Map Element Constraint for Indoor Positioning Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite-based positioning technologies, like GPS, are ineffective indoors due to signal penetration issues, necessitating alternative solutions for accurate navigation indoors.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines whether to create map elements of different types based on geometrical criteria for indoor positioning, where certain map elements are designed to apply constraints to user positions, improving positioning accuracy in indoor environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite-based positioning (GPS) is used for indoor positioning, then outdoor positioning accuracy is maintained, but indoor positioning accuracy deteriorates due to signal penetration issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces map elements as intermediary objects that mediate between positioning measurements and position constraints. These map elements (walls, floors, ceilings, doors) serve as geometric intermediaries that translate raw positioning data into constrained position estimates, enabling accurate indoor positioning without relying on satellite signal penetration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the indoor environment into discrete geometric map elements (walls, floors, ceilings, doors) that can be independently processed. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex indoor geometries by breaking them down into manageable constraint components, each contributing to the overall position constraint
2Measurement precision
If dedicated indoor positioning solutions (pseudolites, ultra-sound, Bluetooth, WLAN) are implemented, then indoor positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning framework that can work with multiple types of positioning measurements (GPS, WLAN, Bluetooth, ultra-sound, pseudolites) through a common map element constraint mechanism. This multi-functional approach allows the same map element-based constraint system to process different measurement types, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accuracy across various indoor positioning technologies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of position representation from raw coordinate estimates to constraint-based position definitions. By transforming positioning data into geometric constraints defined by map elements, the system achieves accuracy improvement while simplifying the processing of different measurement types through a unified parameter framework
3Reliability
If map elements are created for all map objects, then positioning constraint coverage is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different types of map elements (first type vs. second type) with different levels of constraint usability based on their geometric properties. Not all map objects receive the same treatment - only those with suitable geometric characteristics (narrow dimensions, corridor-like structures) are created as first-type map elements suitable for positioning constraints, while others become second-type elements. This selective approach improves constraint coverage where needed while reducing unnecessary data processing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided that determines, based on a geometrical criterion and at least one map object of plurality of map objects, whether a map element of a first map element type or a second map element type shall be created; wherein elements of the first map element type are intended to be usable for applying a constraint to a user position and wherein elements of the second map element type are intended to be less usable for applying a constraint to a user position compared to the elements of the first map element type; and creates a map element according to the determined map element type, the created map element being associated with the at least one map object.