Indoor Zone Recognition Using Earth Magnetic Field
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for recognizing indoor zones using GPS are ineffective indoors due to satellite signal unavailability, and alternative methods like Wi-Fi Positioning Systems or magnetic field sensors with generators are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A portable terminal uses naturally generated Earth's magnetic field components, including horizontal and vertical intensities and azimuth angles, to recognize indoor zones by comparing reference and target fingerprints and images, eliminating the need for magnetic field generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used for location recognition, then outdoor location accuracy is improved, but indoor location recognition becomes impossible due to satellite signal unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Earth's magnetic field as an intermediary for location recognition in indoor environments where GPS signals are unavailable. The magnetic field sensor detects magnetic field components (horizontal intensity, vertical intensity, azimuth angle) that serve as a mediator to determine indoor location, thereby resolving the contradiction between outdoor GPS accuracy and indoor location capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Wi-Fi Positioning System is used for indoor location, then indoor location capability is improved, but installation cost and system complexity increase due to requiring multiple Access Points and database management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the portable terminal to perform self-service for indoor location recognition by using its built-in magnetic field sensor to detect Earth's magnetic field components. This eliminates the need for external infrastructure like multiple Access Points and complex database management, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining indoor location capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/infrastructure-based Wi-Fi positioning system with a field-based detection approach using Earth's magnetic field. This substitution eliminates the need for physical Access Points and complex network infrastructure, significantly reducing system complexity while achieving indoor location recognition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic field sensor with generator is used for indoor location, then indoor location capability is improved, but installation cost increases due to requiring magnetic field generator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the naturally occurring Earth's magnetic field for indoor location recognition, eliminating the need to install magnetic field generators. By taking advantage of the existing natural magnetic field environment, the system achieves indoor location capability without the additional installation costs and infrastructure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable terminal uses its own magnetic field sensor to detect Earth's magnetic field components for location determination, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external magnetic field generators or additional infrastructure installation, thereby reducing installation costs.
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 reduces installation costs and improves zone recognition accuracy by leveraging the unique, stable magnetic field patterns within indoor environments, enabling effective location determination and device control within indoor zones.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for obtaining sensing information used to determine a current location of the portable terminal; a zone evaluator for primarily recognizing a location of the portable terminal by using first and second components of an Earth's magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for recognizing an indoor zone in which a user is located by using an Earth's magnetic field that is generated naturally instead of the conventional method of combining a magnetic field generator and a magnetic field sensor. The apparatus includes a zone evaluator configured to primarily recognize a location of the portable terminal by using first and second components of an Earth's magnetic field and to finally recognize the location of the portable terminal by using first and second images.