Geomagnetic Noise Pattern Acquisition for Indoor Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional position detection apparatuses for indoor use face challenges in detecting accurate positions without complex structures and high costs, particularly when using indoor GPS antennas or wireless LANs, which require pre-registration of reference points and image processing.

Innovation Solution

A noise pattern acquisition device equipped with a geomagnetic sensor and a geomagnetic noise pattern management unit that detects abnormalities in magnetic field strength and stores geomagnetic noise patterns to estimate and correct position coordinates, eliminating the need for indoor GPS antennas and pre-registered reference points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If indoor GPS antenna or wireless LAN is used for position detection, then position detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to pre-registration requirements and additional hardware

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex pre-registration system and indoor GPS antenna requirements by using only geomagnetic sensor data. The solution takes out the unnecessary components (indoor GPS antenna, pre-registered reference points) while retaining position detection capability through geomagnetic noise pattern recognition alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, complex positioning systems with a simple geomagnetic sensor that uses already-present geomagnetic noise patterns in the environment. No additional expensive hardware like indoor GPS antennas or pre-registered reference point systems are needed, making the solution cost-effective and simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If pre-registration of reference points is implemented, then position detection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex setup procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidsetup simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically acquiring and storing geomagnetic noise patterns during normal operation without requiring user intervention for pre-registration. The device autonomously builds its position detection database through regular use, eliminating complex setup procedures while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by having the device automatically acquire and store geomagnetic noise patterns in advance during normal operation. This preliminary data collection happens seamlessly without requiring user setup, so when position detection is needed, the data is already available, combining accuracy with ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If geomagnetic sensor with noise pattern storage is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen due to magnetic field abnormalities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidposition detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of geomagnetic noise and magnetic field abnormalities into a beneficial feature. Instead of treating geomagnetic noise as interference to be eliminated, the system uses the unique noise patterns at different locations as the basis for position detection, turning what was previously a disadvantage into the core mechanism for achieving simple yet accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 accurate and cost-effective position detection with a simple structure by using geomagnetic noise patterns to correct position estimates, reducing the complexity and cost associated with conventional methods.

Implementation Method 1

a geomagnetic sensor; a coordinate estimation unit configured to estimate current position coordinates representing a current position of the noise pattern acquisition device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGeomagnetic detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS8996298B2Noise pattern acquisition device and position detection apparatus provided therewith

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA

AI summary

A noise pattern acquisition device includes: a geomagnetic sensor; a coordinate estimation unit configured to estimate current position coordinates; and a geomagnetic noise pattern management unit configured to, when an abnormality occurs in a magnetic field strength detected by the geomagnetic sensor during movement of the noise pattern acquisition device, store in a geomagnetic noise pattern storage unit a geomagnetic noise pattern which is a pattern representing a time-series change of the magnetic field strength detected by the geomagnetic sensor. This makes it possible to not only acquire a geomagnetic noise pattern but also detect a proper position with a simple structure and process at reduced cost.