Location Determination Using Environmental Parameter Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination systems, such as GPS and those using wireless local area network signal strength, are limited in their range and accessibility, particularly in urban areas and indoors, and do not effectively utilize a broad spectrum of environmental data for location prediction.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device senses and collects a variety of environmental parameters, including electromagnetic radiation, signal strength, and other factors, to create a matrix of correlation opportunities for accurate location prediction, using a database to refine and update these parameters over time, allowing for location determination beyond the range of specific base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but accessibility and availability are worsened due to limited satellite reception in urban areas and indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing systems (GPS, wireless network signal strength measurement, and environmental parameter sensors) into a unified location determination system. The mobile device integrates data from different sources - satellite signals, wireless network signals, and environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and ambient light - to achieve accurate location determination across diverse environments including urban areas and indoors where GPS alone is insufficient
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a multi-functional approach by utilizing various types of signals and sensors for location determination. Instead of relying on a single system, the patent implements a universal location determination method that can operate with different signal types (satellite, wireless network, environmental) depending on availability, making the system adaptable to various locations and conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless local area network signal strength measurement is used, then accessibility in indoor environments is improved, but location range is worsened due to limited base station coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges wireless network signal strength measurement with environmental parameter sensing to extend location determination capability beyond base station ranges. By collecting and analyzing multiple environmental factors (temperature, humidity, ambient light levels) in addition to wireless signals, the system can infer location information even when outside the coverage area of known base stations
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional signal-based location determination to three-dimensional location prediction by incorporating temporal and environmental dimensions. The patent analyzes changes in environmental parameters over time and across different locations to create a multi-dimensional understanding of the environment, enabling location determination beyond the physical range of base stations
3Measurement precision
If multiple environmental parameters are collected and analyzed, then location prediction accuracy is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to multiple sensors and data processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination process into distinct functional modules: environmental parameter collection, data storage, data analysis, and location prediction. Each module handles specific tasks independently - sensors collect parameters, the database stores them systematically, the analysis module processes the data, and the prediction module generates location results. This modular approach manages complexity by dividing the overall system into manageable components
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 enables accurate location prediction in diverse environments by utilizing a wide range of detectable parameters, enhancing the reliability of location determination and allowing for continuous refinement of data, thereby improving the system's ability to determine the device's location without reliance on specific base station systems.
Implementation Method 1
sensors of the device will measure and store whatever receivable environmental data is available... The factors may relate to electromagnetic radiation, such as radio-frequency or other radiation sensible by the mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for determining the geographic location of a user incorporates the sensing of a plurality of physical environmental parameters at the user's location. The parameter values are compared to corresponding parameter values associated with known locations, and a best-fit correlation is established. The identity of the determined location may be displayed to the user, or may be used to control a location-based operation, such as the unlocking of a safe, the transmission of an entry password, or the disabling of a piece of equipment. Persistence weighting values for different environmental parameters may be applied to improve the reliability of the correlation.