Indoor Altitude Determination Using Building-Specific Pressure Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the indoor altitude of a User Equipment (UE) in wireless communications networks are inaccurate due to deviations from standard atmospheric models caused by factors like fan-powered ventilation and air conditioning systems, leading to errors of up to tens of meters in indoor environments.
Innovation Solution
Adapting the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) model using building-specific indoors pressure measurements to create a more accurate pressure-altitude variation model, combined with UWB or Wi-Fi ranging technologies for precise altitude determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard atmospheric models are used for altitude determination, then the method is simple and widely applicable, but the accuracy deteriorates due to deviations caused by ventilation and air conditioning systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating building-specific pressure-altitude variation models that are tailored to the local environment. Instead of using a universal standard atmospheric model, the system measures pressure at multiple known altitudes within the specific building and derives local characteristics, accounting for deviations caused by ventilation and air conditioning systems. This allows accurate altitude determination for that specific location while maintaining simplicity through automated model generation.
2Measurement precision
If building-specific pressure-altitude variation models are created using multiple pressure measurements, then the altitude determination accuracy improves to less than ±1 or 2 meters, but the device complexity increases due to multiple pressure measurement units and ranging technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing pressure measurements at multiple known altitudes during an initial calibration phase to establish the building-specific pressure-altitude variation model before actual altitude determination is needed. This preliminary modeling work captures the unique pressure characteristics of the building environment, including deviations from standard atmospheric conditions. During normal operation, the system simply queries this pre-established model, significantly reducing the complexity of ongoing measurements while maintaining high accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If multiple pressure measurement units are deployed throughout the building, then the accuracy of altitude determination improves, but the loss of time increases due to the need for multiple measurements and model calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing all necessary pressure measurements and model calibration during an initial setup phase. Multiple pressure measurement units are deployed and calibrated once to establish the building-specific pressure-altitude variation model. After this preliminary calibration, the system can rapidly determine altitudes of new locations without requiring repeated measurements, as the pre-established model can be queried efficiently. This significantly reduces the time loss associated with multiple measurements while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically generate and update its own pressure-altitude variation model based on measurements from multiple units. The system self-calibrates using the pressure measurements taken at known altitudes, automatically deriving the building-specific characteristics without requiring manual intervention or external reference data. This automated self-service approach reduces the time and human resources needed for calibration while maintaining measurement precision.
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
This approach allows for reliable indoor altitude estimation with an accuracy of less than ±1 or 2 meters, effectively differentiating between floor levels and providing more accurate indoor location services.
Implementation Method 1
receive from a pressure sensor in the User Equipment a local pressure measurement at the User Equipment
Implementation Method 2
a first Indoors Pressure Measurement Unit performs a first pressure measurement at a first known altitude inside a building
Implementation Method 3
The second Indoors Pressure Measurement Unit measures a time of flight to the first Indoors Pressure Measurement Unit and transmits a calculated vertical distance to the master Indoors Pressure Measurement Unit
Data Source
AI summary
Altitude determining circuitry for use in a User Equipment (UE) of a wireless communication network is provided. The circuitry comprises a receiver to receive at least one pressure parameter representative of a plurality of indoors pressure measurements from a respective plurality of indoors pressure measurement units located inside a building at different altitudes. The altitude determining circuitry also has processing circuitry to receive from a pressure sensor in the User Equipment a local pressure measurement at the UE and the processor determines an indoors altitude of the UE using the at least one pressure parameter and the UE local pressure. An integrated circuit for a Global Navigate Satellite System comprising the altitude determining circuitry and an indoors pressure measurement unit having a sensor for making a pressure measurement and a transmitter for transmitting the pressure measurement to the UE or to a further indoors pressure measurement unit are also provided.