Magnetic Field Mapping for Indoor Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite navigation systems are ineffective in indoor, urban, and underwater environments due to the absence of clear pathways between satellites and receivers, necessitating a positioning system that can function in these areas to track objects and athletes accurately.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing local magnetic field data to create a magnetic field map and compare measurements, allowing for the determination of object positions and performance metrics within enclosed spaces, such as athletic fields, by obtaining and filtering magnetic field information, and applying constraints to track objects over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite navigation systems are used for tracking objects and athletes, then positioning accuracy in outdoor environments is improved, but the system becomes ineffective in indoor, urban, and underwater environments where clear satellite pathways are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a magnetic field map that can be used across multiple environments (indoor, outdoor, urban, underwater) by capturing magnetic field characteristics unique to each location. The system universally applies magnetic field-based positioning instead of relying on environment-specific methods, allowing the same device to function reliably across diverse settings where satellite navigation fails.
2Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic field mapping is implemented to enable indoor positioning, then environmental adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases due to the need to create and maintain magnetic field maps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary magnetic field mapping of the environment before actual tracking begins. By pre-capturing and storing magnetic field characteristics during a mapping phase, the system eliminates the need for real-time complex calculations during tracking operations. The pre-established magnetic field map serves as a reference that simplifies subsequent position determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the magnetic field environment by measuring and storing magnetic field vectors at multiple locations to form a magnetic field map. This copied representation of the physical environment's magnetic characteristics allows the system to determine positions by comparing current measurements against the stored map, avoiding the need for complex real-time environmental analysis.
3Reliability
If magnetic field measurements are taken to determine object positions, then positioning capability in enclosed spaces is improved, but measurement precision may be affected by variations in local magnetic fields caused by building materials
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures multiple parameters of the magnetic field (magnitude, direction, and vector components) rather than relying on a single parameter. By capturing the full magnetic field vector at each location and comparing multiple parameters against the stored map, the system can accurately determine position even when local magnetic anomalies are present, as the multi-parameter approach provides redundancy and cross-validation.
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
Enables accurate tracking and performance monitoring of objects and athletes in indoor environments, providing reliable positioning and movement analysis independent of satellite signals, suitable for various applications including sports and navigation.
Implementation Method 1
measuring first magnetic field data when the object is located at a first position within the area, wherein the first magnetic field data includes magnetic field intensity data and/or magnetic field direction data
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for determining performance information for an object located within an area include obtaining magnetic field information for the area, measuring first magnetic field data when the object is located at a first position within the area, and determining performance information for the object within the area based on the magnetic field information for the area and the first magnetic field data.