Beacon Altitude Crowdsourcing for Accurate 3D UE Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UE positioning techniques, such as GPS and uncompensated barometric pressure measurements, suffer from low accuracy in determining altitude, which is insufficient for many use cases, especially emergency services and location-based services.
Innovation Solution
Crowd sourcing beacon altitudes using GNSS position fixes and uncalibrated pressure measurements, combined with line of sight analysis, to improve 3D positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If GPS trilateration is used to estimate altitude, then positioning can be obtained without additional sensors, but vertical error is about three times the horizontal error resulting in altitude accuracy of only 35-70 feet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning techniques (GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular) and data sources (barometric pressure, accelerometer, gyroscope) into a hybrid positioning system. This merging allows the system to leverage the strengths of each method while compensating for their individual weaknesses, particularly improving vertical accuracy by combining GPS altitude with barometric pressure data and crowd-sourced beacon altitude information
2Ease of operation
If uncalibrated barometric pressure measurements are used to calculate altitude, then no additional calibration procedures are needed, but weather condition changes cause errors in altitude calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where crowd-sourced altitude data from multiple sources (including calibrated barometric sensors and GPS) is used to continuously adjust and correct the uncalibrated barometric pressure readings. This feedback loop compensates for weather-induced errors by comparing against reference altitude data and applying corrections in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces crowd-sourced beacon altitude data as an intermediary reference that mediates between the uncalibrated barometric sensor and the final altitude calculation. This intermediary layer provides a stable reference that helps filter out weather-related noise from the pressure measurements
3Measurement precision
If crowd sourcing beacon altitudes is implemented, then 3D positioning accuracy is enhanced, but system complexity increases due to multiple data sources and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning framework where a single crowd-sourced beacon database serves multiple functions: providing altitude reference for uncalibrated sensors, enabling 3D positioning, and offering correction data for various positioning techniques. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple specialized systems into one versatile infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where the crowd-sourced beacon database automatically updates and maintains itself through contributions from multiple user devices. This eliminates the need for manual calibration and maintenance, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high accuracy through continuous self-updating from distributed sources
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
Enhances 3D positioning accuracy by leveraging crowd-sourced beacon altitudes, reducing vertical error and providing more precise altitude data for UE.
Implementation Method 1
Some UE include a pressure sensor that measures ambient barometric pressure. The resulting UBP can then be used to calculate altitude (e.g., using a barometric equation).
Implementation Method 2
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) positioning) can estimate altitude of UE by trilateration with four or more satellites.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
In various embodiments, crowd sourcing techniques are provided to determine beacon altitudes that may then be used in 3D positioning of UE. Some techniques may crowd source beacon altitudes based on global navigation satellite system (GNSS) position fixes obtained by UE. Other techniques may crowd source beacon altitudes based on uncalibrated pressure measurements obtained by UE. Still other techniques may combine beacon altitude crowd-sourcing and pressure sensor calibration on UE. Such techniques may make inferences based on line of sight (LOS) between UE and beacons, determined using signal strength, connection status, and/or timing measurement. The techniques may be implemented separately, or as part of a combined system that determines beacon altitudes in diverse manners. Once beacon altitudes are known, that may be used to determine 3D positions of the UE (e.g., by trilateration, multilateration or other positioning techniques).