Altitude Measurement Using Predicted Reference Atmospheric Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring terminal altitude, such as using barometers and GPS, face challenges in accuracy due to temporal and spatial changes in atmospheric pressure, leading to significant errors, especially when reference atmospheric pressure data is outdated or unavailable.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that incorporates an atmospheric pressure measuring unit, a position determiner, and a controller to predict or retrieve reference atmospheric pressures based on spatial and temporal changes, allowing for accurate altitude calculation using a combination of measured and predicted data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used to measure altitude, then altitude information can be obtained, but the measurement precision is poor with large error ranges from several meters to dozens of meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS altitude information with barometer measurements and reference atmospheric pressure data to create a hybrid altitude measurement system. The controller integrates multiple data sources (GPS altitude, measured atmospheric pressure, reference atmospheric pressure) to calculate corrected altitude values, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining reliability through multi-source validation
2Measurement precision
If barometer is used to measure atmospheric pressure for altitude calculation, then altitude can be measured, but the measurement precision deteriorates when reference atmospheric pressure is outdated or unavailable due to temporal and spatial changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing reference atmospheric pressure information from multiple weather stations before it becomes outdated. When the terminal moves to a new location or reference data becomes stale, the controller can still access previously stored reference data to perform altitude calculations, preventing information loss from affecting measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the controller with storage capability) that maintains reference atmospheric pressure information from multiple weather stations. This intermediary allows the system to bridge the gap between current terminal position and available reference data, selecting or combining reference data from multiple sources to maintain accurate altitude measurements even when direct reference information is unavailable
3Measurement precision
If reference atmospheric pressure from weather center is used, then altitude calculation is enabled, but temporal risk factors cause errors when atmospheric pressure changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing reference atmospheric pressure information from multiple weather stations before it becomes outdated. When the terminal moves to a new location or reference data becomes stale, the controller can still access previously stored reference data to perform altitude calculations, preventing information loss from affecting measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to temporal changes by implementing a reception period mechanism. The controller determines whether to use stored reference data or request updated reference atmospheric pressure based on whether the current time exceeds a predetermined reception period. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain measurement precision by switching between cached and fresh data based on temporal conditions
4Measurement precision
If reference atmospheric pressure from weather center is used, then altitude calculation is enabled, but spatial risk factors cause errors when terminal moves to areas with different atmospheric pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reference atmospheric pressure data by storing information from multiple different weather stations rather than relying on a single source. The controller can select or combine reference data from multiple stations based on the terminal's current location, allowing the system to adapt to spatial variations in atmospheric pressure and maintain measurement precision across different geographic areas
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by selecting different reference atmospheric pressure values from multiple weather stations based on the terminal's spatial position. When the terminal moves to areas with different atmospheric pressure characteristics, the controller adjusts which reference data is used, enabling the system to adapt to spatial variations and maintain accurate altitude measurements across diverse locations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a more accurate and reliable altitude measurement by correcting for errors caused by temporal and spatial changes, enabling precise altitude determination even in areas with limited connectivity or rapid movement.
Implementation Method 1
a crystal within the barometer checks a vibration due to the atmospheric pressure and transmits the vibration as a signal to measure the atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 2
an atmospheric pressure measuring unit for measuring an atmospheric pressure from a barometer included in the terminal
Implementation Method 3
a position determiner for measuring position information of the terminal
Implementation Method 4
when a reference atmospheric pressure reception period is not generated, predicting a current reference atmospheric pressure by using previously received reference atmospheric pressures
Implementation Method 5
assigning a weight to each of the plurality of reference atmospheric pressures according to a relative distance between each of weather stations where the plurality of reference atmospheric pressures are measured and the terminal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for measuring an altitude of a terminal which can correct an altitude error according to temporal and spatial changes are provided. The apparatus includes an atmospheric pressure measuring unit for measuring an atmospheric pressure from a barometer included in the terminal, a position determiner for measuring position information of the terminal, and a controller for, when a reference atmospheric pressure reception period is not generated, predicting a current reference atmospheric pressure by using previously received reference atmospheric pressures and measuring a current altitude by using the predicted reference atmospheric pressure and the measured atmospheric pressure.