Dual-Positioning Electronic Device for Service Zone Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic device positioning methods, such as GPS, face accuracy issues in service zones with weak electric fields or shadow zones, leading to unreliable positioning results.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device employs a dual-positioning method using a first circuit for GNSS and a second circuit for indoor positioning, with a processor determining the device's position based on both methods, prioritizing indoor positioning when within a service zone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If GPS positioning is used in service zones with weak electric fields or shadow zones, then positioning can be performed, but positioning accuracy deteriorates or positioning becomes unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the positioning parameter selection based on environmental conditions. When the device detects it is in a service zone (indoor environment), it switches from using GPS satellite signals to using indoor positioning signals (WiFi, Bluetooth, or sensor-based), thereby adapting the positioning method to the environmental parameters to maintain accuracy and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary positioning system for indoor environments. When GPS signals are unavailable or inaccurate in service zones, the system uses indoor positioning infrastructure (such as WiFi access points, Bluetooth beacons, or sensor arrays) as an intermediary to provide reliable positioning information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If the electronic device preferentially selects GPS positioning results when in open areas, then positioning speed is improved, but positioning accuracy in service zones deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning speedVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the positioning method dynamic by continuously detecting the device's location status and switching between GPS and indoor positioning methods based on real-time environmental detection. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize both speed and accuracy by selecting the appropriate method for each context

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary detection to determine whether the device is in a service zone before finalizing the positioning method. By pre-detecting the environmental conditions and service zone status, the system can prepare and switch to the appropriate positioning method in advance, ensuring both speed and accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If indoor positioning is used in service zones, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple positioning circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional positioning system where a single positioning module can operate in different modes (GPS mode for outdoor and indoor mode for service zones). This universal design allows one hardware platform to support multiple positioning technologies without requiring completely separate systems, thereby managing complexity while achieving high accuracy in both environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3379284B1Positioning method, electronic device, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3379284B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3379284B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3379284B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device including a first circuit for measuring positions using a first positioning method; a second circuit for measuring positions using a second positioning method; a memory for storing information on a service zone; and a processor is configured to identify a first position using the first circuit; determine whether the first position is included in the service zone; identify a second position using the second circuit when the first position is included in the service zone; and determine the second position to be a position of the electronic device.