Geofeature Sensor Matching for Indoor Position Refinement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination methods for mobile devices, such as GPS, face challenges in indoor environments and lack precision, necessitating the refinement of position information to improve accuracy and augment existing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that refine position information by matching patterns of sensor data with geofeature signatures, using a combination of sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to identify geofeatures and update location determinations, allowing for improved location awareness and heading information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used for position determination, then position accuracy is improved, but it fails to provide reliable position information in indoor environments where satellite visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS positioning with alternative positioning methods (WLAN ranging, cellular positioning, dead reckoning) and sensor-based positioning to create a hybrid system. When GPS is unavailable indoors, the system seamlessly transitions to other methods, ensuring continuous reliable position determination across both indoor and outdoor environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements multiple positioning functions within a single platform, supporting both GPS-based outdoor positioning and sensor/WLAN-based indoor positioning. This multi-functional approach ensures the device can determine position reliably regardless of whether it is indoors or outdoors.
2Reliability
If alternative positioning methods like WLAN ranging or cellular positioning are used, then indoor position determination is improved, but position accuracy deteriorates compared to GPS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges alternative positioning methods (WLAN ranging, cellular positioning) with sensor-based positioning and dead reckoning techniques. By combining these methods, the system achieves both indoor reliability and improved accuracy, as each method compensates for the limitations of the others.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor data (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) acts as an intermediary to refine position estimates from WLAN or cellular positioning. The sensors provide motion and orientation information that helps correct and enhance the accuracy of positioning data obtained from less precise indoor methods.
3Measurement precision
If GPS is used outdoors, then position accuracy is improved, but additional time is required to obtain a satellite fix
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning using sensor data and available WLAN/cellular information before GPS satellites are fully acquired. This preliminary action provides an initial position estimate that reduces the time required to obtain a GPS fix, as the system can start processing positioning data immediately rather than waiting for satellite acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors GPS satellite visibility and signal quality, providing feedback to adjust positioning methods. When satellites are partially visible or signal is weak, the system switches to or supplements with sensor-based positioning, maintaining accuracy while reducing the effective time to obtain a reliable position fix.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for refining a coarse location determination by detecting patterns of motion sensor data that may be associated with predetermined locations. One or more geofeatures may be identified that cause a mobile device associated with a user to detect a distinguishable pattern of sensor data when the user interacts with the object. Accordingly, a coarse location may be refined using information associated with the geofeature, such as the location of the geofeature.