation system, or other multi-functional mobile communication or entertainment device. The first device102can be a standalone device, or can be incorporated with a vehicle, for example a car, truck, bus, or train. The first device102can couple to the communication path104to communicate with the second device106.

For illustrative purposes, the communication system100is described with the first device102as a mobile computing device, although it is understood that the first device102can be different types of computing devices. For example, the first device102can also be a non-mobile computing device, such as a server, a server farm, or a desktop computer.

The second device106can be any of a variety of centralized or decentralized computing devices. For example, the second device106can be a computer, grid computing resources, a virtualized computer resource, cloud computing resource, routers, switches, peer-to-peer distributed computing devices, or a combination thereof.

The second device106can be centralized in a single computer room, distributed across different rooms, distributed across different geographical locations, or embedded within a telecommunications network. The second device106can have a means for coupling with the communication path104to communicate with the first device102. The second device106can also be a client type device as described for the first device102.

In another example, the first device102can be a particularized machine, such as a mainframe, a server, a cluster server, rack mounted server, or a blade server, or the like. Yet another example, the second device106can be a particularized machine, such as a portable computing device, a thin client, a notebook, a netbook, a smartphone, personal digital assistant, or a cellular phone.

For illustrative purposes, the communication system100is described with the second device106as a non-mobile computing device, although it is understood that the second device106can be different types of computing devices. For example, the second device106can also be a mobile computing device, such as notebook computer, another client device, or a different type of client device. The second device106can be a standalone device, or can be incorporated with a vehicle, for example a car, truck, bus, or train.

Also for illustrative purposes, the communication system100is shown with the second device106and the first device102as end points of the communication path104, although it is understood that the communication system100can have a different partition between the first device102, the second device106, and the communication path104. For example, the first device102, the second device106, or a combination thereof can also function as part of the communication path104.

The communication path104can be a variety of networks. For example, the communication path104can include wireless communication, wired communication, optical, ultrasonic, or the combination thereof. Satellite communication, cellular communication, Bluetooth, Infrared Data Association standard (IrDA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) are examples of wireless communication that can be included in the communication path104. Ethernet, digital subscriber line (DSL), fiber to the home (FTTH), and plain old telephone service (POTS) are examples of wired communication that can be included in the communication path104.

Further, the communication path104can traverse a number of network topologies and distances. For example, the communication path104can include direct connection, personal area network (PAN), local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN) or any combination thereof.

Referring now toFIG. 2, therein is shown an example of a display202of the first device102. The display202can provide textual and graphical communication between the first device102and the second device106ofFIG. 1. The display202can be configured to depict a status window204, a search input window206, and a graphical display window208.

The first device102, the second device106, or a combination thereof can be configured to detect a crossing of a geo-fence210, marking an entry or exit of a region of interest212, as displayed on the graphical display window208, and take appropriate action based on the region of interest212. The region of interest212is defined to be an enclosed interior region serviced by micro-towers as an extension and part of the communication path104ofFIG. 1. For example, if the region of interest212is a grocery store, the action taken by the first device102can be to accept a map and inventory location for the grocery store. The status window204can display the current activity taken by the first device102, such as downloading map, sorting inventory location, comparing to shopping list, identifying purchase locations, or commence shopping.

The graphical display window208can present a suggested path214to locate a target object216. The graphical display window208can also be configured to present an augmented reality display that can have target object markers218which lead to the target object216. The target object markers218can be displayed as additional information markers that provide additional information if the target object markers218are selected on the graphical display window208. The additional information can include detailed information about the target objects216, suggestions for alternative sources220of the target objects216, sale or coupon information, or a combination thereof.

The first device102can be configured to provide alternative sources of the target objects216, such as multiple stores within a shopping mall, different brands of the target object216, or a combination thereof. The target object markers218, when selected, can provide comparisons between the target objects216and the alternative sources220, such as “name brand” products and “generic” versions of those products. The first device102can be further configured to provide complimentary items that might accompany the target objects216. By way of an example, if the target object216is a hammer the complimentary items can include nails or eye protection.

The graphical display window208can display coupons for the target objects216or notify of upcoming sales on the target objects216. If the region of interest212is a shopping mall, there can be multiple sources for the target objects216that can be listed by cost or popularity. The first device102can search an inventory of the mall and deliver a list of options of where the target objects216can be found based on the configured priority.

The search input window206can provide an input to a pre-configured list or it can allow identification of target objects216for display of availability, price, location, or a combination thereof. By way of an example, if the region of interest212is a museum, the search input window206can be used to identify the target object216or item within the museum for viewing.

The graphical display window208can provide a graphical display of the interior map of the region of interest212, the suggested path214through the region of interest212to locate the target objects216, or an augmented reality display of the region of interest212with the target objects216identified by the target object markers218. The graphical display window208can receive input from the communication path104ofFIG. 1, a camera (not shown) within the first device102, or a combination thereof. The augmented reality display in the graphical display window208can combine the input from the camera and the input from the communication path104in order to assist in the location and identification of the target objects216.

It is understood that the size, location, and arrangement of the status window204, the search input window206, and the graphical display window208is an example only and can differ. The display202can include more or fewer windows as the elements of each can be combined into the graphical display window208without changing their function.

Referring now toFIG. 3, therein is shown an exemplary block diagram of a communication system300with indoor navigation mechanism. The first device302can include a first device302, a communication path304, and a second device306.

The first device302can communicate with the second device306over the communication path304. For example, the first device302, the communication path304, and the second device306can be the first device102ofFIG. 1, the communication path104ofFIG. 1, and the second device106ofFIG. 1, respectively.

The first device302can send information in a first device transmission308over the communication path304to the second device306. The second device306can send information in a second device transmission310over the communication path304to the first device302.

For illustrative purposes, the communication system300is shown with the first device302as a client device, although it is understood that the communication system300can have the first device302as a different type of device. For example, the first device302can be a server.

Also for illustrative purposes, the communication system300is shown with the second device306as a server, although it is understood that the communication system300can have the second device306as a different type of device. For example, the second device306can be a client device.

For brevity of description in this embodiment of the present invention, the first device302will be described as a client device and the second device306will be described as a server device. The present invention is not limited to this selection for the type of devices. The selection is an example of the present invention.

The first device302can include a first control unit312, a first storage unit314, a first communication unit316, a first user interface318, and a location unit320. The first device302can be similarly described by the first device102. The first communication unit316can be communicatively coupled to the first control unit312and configured to convey relevant information, such as inventory physical location, price, product information, and the like, to the first storage unit314.

The first control unit312can include a first control interface322. The first control unit312can be implemented in a number of different manners. For example, the first control unit312can be a processor, an embedded processor, a microprocessor, a hardware control logic, a hardware finite state machine (FSM), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a combination thereof. The first control interface322can be implemented in different ways and can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with the first control interface322. For example, the first control interface322can be implemented with a pressure sensor, an inertial sensor, a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS), optical circuitry, waveguides, wireless circuitry, wire-line circuitry, or a combination thereof.

The first storage unit314can include a first storage interface324. The first storage unit314can be a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, an internal memory, an external memory, or a combination thereof. For example, the first storage unit314can be a nonvolatile storage such as non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), Flash memory, disk storage, or a volatile storage such as static random access memory (SRAM). The first storage unit314can receive and store the down-loaded map of the region of interest212ofFIG. 2and the additional information, such as the inventory and location of the target objects216ofFIG. 2within the region of interest212.

The first storage interface324can receive information from the other functional units or from external sources, or can transmit information to the other functional units or to external destinations. The external sources and the external destinations refer to sources and destinations external to the first device302. A first configuration325can store the optional configurations of the first device302. The first configuration325can be maintained in the first storage unit314to control the operations of identification and location of the target objects216. The first configuration325can modify the operation of the first control unit312in identifying and displaying the target objects216and the alternative sources220ofFIG. 2. A first software326can be stored in the first storage unit314.

The first communication unit316can include a first communication interface328. The first communication unit316can function as a communication hub allowing the first device302to function as part of the communication path304and not limited to be an end point or terminal unit to the communication path304. The first communication unit316can include active and passive components, such as microelectronics or an antenna, for interaction with the communication path304. The first communication interface328can be used for communication between the first communication interface328and other functional units in the first device302. The first communication interface328can receive information from the other functional units or can transmit information to the other functional units.

The first communication interface328can include different implementations depending on which functional units are being interfaced with the first communication unit316. The first communication interface328can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of the first control interface322.

The first user interface318can include a camera319and a first display interface330. The first user interface318can include an input device and an output device. Examples of the input device of the first user interface318can be the camera319and can also include a keypad, a touchpad, soft-keys, a keyboard, a microphone, or any combination thereof to provide data and communication inputs. Examples of the output device of the first user interface318can include the first display interface330. The first display interface330can include a display, a projector, a video screen, a speaker, or any combination thereof.

The first user interface318can be the entry device for the configuration information, a pre-determined list of the target objects216, additional or original entries of the target objects216, selection of the target object markers218ofFIG. 2, or a combination thereof. Information entered through the first user interface318can be stored, for later use or direct access, in the first storage unit314.

The location unit320can include a location interface332. The location unit320can generate location information, current heading, and current speed of the first device302, as examples. The location unit320can be implemented in many ways. For example, the location unit320can function as at least a part of a global positioning system (GPS), an inertial navigation system, a cellular-tower location system, a pressure location system, or any combination thereof. The location interface332can receive information from the other functional units or from external sources, or can transmit information to the other functional units or to external destinations. The external sources and the external destinations refer to sources and destinations external to the first device302.

The location interface332can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with the location unit320. The location interface332can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of the first control interface322.

The performance, architectures, and type of technologies can also differ between the first device102and the first device302. For example, the first device102can function as a single device embodiment of the present invention and can have a higher performance than the first device302. The first device302can be similarly optimized for a multiple device embodiment of the present invention.

The second device306can be optimized for implementing the present invention in a multiple device embodiment with the first device302. The second device306can provide the additional or higher performance processing power compared to the first device302. The second device306can include a second control unit334, a second communication unit336, and a second user interface338.

The second user interface338allows a user (not shown) to interface and interact with the second device306. The second user interface338can include an input device and an output device. Examples of the input device of the second user interface338can include a keypad, a touchpad, soft-keys, a keyboard, a microphone, or any combination thereof to provide data and communication inputs. Examples of the output device of the second user interface338can include a second display interface340. The second display interface340can include a display, a projector, a video screen, a speaker, or any combination thereof.

The second control unit334can execute a second software342to provide the intelligence of the second device306of the communication system300. The second software342can operate in conjunction with the first software326. The second control unit334can provide additional performance compared to the first control unit312.

The second control unit334can operate the second user interface338to display information. The second control unit334can also execute the second software342for the other functions of the communication system300, including operating the second communication unit336to communicate with the first device302over the communication path304. The second control unit334can also receive a service request from a geo-fence monitor335in a micro-tower352that is positioned at the entrance of the region of interest212ofFIG. 2. The service request from the geo-fence monitor335can cause the second control unit334to initiate a transfer of relevant information through the second device transmission310to the first device302.

The second control unit334can be implemented in a number of different manners. For example, the second control unit334can be a processor, an embedded processor, a microprocessor, a hardware control logic, a hardware finite state machine (FSM), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a combination thereof.

The second control unit334can include a second controller interface344. The second controller interface344can be used for communication between the second control unit334and other functional units in the second device306. The second controller interface344can also be used for communication that is external to the second device306.

The second controller interface344can be implemented in different ways and can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with the second controller interface344. For example, the second controller interface344can be implemented with a pressure sensor, an inertial sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), optical circuitry, waveguides, wireless circuitry, wireline circuitry, or a combination thereof.

A second storage unit346can store the second software342. The second storage unit346can also store the relevant information, such as advertisements, points of interest (POI), navigation routing entries, or any combination thereof. The second storage unit346can be sized to provide the additional storage capacity to supplement the first storage unit314.

For illustrative purposes, the second storage unit346is shown as a single element, although it is understood that the second storage unit346can be a distribution of storage elements. Also for illustrative purposes, the communication system300is shown with the second storage unit346as a single hierarchy storage system, although it is understood that the communication system300can have the second storage unit346in a different configuration. For example, the second storage unit346can be formed with different storage technologies forming a memory hierarchal system including different levels of caching, main memory, rotating media, or off-line storage.

The second storage unit346can include a second storage interface348. The second storage interface348can be used for communication between the location unit320and other functional units in the second device306. The second storage interface348can also be used for communication that is external to the second device306.

The second storage interface348can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with the second storage unit346. The second storage interface348can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of the second controller interface344.

The second communication unit336can enable external communication to and from the second device306. For example, the second communication unit336can permit the second device306to communicate with the first device302over the communication path304.

The second communication unit336can also function as a communication hub allowing the second device306to function as part of the communication path304and not limited to be an end point or terminal unit to the communication path304. The second communication unit336can include active and passive components, such as microelectronics or an antenna, for interaction with the communication path304.

The second communication unit336can include a second communication interface350. The second communication interface350can be used for communication between the second communication unit336and other functional units in the second device306. The second communication interface350can receive information from the other functional units or can transmit information to the other functional units.

The second communication interface350can include different implementations depending on which functional units are being interfaced with the second communication unit336. The second communication interface350can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of the second controller interface344.

The first communication unit316can couple with the communication path304to send information to the second device306in the first device transmission308. The second device306can receive information in the second communication unit336from the first device transmission308of the communication path304.

The second communication unit336can couple with the communication path304to send information to the first device302in the second device transmission310. The first device302can receive information in the first communication unit316from the second device transmission310of the communication path304. The communication system300can be executed by the first control unit312, the second control unit334, or a combination thereof.

For illustrative purposes, the second device306is shown with the partition having the second user interface338, the second storage unit346, the second control unit334, and the second communication unit336, although it is understood that the second device306can have a different partition. For example, the second software342can be partitioned differently such that some or all of its function can be in the second control unit334and the second communication unit336. In addition, the second device306can include other functional units not shown inFIG. 3for clarity.

The functional units in the first device302can work individually and independently of the other functional units. The first device302can work individually and independently from the second device306and the communication path304.

The functional units in the second device306can work individually and independently of the other functional units. The second device306can work individually and independently from the first device302and the communication path304.

For illustrative purposes, the communication system300is described by operation of the first device302and the second device306. It is understood that the first device302and the second device306can operate any of the modules and functions of the communication system300. For example, the first device302is described to operate the location unit320, although it is understood that the second device306can also operate the location unit320.

Referring now toFIG. 4, therein is shown a flow chart of an exemplary method401of operation of the communication system100ofFIG. 1. The flow chart of the exemplary method401depicts a set region module402, in which the user can configure the first device102ofFIG. 1to identify and respond to the region of interest212ofFIG. 2. The region of interest212can be a shopping mall, a grocery store, a commercial warehouse, a museum, a library, or any enclosed structure that houses the target objects216ofFIG. 2.

The flow proceeds to a geo-fence detected module404to determine if the first device102has entered the region of interest212established by the user. If the geo-fence detected module404determines that the first device102has not entered the region of interest212, the flow loops by re-entering the geo-fence detected module404until such time as the geo-fence detected module404determines the first device102has entered the region of interest212. The geo-fence detection module404can receive input from the location unit320ofFIG. 3when it is determined that the first communication interface328ofFIG. 3has established communication with the communication path104ofFIG. 1through the second device106ofFIG. 1, such as a micro-tower (not shown) attributed to the region of interest212.

The flow then proceeds to a receive relevant information module406, in which the interior map and relevant information is loaded into the first storage unit314ofFIG. 3. The receive relevant information module406can be activated by the second communication interface350ofFIG. 3in order to transfer the relevant information for the region of interest212by the second device106ofFIG. 1to the first device102. The relevant information can include, but is not limited to, an interior map of the region of interest212, inventory location of all of the commodities or elements within the region of interest212, discount or special purchase information, areas of service or support, or a combination thereof. By way of example the relevant information module406can download a map of the interior of a warehouse membership store, a table of the location of all inventory items, the location of rest rooms, the location of customer service counters, the location of check-out counters, or a combination thereof for access and display by the first user interface318ofFIG. 3on the graphical display window208ofFIG. 2.

The flow then proceeds to a display interior map module408, in which the receive information from the relevant information module406is processed by the first control unit312ofFIG. 3and transferred to the display202ofFIG. 2for presentation in the graphical display window208. Once the downloaded interior map is presented in the graphical display window208, the flow proceeds to a target object identified module410. The target object identified module410can examine the storage unit304ofFIG. 3to determine if the target object216has previously been entered. In an example, the storage unit304can contain a grocery list having several of the target objects216within the region of interest212including quantity and options, such as types or flavors of bread.

If the target object identified module410determines that the target object216has not been stored in the storage unit304, the flow proceeds to an input search module412. The input search module412can query the user interface302ofFIG. 3to determine whether an input has been processed through the search input window206ofFIG. 2. The flow then returns to the target object identified module410to determine that a target object216has been entered. The flow can remain looping until the target object216is detected. When the target object identified module410determines that the target object216has been entered, the flow proceeds to a calculate path module414.

In the calculate path module414, the first control unit312can identify the location of the target object216based on the inventory location of the commodities or elements in the region of interest212. The identified locations can be listed in sequential order based on the distance from the geo-fence210ofFIG. 2. By combining the interior map of the region of interest212with the identified locations, the first control unit312can calculate the suggested path214ofFIG. 2to the target object216. The flow then proceeds to an augmented reality module416.

The augmented reality module416can activate the camera319ofFIG. 3and overlay a portion of the suggested path214to the target object216for presentation in the graphical display window208. The target object markers218ofFIG. 2can be configured for display in place of or in complement of the suggested path214. The target object markers218can provide additional information about the location of the target object216that it is indication. The additional information can include any coupons, specials, or complimentary items associated with the target object216.

It is understood that the modules of the exemplary method401are an example of the implementation of the present invention and other implementations are possible. The resulting display presented in the graphical display window208can present an efficient approach to visiting or acquiring multiple items of the target object216within the region of interest212. It is further understood that the calculation of the suggested path214can be performed by the second device106if additional processing power is required to support the first device102.

Referring now toFIG. 5, therein is shown a floor plan of a region of interest as displayed by on the display interface of the first device ofFIG. 2. The floor plan of the region of interest501depicts an interior map502of the region of interest501having a geo-fence504positioned at an entry. The geo-fence504can be provided by a micro-tower506that is linked to the communication path104ofFIG. 1.

The first device102can enter the region of interest501, such as a library, a museum, a membership warehouse store, or a shopping mall. The first device102can have the predefined list of the target objects216ofFIG. 2including a first target object508, a second target object510, and a third target object512.

Crossing the geo-fence504can initiate the first device102to receive the interior map, inventory of locations of the elements or commodities, and other relevant information related to the region of interest501. The first device102can calculate an acquisition path514for locating the first target object508, the second target object510, and the third target object512within the region of interest501.

Based on the distance from the geo-fence504, the acquisition path514can start by progressing to the location of the third target object512. The acquisition path514then proceeds to the first target object508, and to the second target object510. The acquisition path514represents the most efficient order of locating the first target object508, the second target object510, and the third target object512because the order of the items of interest is determined by the closest distance to the geo-fence504.

Referring now toFIG. 6, therein is shown a flow chart of a method of operation of a communication system in a further embodiment of the present invention. The method600includes: receiving relevant information by entering a region of interest in a block602; displaying on a display the relevant information of the region of interest in a block604; identifying a target object from the relevant information including identifying alternative sources of the target object in a block606; and overlaying a suggested path on the display for locating the target object in the region of interest in a block608.

It has been discovered that the first device102ofFIG. 1can communicate with the communication network104ofFIG. 1, through the micro-tower506ofFIG. 5, in order to download the relevant information for the region of interest501ofFIG. 5. It has also been discovered that the calculation of the acquisition path514ofFIG. 5can be performed by either the first device102or the second device106ofFIG. 1depending on the computing resources available when the first device102crosses the geo-fence504ofFIG. 5. Once the acquisition path514is available within the first device102, the augmented reality module416ofFIG. 4can overlay the output of the camera319ofFIG. 3for presentation in the graphical display window208ofFIG. 2.

The physical transformation by the augmented reality module416results in movement in the physical world, such as people using first device102, based on the operation of the communication system100ofFIG. 1. As the movement in the physical world occurs, the movement itself creates additional information that is converted back to the segment of the acquisition path514for the continued operation of the communication system100and to continue the movement in the physical world.

Thus, it has been discovered that the communication system100and device of the present invention furnishes important and heretofore unknown and unavailable solutions, capabilities, and functional aspects for locating the first target object508ofFIG. 5, the second target object510ofFIG. 5, and the third target object512ofFIG. 5within the region of interest501. It has also been discovered that businesses can manage positions and locations of their items, sections, and regions on the interior maps502ofFIG. 5to better help guide users to their items of interest.

It is understood that the description of the first target object508, the second target object510, and the third target object512is by way of an example and a different number of the items of interest is likely. It is further understood that the acquisition path514is dynamic and can be recalculated if the user deviates from the acquisition path514in order to visit a customer support station or a rest room. It is still further understood that the augmented reality module416ofFIG. 4can be a dedicated hardware module or a combination of hardware and software, located in either the first device102or the second device106, for overlaying the output of the camera319with the segment of the acquisition path514that is visible through the camera319ofFIG. 3.

The resulting method, process, apparatus, device, product, and/or system is straightforward, cost-effective, uncomplicated, highly versatile, accurate, sensitive, and effective, and can be implemented by adapting known components for ready, efficient, and economical manufacturing, application, and utilization.