Altitude Determination Using Satellite and Barometric Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining altitude using portable devices are prone to errors due to variations in atmospheric pressure and temperature, especially during rapid changes, and rely heavily on GPS-calibrated barometric measurements, which are not effective in accounting for weather changes.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines satellite-positioning data with barometric and acceleration sensor information to calculate corrected altitude readings, using the rate of change of atmospheric pressure and acceleration data to reduce errors and improve accuracy, independent of weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If barometric sensor is used to measure altitude, then altitude measurement is possible, but measurement precision deteriorates due to atmospheric pressure and temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines satellite-positioning sensor data with barometric sensor data to determine altitude. The satellite sensor provides absolute position information that is independent of atmospheric conditions, while the barometric sensor provides continuous relative altitude changes. By merging these two measurement systems, the patent achieves both high precision and reliability under varying weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses satellite-positioning sensor data as an intermediary to calibrate and correct barometric altitude measurements. The satellite data serves as a reference that mediates the errors introduced by atmospheric pressure and temperature variations, allowing the barometric measurements to be corrected without losing their continuous measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If GPS-calibrated barometric measurements are used, then altitude calibration is improved, but adaptability to weather changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between using satellite-positioning data and barometric data based on measurement conditions and availability. Rather than relying solely on static GPS calibration, the system continuously adapts by incorporating real-time satellite position information to correct barometric measurements, making the system adaptable to changing weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using rate of change of atmospheric pressure combined with satellite-derived altitude information. This parameter change allows the system to maintain calibration accuracy while adapting to weather changes, as the satellite data provides a reference that compensates for atmospheric variations.
3Measurement precision
If satellite-positioning sensor is used continuously for altitude measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges satellite-positioning measurements with barometric measurements, using each sensor's strengths. The barometric sensor consumes less energy and provides continuous measurements, while the satellite sensor is used periodically or selectively to calibrate and correct the barometric data, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using satellite-positioning data not continuously but only when needed for calibration or correction. The system uses barometric measurements for continuous altitude tracking and supplements them with satellite data at appropriate intervals, achieving high precision without the energy cost of continuous satellite monitoring.
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 accurate and dynamic altitude measurements by minimizing the impact of weather changes and temperature variations, enhancing the precision and reliability of altitude profiles while reducing power consumption by minimizing continuous satellite-positioning sensor usage.
Implementation Method 1
a barometric sensor for measuring atmospheric-pressure information
Implementation Method 2
a satellite-positioning sensor for determining the elevation of the device on the basis of satellite data
Implementation Method 3
an acceleration sensor for measuring acceleration
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a portable electronic device and method for determining altitude. The device can comprise a satellite-positioning sensor for determining the elevation of the device on the basis of satellite data, a barometric sensor for measuring atmospheric-pressure information and/or an acceleration sensor for measuring acceleration information, and means for determining the altitude reading on the basis of the satellite-based elevation and the atmospheric-pressure and/or acceleration information. According to the invention, the means for determining the altitude reading are arranged to calculate a corrected altitude reading with the aid of the rate of change in elevation determined at least partly on the basis of the elevation determined on a satellite basis and atmospheric-pressure and/or acceleration information. With the aid of the invention, the altitude profile of exercise can be measured precisely.