IMU-Based Directional Arrow for Wireless Device Location
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently guiding a user to locate another wireless communication device using directional cues, particularly in dynamic environments where traditional methods may fail due to factors like crowded spaces or lack of stationary objects.
Innovation Solution
The use of inertial measurement unit (IMU) data from both the finder and the findee devices to generate accurate directional arrows, which dynamically update based on the motion of both devices, enabling the user to navigate effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional location-finding methods are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the system fails in dynamic environments with crowded spaces or lack of stationary objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces IMU data as an intermediary element to bridge the gap between traditional location-finding methods and dynamic environment requirements. The IMU sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) act as mediators that provide motion information to compensate for the lack of stationary objects or Wi-Fi access points, enabling reliable location tracking in crowded or dynamic spaces where traditional methods fail
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the parameters used for location determination by incorporating real-time IMU data (acceleration, angular velocity) alongside traditional Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to dynamic environments by using motion information to triangulate position when stationary reference points are unavailable or obscured
2Measurement precision
If static directional cues are used, then the system is easy to implement, but the guidance becomes inaccurate when devices or users move
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic arrow generation that continuously updates directional guidance based on real-time IMU data from both the finder and findee devices. The arrow is no longer static but dynamically recalculated as users move, ensuring directional accuracy is maintained throughout the navigation process. The system processes ongoing motion data to adjust the arrow's orientation and position in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where IMU data from both devices is continuously processed to update the directional arrow. The finder device receives feedback about the findee's motion and position, and the findee device similarly receives feedback about the finder's movement. This bidirectional feedback ensures that directional guidance remains accurate even when either user moves, as the system constantly recalculates based on updated motion parameters
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus configured to generate, for transmission to a second wireless communication device, a request to initiate a ranging operation, process, based on one or more signals received from the wireless communication device, a response indicating that the apparatus is to locate the wireless communication device, collect inertial measurement unit (IMU) data, from at least one of the apparatus or the wireless communication device and generate an arrow to be displayed based on at least the IMU data, the arrow indicating a direction of the wireless communication device relative to the apparatus.