Barometric Altimetry Calibration via Multi-Transceiver Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Indoor navigation systems face inaccuracies in positioning due to unreliable raw barometric readings from fixed local transceivers (FLTs), which can lead to incorrect floor calculations and subsequent positioning errors.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for calibrating barometric readings of FLTs by generating reference barometric values, coordinating these values across multiple FLTs using an adiabatic lapse rate model, and combining them to produce a consistent and reliable combined barometric value for improved accuracy in indoor positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If raw barometric readings from fixed local transceivers are used for indoor positioning, then positioning functionality is enabled, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to unreliable readings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidbarometric reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines barometric readings from multiple fixed local transceivers (FLTs) to generate a single reference barometric value. By merging data from multiple sources, the system achieves more reliable and accurate positioning while maintaining the ability to function with individual FLT readings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple fixed local transceivers are used for positioning, then coverage area is improved, but system complexity increases due to coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning coverage areaVSAvoidsystem coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that coordinates barometric readings from multiple FLTs. The server collects readings, generates reference values, and distributes correction values to mobile devices, simplifying the coordination complexity while enabling multi-FLT coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where mobile devices receive correction values based on their barometric readings compared against reference values from multiple FLTs. This feedback loop enables accurate positioning while managing the complexity of multiple transceivers through standardized correction protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If barometric correction values are distributed to all client fixed local transceivers, then positioning consistency is improved, but communication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning consistencyVSAvoidcommunication energy overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing barometric correction values selectively to mobile devices based on their specific location and the relevant FLT reference values. Instead of universally distributing corrections to all devices, the system tailors corrections to local positioning needs, reducing unnecessary communication overhead while maintaining consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances the accuracy and reliability of indoor positioning by providing consistent barometric readings, reducing errors in floor determination and improving overall navigation precision.

Implementation Method 1

measuring, at the client fixed local transceiver, the barometric value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBarometric pressure measurement:

Implementation Method 2

coordinating these values across multiple FLTs using an adiabatic lapse rate model

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdiabatic lapse rate: Adiabatic Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS10088309B2LAN-based barometric altimetry

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Methods and systems are presented for providing a combined barometric value. In some embodiments, the method includes obtaining, at the serving fixed local transceiver, barometric values of a plurality of client fixed local transceivers, and determining a combined barometric correction value. The method further includes initiating a barometric correction value of the serving fixed local transceiver to the combined barometric correction value, and sending an indication of the barometric correction value to the plurality of client fixed local transceivers. The method further includes receiving a request for the serving fixed local transceiver barometric correction value from a target client fixed local transceiver, and sending the barometric correction value from the serving fixed local transceiver to the target client fixed local transceiver.