Location Augmentation Circuit Using Rate Sensing Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geolocation systems for wireless communication devices, such as GPS, face challenges in providing accurate location data indoors and in environments with signal interference, leading to inaccuracies and difficulties in precisely locating objects or individuals, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device equipped with a geolocation circuit and a location augmentation circuit that uses a weighted average of independently measured location fixes and rate sensing data to establish a zone of valid location fixes, combining last known reliable position data with local beacon signals to enhance location accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or network-based geolocation systems are used to determine location, then location data can be obtained, but location accuracy deteriorates in indoor environments and areas with signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rate sensing data (acceleration and orientation information) as an intermediary to bridge the gap between last known reliable location and current position. When GPS or network-based location services are unavailable or inaccurate, the system uses the device's motion sensors to estimate current location based on movement patterns from the last known good fix, thereby maintaining location accuracy in challenging environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters used for location determination dynamically. Instead of relying solely on GPS coordinates or network cell tower data, the patent incorporates rate of change parameters (acceleration, orientation changes) to calculate position offsets from the last known reliable location, adapting the location estimation method to the current environmental conditions
2Measurement precision
If location services are activated continuously to maintain tracking accuracy, then location precision is improved, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic location updates rather than continuous tracking. The system determines location at specific intervals or when certain conditions are met (such as when the device detects significant movement or when entering new areas), allowing the device to conserve battery power by remaining in low-power mode between updates while still maintaining adequate location precision for tracking purposes
3Use of energy by moving object
If the device operates in deep-sleep mode to conserve battery life, then energy consumption is reduced, but tracking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary location determination before entering deep-sleep mode by establishing the last known reliable location and calculating expected movement based on rate sensing data. This preliminary action allows the device to wake from deep-sleep mode with minimal processing required to resume tracking, as the location estimation framework is already in place and can immediately provide location updates without requiring full system reinitialization
Data Source
AI summary
Location of a wireless communication device is determined by a combination of geolocation and a detection of augmenting data such as acceleration and/or speed over time measurements. A last known terrestrial navigation fix is established based on reliable terrestrial navigation or GPS data. A zone of valid location fixes based on the last known terrestrial navigation fix and an output of a rate detection circuit can be established. A weighted average is taken of using independent location measurement and detected location using last known reliable position plus change in position by integrating position changes over time.