Heading Correction for Indoor Positioning Using Regional Map Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices face challenges in accurately determining their position in environments where external positioning signals are intermittent or unavailable, such as indoors, leading to inaccuracies in location estimation.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize sensor data from movement sensors like digital compasses, accelerometers, and magnetometers to calculate an estimated position, and adjust headings based on access status and most-likely alternative regions, even without external wireless signals, by setting the estimated heading to the reciprocal of the most-likely heading if the difference exceeds 90 degrees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external wireless positioning signals are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates in environments where signals are intermittent or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a map divided into regions with access status information and most-likely headings. This intermediary allows the device to cross-reference sensor data with pre-stored environmental information to correct position estimates when external signals are unavailable, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving accuracy through the mediation of regional mapping data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by comparing the estimated heading derived from sensor data against the most-likely heading associated with the estimated region from the map. When discrepancies exceed a threshold, the system adjusts the estimated heading accordingly. This feedback loop continuously refines position estimates using regional information, ensuring reliability and accuracy even without external wireless signals
2Reliability
If sensor data is used to estimate position, then reliability is improved in signal-denied environments, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sensor errors and fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by comparing the estimated heading from sensor data against the most-likely heading stored in the map for the estimated region. When the difference exceeds a threshold, the estimated heading is corrected to match the most-likely heading. This feedback mechanism compensates for sensor errors and fluctuations, improving measurement precision while maintaining reliability through continuous cross-validation with regional map data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing map data including regions, access status information, and most-likely headings before the device needs positioning. This pre-prepared regional information serves as a reference framework that enables immediate correction of sensor-based position estimates when external signals are unavailable, improving precision without requiring real-time external data
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
Improves location estimation accuracy in environments with limited or no external signals by using internal sensors to correct for errors and fluctuations, providing a more reliable position calculation.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor data may be generated by at least one of a digital compass, an accelerometer, a gryometer, and a magnetometer
Implementation Method 2
The sensor data may be generated by at least one of a digital compass, an accelerometer, a gryometer, and a magnetometer
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining an estimated position of a device within a location, the device comprising at least one movement sensor configured to generate sensor data, and the device storing a map of the location, the map being divided into a plurality of regions, the method comprising: calculating an estimated position for the device within the location based on the sensor data; determining an estimated region of the plurality of regions for the device based on the estimated position; calculating an estimated heading for the device based on the sensor data; comparing the estimated heading to a most-likely heading associated with the estimated region to generate a difference between the two headings; and setting the estimated heading to the most-likely heading associated with the estimated region if difference between the two headings is greater than a threshold heading difference.