Barometric Pressure Sensor Calibration via Wireless Altitude Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barometric pressure sensors in electronic devices often drift out of calibration, requiring re-calibration to maintain accuracy in determining altitude.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for calibrating barometric pressure sensors in electronic devices by receiving altitude data from wireless access points, determining differences, and triggering calibration based on a predefined threshold, using a processor, memory, and short-range communication device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barometric pressure sensor is used to determine altitude, then altitude measurement capability is provided, but sensor drift occurs over time requiring re-calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by obtaining altitude information from wireless access points before using the barometric pressure sensor for altitude determination. This preliminary action establishes a reference altitude that the sensor can use for subsequent measurements, preventing drift accumulation and eliminating the need for frequent manual re-calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously compares altitude information from wireless access points with altitude data from the barometric pressure sensor. When a significant difference is detected, the system automatically triggers re-calibration of the sensor using the wireless access point altitude data as feedback, ensuring ongoing accuracy without user intervention.
2Measurement precision
If frequent calibration is performed to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically comparing its own barometric pressure sensor readings with altitude information obtained from wireless access points. When drift is detected, the system autonomously recalibrates the sensor without requiring external intervention or complex calibration procedures, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses wireless access points, which are already present in the environment for communication purposes, as additional altitude reference sources. This multi-functional use of existing infrastructure eliminates the need for separate calibration devices or complex calibration mechanisms, reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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
The solution ensures accurate altitude measurements by periodically calibrating the barometric pressure sensor when altitude differences exceed a threshold, maintaining device accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The barometric pressure sensor measures air pressure in the ambient environment. Barometric pressure sensors can be used to determine altitude above sea level where the device is located.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, an electronic device, and a computer program product for calibrating a barometric pressure sensor in an electronic device. The method includes receiving, via a processor of an electronic device, first altitude data from a first wireless access point and triggering a barometric pressure sensor of the electronic device to transmit second altitude data. The method further includes receiving the second altitude data and determining a first difference between the first altitude data and the second altitude data. The method further incudes determining if the first difference is greater than an altitude difference threshold, and in response to determining that the first difference is greater than the altitude difference threshold, triggering the barometric pressure sensor to calibrate, based on the first altitude data.