What is a Visual Positioning System (VPS)? A Complete Technical Guide

Google has again developed another excellent feature that beats the GPS or the Geo Positioning System with the latest Visual Positioning System or VPS. This development is a breakthrough in technological advancement that will revolutionize how we see the world through our devices. Without further ado, let’s learn about VPS together.

What is a Visual Positioning System (VPS)?

A VPS is a technology that uses computer vision and machine learning algorithms to be able to determine the position and orientation of a device, such as a smartphone or a drone, concerning its surroundings. This technology is functional in various applications, such as augmented reality, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. VPS typically relies on a combination of cameras and sensors to capture images of the environment, which are then analyzed and compared to a map or 3D model to determine the device’s location.

How Visual Positioning System Work?

A VPS typically works by capturing images of the environment using one or more cameras and then comparing these images to a map or 3D model of the area. The similarities and differences between the captured images and the reference map determine a device’s location and orientation.

This process follows several steps, such as:

1 – Image capture:

The device captures images of the environment using one or more cameras. These images are typically processed to remove any distortion or noise.

2 – Feature extraction:

Algorithms are operative to extract features from the images, such as points, lines, or textures. These features are functional to identify critical points of interest in the environment.

3 – Feature matching:

The extracted features check for a match against a reference map or 3D model of the area. The reference map contains information about the position and appearance of critical points of interest in the environment.

4 – Pose estimation:

The device determines its location and orientation (pose) by comparing the captured images with the reference map and selecting the similarities and differences between them.

5 – Localisation and navigation:

The device uses information about its pose to determine its location and navigate within the environment.

It is important to note that VPS can use different sources of information to achieve more robust results, such as simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) or inertial measurement units (IMU).

What are the different types of VPS?

There are six types of VPS depending on how they collect and process data. Let us explore an advanced visual positioning system:

Marker-based VPS:

In market-based you can use visual positioning for predefined markers, such as QR codes, to determine the device’s location. The device captures an image of the marker and then uses the information encoded in it to determine its location.

Feature-based VPS:

In this type, the visual positioning system uses features in the environment, such as points, lines, or textures, to determine the device’s location. The device captures an environment image and then compares the features to a reference map or 3D model to determine its location.

Map-based VPS:

In map-based you can use visual positioning as a pre-built environment map to determine the device’s location. The device captures an environment image and then compares it to the reference map to determine its location.

Hybrid VPS:

In this, the VPS combines the methods of different VPS types, such as marker-based, feature-based, and map-based, to improve the accuracy and robustness of the system.

Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) based VPS

This type of VPS uses sensor data to build a map and simultaneously determine the device’s location. It can work in environments where the pre-built map is not available.

Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) based VPS

This VPS uses the data from IMU sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, and visual data to determine the device’s location.

How can a VPS be used for business?

Visual Positioning Systems are functional in various business applications, such as:

Retail and e-commerce:

VPS enhances the shopping experience by providing customers with real-time information about products and promotions and helping them navigate through stores.

Real estate:

You can create virtual tours of properties, making it easier for potential buyers to view properties remotely.

Transportation and logistics:

The efficiency and safety of transportation and logistics operations, such as autonomous vehicles and drones, will improve with the help of this system.

Manufacturing and industrial:

VPS can help improve the precision and efficiency of manufacturing and industrial operations, such as robots and automated guided vehicles.

Gaming and entertainment:

VPS can create immersive, location-based gaming and entertainment experiences, such as augmented reality games.

Public safety and emergency response:

VPS can help first responders navigate unfamiliar or dangerous environments, such as natural disasters or other emergencies.

Tourism:

Tours of historical sites, landmarks, and other tourist attractions can be made more exciting and interactive using VPS technology.

Agriculture:

The precision of farming operations, such as crop monitoring, soil analysis, and autonomous tractors, can be further improved.

In short, VPS can improve the efficiency and safety of a wide range of business operations and enhance customer experiences in various industries.

Benefits of using VPS:

The development of VPS is a blessing in disguise in various ways. Some of its benefits include:

Increased accuracy and precision:

VPS uses a combination of cameras, sensors, and machine learning algorithms to determine a device’s precise location and orientation, which can improve the efficiency and safety of a wide range of operations.

Improved navigation:

Real-time navigation information can be improved using the VPS, making it easier for people and devices to move around in unfamiliar or complex environments.

Enhanced customer experiences:

Interactive, location-based experiences, such as augmented reality games, virtual tours, and personalised shopping experiences, can be created with the help of a Visual Positioning System.

Increased efficiency and safety:

VPS can automate a wide range of operations, such as transportation, logistics, manufacturing, and farming, improving efficiency and safety.

Cost-effective:

It can be a cost-effective way to improve operations, as it does not require the installation of expensive infrastructure, such as GPS or RFID systems.

Other Benefits:

SLAM-based VPS can work in environments where the pre-built map is unavailable; this can be useful in unknown environments, such as natural disasters or emergency response.

IMU-based VPS can work in environments where visual data is not available, such as indoors or during nighttime.

It is a versatile technology that can operate in many fields and industries, including transportation, logistics, manufacturing, real estate, retail, and entertainment.

Role of VPS in Google Maps:

Google Maps uses a VPS which combines GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks to determine a device’s location. It allows users to search for and navigate to specific areas, get directions, and view maps and satellite imagery in real time. The VPS in Google Maps improves the accuracy and reliability of the location information provided; it can also be integrated into other applications to provide real-time navigation and location tracking. Additionally, Google Maps VPS uses the “Street view” feature that allows users to view and navigate through 360-degree panoramic street-level images in many areas

Challenges of VPS

Several challenges are yet to be overcome by the VPS. Some of them are:

Limited accuracy and reliability:

VPS can be affected by factors such as lighting conditions, weather, and obstacles, which can limit the accuracy and reliability of the system.

Complex and resource-intensive:

The Visual Positioning System can be complex and resource-intensive to set up and maintain, requiring specialized hardware and software and a large amount of data storage and processing power.

Limited coverage:

It is limited to the areas where the system is set up, and the reference map or 3D model is available. It may only be able to provide location information in areas where it is available.

Privacy concerns:

In this, the VPS may not be accessible to users with disabilities, such as those who are visually impaired, and may require additional features to make it more accessible.

Limited accessibility:

In this, the VPS may not be accessible to users with disabilities, such as those who are visually impaired, and may require additional features to make it more accessible

Constant updating:

In this, the VPS may not be accessible to users with disabilities, such as those who are visually impaired, and may require additional features to make it more accessible

Complex algorithms:

The VPS relies on complex algorithms that can be affected by the quality of the data and the parameters used, which can lead to errors or inaccuracies in the location information.

Unfamiliar environments:

It may only work well in unfamiliar environments, such as indoor spaces or new construction sites, where the reference map or 3D model is available.

SLAM-based VPS can be affected by the quality of the sensor data and the algorithm used; this can lead to errors or inaccuracies in the location information.

IMU-based VPS can suffer from drift and bias errors, affecting the location accuracy over time.

In short, VPS is a complex technology that requires careful planning, implementation, and maintenance to reach the desired level of accuracy and reliability. It may only be suitable for some use cases and need additional features and technologies to overcome these challenges.

What are the latest VPS trends?

The field of VPS is constantly evolving, and several trends have emerged in recent years. Let’s read further to find out:

Increased use of machine learning:

The utilization of machine learning algorithms has dramatically increased due to the development of VPS to improve the accuracy and reliability of systems such as deep learning and neural networks.

Integration with other technologies:

VPS is being integrated with other technologies, such as simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) and inertial measurement units (IMU), to improve the robustness and accuracy of the system.

Greater use in autonomous systems:

Autonomous systems, like drones, self-driving cars, and robots, are being integrated with VPS to enhance their navigation and location capabilities.

Development of new sensors:

The VPS development uses new sensors such as LIDAR, ultrasonic, and infrared sensors to improve the accuracy and reliability of the system.

Increased use of cloud computing:

Cloud computing is configurable with the VPS to store and process large amounts of data, which can improve the scalability and accessibility of the system..

Increased use in indoor environments:

Navigation and localization capabilities of devices in indoor environments, such as shopping centers, airports, and hospitals, are being improved with the help of VPS.

Greater use in AR/VR:

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) incorporate the VPS to improve the immersion and the sense of presence in the virtual world.

Greater use in smart cities:

The VPS helps smart cities to improve the navigation and localization capabilities of devices in urban environments and to enable new services such as traffic management, parking, and air quality monitoring.

Difference between GPS and VPS:

Visual positioning systems (VPS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are used to determine a device’s position and orientation. Nevertheless, there are several crucial differences between the two, like:

In summary, GPS is a satellite-based technology that provides highly accurate location information in outdoor environments. At the same time, VPS is a computer vision-based technology that is particularly useful for determining location indoors and in areas where GPS signals may be weak or non-existent. Both technologies have advantages and limitations and can be used in different cases and environments.

In a nutshell,

The Visual Positioning System (VPS) is a technology that would be a massive technological revolution. Various businesses would be generating higher revenues and profits by incorporating VPS into their apps with the help of AI and Machine Learning processes. The more I think about the advancements, the more excited I feel about them. Though there may be particular challenges, they should be resolved soon and increase the benefits it brings. Before we end this discussion, let me clarify that GPS is a satellite-based technology that provides highly accurate location information in outdoor environments. At the same time, VPS is a computer vision-based technology that is particularly useful for determining location indoors and in areas where GPS signals may be weak or non-existent. If you have enjoyed reading my blog or have any feedback, leave them in the comments below.