Hybrid Location Estimation Using Map Boundaries and Sensor Fusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination methods for user devices, such as GPS, IP address, and cell triangulation, often lack the desired accuracy, leading to suboptimal service provision and user frustration.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that uses real-world map data and sensor data to refine the initial location estimate of a user device by determining a set of permissible areas based on physical boundaries and sensor information, thereby revising the location estimate for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional location determination methods (GPS, IP address, cell triangulation) are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the location accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location determination techniques (GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, cell triangulation, IP address) with map data validation and sensor data (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) to create a hybrid location system. This merging of multiple methods resolves the contradiction by achieving high accuracy through data fusion while managing complexity through integrated processing architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces map data as an intermediary layer that validates and refines raw location estimates. The system uses map features (buildings, roads, boundaries) as intermediate references to correct GPS drift and validate positioning data, thereby improving accuracy without directly increasing the complexity of individual components.
2Measurement precision
If multiple location determination techniques are combined to improve accuracy, then location precision improves, but the computational complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary filtering and validation of location data using map boundaries and physical constraints before final processing. By pre-establishing valid location zones based on map data and sensor characteristics, the system reduces the computational burden of analyzing all possible location data points, thereby managing complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts processing parameters based on the reliability of different location sources. When GPS signal quality is high, the system reduces processing of alternative methods; when GPS is unreliable, it increases reliance on Wi-Fi and sensor fusion. This adaptive parameter adjustment optimizes computational resources while maintaining consistent accuracy levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for revising an initial estimate of a location of a user device includes obtaining an initial estimate of a location of a user device; obtaining maps information corresponding to a first geographic area associated with the initial estimate, the first geographic area including one or more features; obtaining sensor data from one or more sensors; determining a mode of travel based on the sensor data; determining a set of permissible areas that can potentially include the user device, based on the one or more features of the first geographic area and the mode of travel; and revising the initial estimate to provide a revised estimate for the location of the user device when the set of permissible areas encompass a second geographic area which is different than the first geographic area associated with the initial estimate of the location of the user device.