The 15th AREA Research Project

Research RFPs

Comparison of Visual Positioning Systems and Spatial Anchors

To submit a proposal for this research, please follow the guidance and complete the form below.

Background

Visual Positioning Systems or Services (VPS) determine a device’s location and position/orientation based on features in images captured by the user’s device rather than GPS signals. VPS systems create a 3D spatial map of a space by taking a series of images that have a known location and analyzing them for key visual features to create a fast, searchable index of those visual features.

To localize the user, the VPS compares the features received from the device in real time with those in the VPS’ feature index. The accuracy of localization through a VPS is greatly affected by the quality of both the imagery indexed and sent when locating, and the location associated with it.

Executive Summary: This project will identify commercial and open source Visual Positioning Services that create an index of visual features in a space, use or provide anchors on which AR experiences can be triggered, and study, compare and contrast at least four of the platforms (those most likely to suit enterprise requirements) for indoor enterprise AR use cases. The questions of how to manage spatial data (e.g., limiting the spatial map to only those spaces relevant to the user) and the options for premise-based deployments are in scope.

Customer problem

• Many modern AR experiences must be manually initiated by the user and are not sensitive to the user’s location/position and orientation. This is in part due to the fact that the device is unable to accurately position itself (and to detect visual anchors) in a user’s indoor environment.
• It is not possible to use GPS for reliable user positioning in most enterprise AR workplaces. Beacons and other technologies (e.g., markers) are not always easy to install and maintain or are unsuitable in some settings.
• Having an indexed visual map of a space on a user’s AR display device requires expensive memory and may be computationally complex for the device, resulting in low battery life and/or latency.Category of Project: Tool Assessments/Comparisons and Interoperability/Standards.

Project Goals

Successful completion of this project will result in the following benefits for AREA members:

• Inform AREA members of the capabilities and shortcomings of VPS and anchor recognition environments or platforms, enabling members to make informed decisions about the adoption of VPS for indoor positioning to make their projects more flexible (where experiences are triggered by the user’s location, rather than the user needing to start).
• Improve or offer an alternative to beacons, markers, or other indoor positioning technologies which the enterprise may be considering or have implemented.
• Highlight weaknesses and/or roadblocks AREA members may encounter in creating and maintaining 3D spatial maps for VPS for AR use cases, enabling members to prepare for and mitigate these factors.
• Identify areas within VPS ecosystems and pipelines to AR where providers may be able to add value and enhance existing commercial or open source VPSs.

Deliverables

This AREA research project will produce the following deliverables:

D1 – List of commercial and open source Visual Positioning Services on the market and final list of those on which the project will focus:

• Matrix that captures common (popular) and rare features
• Indicate if open, closed and which clients are able to send/receive to the VPS
• Work in collaboration with the AREA Research Committee to narrow down which solutions will be evaluated during the project

D2 – A detailed report documenting:

• Comparison of at least four VPS solutions or services suitable for enterprise indoor use cases based on a standard set of metrics, requirements, and features. The report should include:
  • Description of all the features and options available in the solutions with illustrations/screenshots, including discussion regarding limitations and strengths of approaches
  • Analyses of the solution architectures, business models and price plans
  • Tables in which features of different solutions are documented as of the completion of the research
  • Detailed comparison matrix outlining VPS features from the perspective of enterprise AR deployers and product or service providers,
• A clear use case and description of the environments that are used in the research/testing were chosen or created
• Steps to follow when evaluating a VPS and spatial anchor system for enterprise usage
• Custom or open source code or components and images of node structures or modules that AREA members can later use to replicate results from this study
• Recommendations for deployers of VPS for indoor localization

D3 – Assets used in the research, including but not limited to:

• Interactive or multimedia content such as detailed comparison videos or running apps demonstrating observable differences in selected VPS platforms.

D4 – Methodology:

• A step-by-step methodology for AREA members to follow when evaluating VPS platforms or services.

D5 – A member-exclusive webinar and executive summary for public audience

Proposal

The research project proposal will include (max 7 pages):

• Description of the research design and methodology (incl. an explanation of how it will measure the requested goal, and deliverables, and address the project topics)
• Project milestones and timeline
• Project risks, bias, and mitigation measures
• Potential or confirmed partners in the research
• Background and qualifications of the organization to perform research and any proposed partners
• Examples of other completed projects/reports (not included in page count)
• Names and contact information for up to three references

Selection Criteria

All proposals will be evaluated by the AREA research committee chairs and research manager on the following criteria:

• Experience in photogrammetry, depth mapping, distributed architectures for user device positioning, recognition of visual features for localization, Management of spatial data (on device or in the cloud?), and other technologies relevant to Visual Positioning and Spatial Anchors 
• Track record in research and development
• Timeline
• Feedback of references

Timeline and Deadlines

Please use the form below to submit your proposal on or before 12 PM Eastern Daylight Time November 22nd 2024. The AREA will provide detailed replies to submitters on or before November 27th, 2024.

Unless otherwise negotiated in advance, the research project is expected to take approximately 120 days. The research will be completed, and finished deliverables will be provided to the AREA by March 30, 2025.

Budget for this Project

The AREA Research Committee budget for this project is $15,000.

Questions

For answers to any questions concerning this project and the AREA Research Committee, please send an email to the Research Committee.