Indoor Positioning Alignment Using Rigid Device Orientation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor positioning systems face challenges in achieving accurate and reliable positioning due to noise in radio-based measurements, misalignment of inertial sensors, and misorientation of electronic devices, leading to rapid degradation of location estimate accuracy and incorrect tracking.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine if an electronic device is rigidly positioned with respect to a user by using indicator information from sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, and determining condition information based on factors like device orientation and steadiness, allowing for accurate alignment of sensor data with user motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor-based positioning is used to provide accurate relative positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the solution is limited to short duration (not more than 1 to 3 minutes) due to noise and drift in sensor measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from radio-based positioning (WiFi and Bluetooth) to correct and recalibrate sensor-based positioning measurements. When radio signals are available, the system compares sensor-derived position with radio-based position and adjusts the sensor data accordingly, thereby extending the duration of accurate positioning beyond the natural drift limits of sensor-only systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Radio-based positioning systems (WiFi and Bluetooth) serve as an intermediary reference framework. The system uses these established radio positioning methods as a stable reference to anchor and correct the drifting sensor measurements, effectively extending the operational duration of accurate positioning by providing periodic correction points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inertial sensors are used for indoor positioning, then positioning capability is provided in areas with poor radio coverage, but misalignment of sensor frame with user motion frame causes incorrect tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from radio-based positioning to detect and correct misalignment between the sensor frame and user motion frame. When radio signals are available, the system compares the trajectory derived from inertial sensors with the actual radio-based position and uses this feedback to calculate correction parameters that realign the sensor coordinate system with the user's actual motion direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the parameter of coordinate frame alignment by calculating transformation parameters (rotation and translation) that map the sensor frame to the user motion frame. These parameters are updated based on the discrepancy between sensor-derived and radio-based position data, thereby correcting misalignment issues.
3Ease of operation
If radio-based positioning is used for indoor positioning, then baseline positioning is provided, but noise in measurements causes jitter in position estimates even when stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges radio-based positioning data with sensor-based positioning data to create a hybrid positioning system. By combining the complementary strengths of both systems (radio provides absolute reference, sensors provide continuous relative updates), the system achieves both stability and continuity in position estimation, eliminating the jitter problem of radio-only systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor data as feedback to smooth and stabilize radio-based position estimates. The sensors provide continuous information about device motion and orientation that can be used to filter out noise and jitter from radio measurements, while the radio data provides feedback to correct systematic drift in sensor accumulations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is disclosed including determining an indicator information indicative of one or more indicators of a current usage of an electronic device, determining a condition information indicative of if the electronic device is rigidly positioned with respect to a user, wherein the condition information is determined based, at least in part, on the determined indicator information. It is further disclosed an according apparatus, computer program and system.