Map-Assisted Sensor-Based Indoor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal-based positioning systems are inadequate for indoor environments due to signal attenuation and lack of access points, and may consume excessive power or interfere with other devices, necessitating alternative methods for accurate mobile device positioning.
Innovation Solution
Implementing map-assisted sensor-based positioning using onboard inertial and environmental sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, in conjunction with electronic maps to estimate a mobile device's trajectory and location within indoor environments, correcting for drift errors through particle filters and discrete turn algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signal-based positioning systems (GPS, AFLT) are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the system becomes impractical for indoor environments due to signal attenuation and lack of access points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces signal-based positioning systems with sensor-based inertial navigation systems. Instead of relying on electromagnetic signals from external transmitters, the system uses onboard inertial sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) to measure motion and calculate position through integration, enabling indoor positioning without signal infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electronic maps and particle filters as intermediary components. The electronic map provides environmental context and constraints, while particle filters process sensor data to estimate position and correct drift errors, serving as mediators between raw sensor measurements and final position estimates
2Adaptability or versatility
If terrestrial-based wireless signal transmitting devices are deployed indoors, then positioning capability is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables mobile devices to perform self-positioning using their own onboard sensors without requiring external infrastructure. The device independently measures its motion through inertial sensors and calculates its trajectory, eliminating the need for deployed wireless transmitting devices or access points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical infrastructure of wireless transmitting devices with the device's own inertial measurement capabilities, replacing an external signal-based system with an autonomous sensor-based system
3Use of energy by moving object
If sensor-based positioning is used, then energy consumption is reduced and interference is minimized, but drift errors accumulate over time reducing positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through particle filters that continuously process sensor measurements and correct position estimates. The system uses the electronic map as feedback to constrain possible positions and correct drift errors by comparing estimated trajectories with map-based environmental constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) into an integrated inertial navigation system. This composite sensing approach leverages the strengths of each sensor type while compensating for their individual weaknesses, reducing drift through sensor fusion
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 and energy-efficient positioning of mobile devices indoors without relying on signal-based systems, reducing power consumption and interference, while providing precise location and trajectory data using sensor measurements and electronic map information.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensor measurements obtained at a mobile device... at least one of the one or more sensor measurements obtained from at least one accelerometer at the mobile device
Data Source
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AI summary
Various methods, apparatuses and/or articles of manufacture are provided which may be implemented to estimate a trajectory of a mobile device within an indoor environment. In some embodiments, the trajectory may be estimated without the use of any signal-based positioning information. For example, a mobile device may estimate such a trajectory based, at least in part, on one or more sensor measurements obtained at the mobile device, and further affect the estimated trajectory based, at least in part, on one or more objects identified in an electronic map of the indoor environment.