Distance Measurement Error Detection Using Acceleration Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in detecting and correcting erroneous distance measurement values between mobile communication devices without relying on absolute positions, particularly in environments where such data is not available, such as closed buildings.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a combination of distance measurement devices and acceleration sensors to detect implausible jumps in distance measurements by calculating difference values based on relative position changes over time, allowing for error detection and correction without requiring absolute positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distance measurement is performed using distance measuring devices without absolute position data, then the system can operate in environments like closed buildings, but measurement errors increase with route length and cannot be reliably detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two independent measurement methods: distance measurement (providing absolute distance values) and acceleration sensor measurement (providing relative position changes). By merging these methods and comparing their results through difference value calculation, the system achieves error detection without requiring absolute position data, thus resolving the contradiction between environmental adaptability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses acceleration sensor measurements as a feedback mechanism to verify distance measurement results. The expected distance change derived from acceleration data is compared with actual distance measurements, and discrepancies trigger error detection. This feedback loop enables reliable error detection even without absolute position references.
2Device complexity
If only distance measuring devices are used, then the system is simple, but error detection is unreliable especially in long route measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges distance measuring devices with acceleration sensors to create a dual-measurement system. This combination maintains relative simplicity while significantly improving error detection reliability by providing independent verification through two different measurement principles, directly addressing the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mobile communication device's own acceleration sensor to provide self-verification of distance measurements. The device monitors its own motion and uses this information to check the plausibility of distance measurements, enabling self-service error detection without external infrastructure.
3Reliability
If acceleration sensors are used to detect measurement errors, then error detection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universal presence of acceleration sensors in modern mobile devices for multi-functional purposes: both for navigation/positioning and for error detection in distance measurements. This multi-functionality approach improves error detection reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the sensor serves dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs the device's own built-in acceleration sensor for self-diagnosis and error detection of distance measurements. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional external verification equipment, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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 reliable and efficient detection and correction of erroneous distance measurements, improving the accuracy of position determination in environments where absolute positions are unknown, by using independent relative movement measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring device for determining a relative change in position coordinates between two points in time
Implementation Method 2
distance measurement based on a transit time measurement
Implementation Method 3
RSS (Received Signal Strength)-based route measurement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates, among other things, to a method for detecting a faulty distance measurement value in a distance measurement between at least two mobile communication devices (20; 20'), according to which a measurement method for distance measurement carried out by means of a distance measuring device (60) of a first mobile communication device (20), which can be based, for example, on the signal strength or signal propagation time, and a measurement method carried out by a measuring device (30) of the first mobile communication device (20) and by a measuring device (30') of a second mobile communication device (20') for determining a relative change in position coordinates between two points in time are combined in such a way that the measurement results of the distance measuring device (80) can be checked for plausibility with the help of the measurement results of the measuring devices (30; 30'), which can each be an acceleration sensor.In this way, implausible jumps in the distance measurements, for example due to signal-damping obstacles (H1, H2), can be detected and even corrected.