Hybrid Location Accuracy via Sensor Fusion and Dead Reckoning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile devices lack the ability to provide precise and accurate location-based services due to limitations in existing geo-spatial positioning technologies, which are often hindered by environmental obstacles and insufficient satellite access, resulting in inconsistent and inaccurate location determination.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining a mobile device's location by receiving initial location information from other devices, forming a communication group with nearby wireless transceivers, and using sensor fusion and dead reckoning to compute a more precise location through iterative updates and sensor data sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional GPS satellite-based positioning is used, then location information can be obtained, but location accuracy deteriorates due to environmental obstacles and insufficient satellite access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning methods (GPS satellite-based positioning, Wi-Fi positioning, cellular positioning, and inertial sensing) into a unified hybrid positioning system. The mobile device integrates data from GPS receivers, Wi-Fi transceivers, cellular transceivers, and inertial sensors to compute location information, thereby overcoming the limitations of any single method when affected by environmental obstacles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces inertial sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) as intermediary devices that provide dead reckoning capability. These sensors act as mediators that continue to provide location estimates when GPS signals are blocked by environmental obstacles, bridging the gap during signal degradation periods
2Measurement precision
If multiple positioning methods are combined, then location accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mobile device with multi-functional capabilities where a single device performs multiple positioning functions. The device can operate as a GPS receiver, Wi-Fi client, cellular phone, and inertial measurement unit simultaneously, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automated sensor fusion algorithms that automatically select and weight different positioning methods based on current environmental conditions. The system autonomously determines which sensors and transceivers to use without requiring manual configuration, simplifying the user experience despite the complex underlying architecture
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices and systems for generating enhanced location information on or about a mobile device may include configuring a mobile device to receive first location information from a plurality of other devices, and use the received first location information to determine an approximate location of the mobile device to a first level of accuracy. The mobile device may then group itself with one or more wireless transceivers in proximity to the mobile device, and send the approximate location to the wireless transceivers in the communication group. In response, the mobile device may receive second location information from the one or more wireless transceivers in the communication group in response to sending the determined approximate location, and use the received second location information to determine a more precise location of the mobile device to a second level of accuracy.