Barometric Pressure Sensor Indoor Level Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile devices face challenges in accurately determining their altitude within multi-level structures, particularly in indoor environments, due to the unreliability of wireless signal-based methods and the need for external reference barometric pressure data, which has limited relevance.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device is equipped with a barometric pressure sensor to obtain signals indicative of altitude and weather effects, using filters like Kalman and exponential moving average filters to distinguish between these effects over different time periods, allowing it to determine transitions between levels without external reference data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If wireless signal-based methods are used to determine altitude, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal reliability issues across different floors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning system complexityVSAvoidaltitude determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wireless signal-based altitude determination with barometric pressure sensing. The barometric pressure sensor measures atmospheric pressure changes that correlate with altitude changes, providing a more reliable measurement mechanism that is not affected by wireless signal propagation issues across different building floors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from wireless signal characteristics to barometric pressure. By measuring pressure changes over time and comparing them to reference pressure values, the system achieves more accurate altitude determination that is independent of wireless signal reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If external reference barometric pressure data is used, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to reliance on external sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealtitude determination accuracyVSAvoidpositioning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calibration by storing reference barometric pressure values at different known altitudes within the building before navigation begins. This pre-stored reference data eliminates the need for continuous external reference data during operation, reducing reliance on external sources while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-calibration by using the mobile device itself to collect and store reference barometric pressure data at known locations within the building. This self-generated reference data eliminates dependency on external reference sources, making the system self-sufficient while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If barometric pressure measurements are used, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to need to distinguish altitude and weather effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealtitude determination accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the barometric pressure measurement analysis into distinct time periods: a first time period for capturing altitude-related pressure changes and a second time period for capturing weather-related pressure changes. This temporal segmentation allows the system to differentiate and process the two types of effects separately, reducing the complexity of distinguishing between them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamic time period selection to adapt to different measurement conditions. By adjusting the duration and timing of measurement periods based on environmental conditions and movement patterns, the system optimizes its ability to distinguish between altitude and weather effects without requiring overly complex fixed processing algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables accurate determination of altitude transitions within multi-level structures, enhancing indoor navigation capabilities by leveraging local barometric pressure measurements, improving positioning accuracy and reducing reliance on external data.

Implementation Method 1

obtain a signal representing a barometric pressure measurement indicative of an altitude effect and a weather effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBarometric pressure measurement: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9329036B2Mobile device positioning based on independently obtained barometric pressure measurements

Publication Date: 2016.05.03 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Various techniques are provided which may be implemented as methods, apparatuses and articles of manufacture for use by a mobile device. In certain example implementations, a mobile device may process a barometric pressure measurement indicative of an altitude effect and a weather effect to determine a first parameter corresponding to the altitude effect and a second parameter corresponding to the weather. Such a mobile device may further determine whether it may be transitioning or may have transitioned from an initial level to another level of a multiple level structure based, at least in part, on the first and second parameters.