Anchor Station Mapping on Movable Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in determining precise locations of mobile objects on movable platforms, especially when these platforms are in motion, and in identifying whether stationary objects are attached to the platform, due to limited or interrupted satellite-based location signals and insufficient data collection during short stationary periods.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing sensor information from user devices to determine relative locations of anchor stations and mobile devices within movable platforms by analyzing connectivity levels, distance, and magnetic field patterns, even during motion, and aggregating data across multiple sessions to ensure accurate location mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite-based location sensors are used to determine position, then location precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates when satellite signals are interrupted or limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces anchor stations as intermediary reference points between satellite signals and user devices. These anchor stations receive satellite signals and relay processed location information to user devices via wireless communication, creating a localized reference framework that operates independently of direct satellite visibility. This mediator approach allows precise location determination even when satellite signals are interrupted or blocked.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the location determination system into segmented components: satellite signals segment into multiple anchor station references, and each anchor station further segments the signal coverage into detectable regions for individual user devices. This segmentation creates redundant reference points that maintain reliability when individual signal paths are interrupted.
2Productivity
If data collection is performed during short stationary periods, then mapping speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing anchor stations with known precise locations before conducting user device mapping. The anchor stations are pre-configured with accurate position information from satellite signals during stationary periods, preparing the reference framework in advance. This preliminary setup enables rapid subsequent mapping of moving user devices without requiring extended data collection periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic mapping approach where the system adapts data collection based on platform motion state. During stationary periods, the system intensively collects data to refine anchor station positions; during motion, it utilizes the established anchor framework to rapidly determine user device locations. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both mapping speed and precision across different operational phases.
3Adaptability or versatility
If anchor stations are deployed on movable platforms, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to mapping requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal anchor station design that can be deployed on various movable platforms (trains, ships, buses, airplanes) with different motion characteristics. The anchor stations use standardized wireless communication protocols and sensor interfaces that work across platform types. This universality reduces deployment complexity despite the diverse applications, as the same fundamental architecture adapts to different platform environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping system implements self-service through automatic calibration and positioning algorithms. Anchor stations automatically determine their positions relative to the platform using onboard sensors and mutual signal exchange, without requiring manual surveying or complex external setup. User devices automatically associate with visible anchor stations and compute their locations through algorithmic processing of signal data, eliminating the need for manual mapping operations and reducing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and product for mapping objects on movable platforms, including, obtaining sensor information from sensors of user devices, wherein the sensor information indicates that the user devices are in proximity to anchor stations; defining a timeframe for analysis based on an indication extracted from the sensor information that the movable platform is stationary throughout the timeframe; determining a relative location of the anchor stations within the movable platform, whereby automatically determining a mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform; obtaining a reading from a user device when the user device is located in proximity to at least one of the anchor stations; and determining a relative location of the user device within the movable platform based on the mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform and based on the reading from the user device.