Collaborative Location Estimation Using Intermediary Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in accurately estimating the location and orientation of a first-type device without precise positioning functionality, particularly in ad-hoc networks for multi-view audiovisual content capture and augmented reality applications, where collaboration with second-type devices equipped with accurate positioning is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that estimate the location and orientation of a first-type device by utilizing signals from one or more signal sources received by second-type devices, determining location estimates based on signal sources' positions and relationships with the first-type device, and combining these estimates to derive the device's location and orientation, even when the first-type device lacks accurate positioning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a first-type device without precise positioning functionality attempts to estimate its own location and orientation independently, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces second-type devices with precise positioning functionality as intermediaries. These devices receive signals from signal sources, determine their own accurate locations, and use this information to help estimate the location and orientation of the first-type device. The second-type devices act as mediators that bridge the gap between available signal data and the positioning needs of the first-type device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines information from multiple sources: signals received by the first-type device, signals received by second-type devices, and location data from the second-type devices. By merging these diverse data sources and processing them collaboratively, the system achieves accurate location and orientation estimation without requiring the first-type device to have precise positioning functionality built-in.
2Measurement precision
If collaborative estimation with second-type devices is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning system into two distinct types of devices with different functional roles. First-type devices focus on receiving and processing signals, while second-type devices handle precise positioning and collaborative estimation. This segmentation allows each device type to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the complexity burden on individual devices while maintaining high overall system precision.
3Measurement precision
If location estimates from multiple signal sources are used, then measurement precision improves, but loss of information increases due to multiple position relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where location estimates from second-type devices are used to refine and verify position relationships between signal sources and the first-type device. The system continuously processes signal data, compares it with estimated positions, and adjusts calculations to maintain accuracy while managing the complexity of multiple position relationships through iterative refinement.
Data Source
AI summary
It is inter alia disclosed to estimate at least one of a location and an orientation of a first-type device (11) at least based on respective location estimates for one or more signal sources (10), wherein at least one location estimate for a signal source (10) of the one or more signal sources is determined at least based on respective signals from the signal source (10) received at one or more second-type devices (12) and respective locations of the one or more second-type devices (12), and respective position relationships between the one or more signal sources (10) and the first-type device (11).