Method for hiding the camera preview view during position determination of a mobile device

A mobile device, comprising:

• a camera configured to obtain images;
• a display screen;
• a memory storing logic for providing an indoor navigation application and a camera application programming interface (API) associated with the camera, wherein the camera API requires a camera preview surface containing an image obtained by the camera to be presented on the display screen;
• and
• a processor configured to execute the logic of the indoor navigation application and the camera API stored in the memory, wherein upon execution of the logic and the camera API, the processor performs functions, including functions of:
• present on the display screen, based on execution of the indoor navigation application logic, a map of an indoor location in which the mobile device is located;
• obtain image data with the enabled camera;
• create a camera preview surface required by the camera API, for displaying the obtained image on the display screen, wherein the created camera preview surface is sized to be hidden from view of a mobile device user;
• and
• present the obtained image in the created camera preview surface with the map of the indoor location.

A mobile device, comprising:

• a camera;
• a display screen;
• a processor coupled to the camera and the display screen;
• a memory;
• and
• logic in the memory to be run by the processor, wherein execution of the logic by the processor configures the mobile device to implement functions, including functions to:
• operate the camera to capture an image including a modulated visible light signal transmitted from a visible light source;
• while operating the camera, create a preview feed required by operation of the camera;
• demodulate the modulated visible light signal from the captured image to obtain data carried in the modulated visible light signal;
• based on the obtained data, determine a position of the mobile device;
• present information related to the determined position of the mobile device on the display screen;
• and
• hide a presentation of the preview feed on the display screen, during the presentation of the information related to the determined position of the mobile device on the display screen.