Integrated Positioning Apparatus Using Hierarchical Accuracy Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location-based services face challenges in accurately estimating user location due to varying environmental conditions and excessive initialization times, leading to errors in positioning technology.
Innovation Solution
An integrated positioning apparatus and method that senses positioning information, classifies it into low, medium, and precise accuracy levels, and uses a cooperative positioning device based on calculated accuracy to enhance location estimation, reducing errors and initialization time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single positioning technology is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the location accuracy deteriorates in various environments
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into multiple independent positioning technologies (GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular, inertial sensors), each optimized for specific environments. The system divides the positioning task across these segments and selects/combines them based on environmental conditions, thereby maintaining low overall complexity while achieving high accuracy through selective use of appropriate segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning apparatus is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple positioning technologies that can serve different purposes in different environments. The same apparatus can perform GPS-based positioning outdoors, Wi-Fi-based positioning indoors, and inertial navigation when signals are unavailable, making it universally applicable across diverse environments without requiring separate specialized systems.
2Measurement precision
If high accuracy positioning is pursued using multiple technologies, then location accuracy improves, but the initialization time increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing positioning information databases (such as Wi-Fi access point locations, cellular tower positions) and pre-configuring multiple positioning technologies. When positioning is needed, the system immediately activates the appropriate pre-configured technology based on current environmental detection, eliminating the need for time-consuming initialization of positioning systems at the moment of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system dynamically adjusts which positioning technology to use based on real-time environmental conditions. The system continuously monitors signal availability and environmental context, then dynamically selects the most appropriate positioning method (GPS outdoors, Wi-Fi indoors, inertial when signals are weak), thereby achieving high accuracy without the initialization delays associated with attempting to use all technologies simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If multiple positioning technologies are integrated, then location accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple positioning technologies (GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular, inertial sensors) into a single integrated positioning apparatus. Rather than requiring separate devices for each positioning method, the system combines them into one unified device that can selectively use any or all of these technologies based on environmental conditions, thereby achieving high accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary component (the positioning information database and selection logic) that mediates between multiple positioning technologies and the user. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by automatically selecting and coordinating the appropriate positioning technology based on environmental context, shielding the user from the underlying complexity while maintaining high accuracy through multi-technology integration.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus and method associated with a location based service, and an apparatus for integrated positioning that may sense positioning-associated information that is in proximity to a user. The apparatus may hierarchically classify the sensed positioning-associated information into multiple categories of accuracy based on a predetermined criterion, and estimate the location of the user in order of low accuracy information to more precise accuracy information.