Machine Learning Localization for Vehicle Seating Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current BLE-based localization systems in vehicles face challenges due to varying smartphone designs and environments, leading to inaccurate seating zone calculations and difficulty in uniform calibration across different devices and use cases.

Innovation Solution

A machine-learning localization scheme is implemented, using calibration data from multiple vehicles that includes wireless data, ground truth information, and contextual data to train a model that improves localization accuracy by compensating for BLE RSSI variations and environmental factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional BLE-based localization is used, then device compatibility is maintained, but localization accuracy deteriorates due to varying smartphone designs and environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalization accuracyVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using machine learning to dynamically adjust localization parameters based on device-specific characteristics and environmental conditions. The system collects calibration data from multiple devices and uses it to train models that adapt RSSI interpretation to each device's unique behavior, thereby maintaining accuracy across different smartphone designs without sacrificing compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If uniform calibration across different devices is attempted, then device compatibility is improved, but localization accuracy deteriorates due to device-specific variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniform calibrationVSAvoidlocalization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the calibration process into device-specific segments. Instead of applying a single uniform calibration across all devices, the system collects calibration data separately for each device type and trains individual machine learning models for each device. This allows each device to have its own optimized calibration parameters, achieving both uniform calibration methodology and device-specific accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the calibration approach adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically selects and applies appropriate calibration models based on the specific device being used. Machine learning models are trained on device-specific calibration data and automatically applied when that device is detected, allowing the system to adapt to varying device characteristics while maintaining a unified calibration framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If device-specific calibration is performed, then localization accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple calibration profiles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalization accuracyVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling devices to automatically undergo calibration without requiring manual configuration or user intervention. The system collects calibration data automatically during normal operation and uses machine learning to generate device-specific models autonomously. This reduces the complexity burden on users while maintaining high localization accuracy through automated, device-specific calibration processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies feedback by using collected localization data to continuously improve calibration models. The system gathers calibration data from devices during operation, uses this feedback to retrain and refine machine learning models, and then applies the improved models back to the system. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to self-optimize calibration accuracy without increasing operational complexity for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20220292388A1Machine learning mobile device localization
Publication Date: 2022.09.15 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US20220292388A1 patent drawing
  • US20220292388A1 patent drawing
  • US20220292388A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A machine-learning localization scheme is provided. Calibration data is received from a plurality of vehicles, the calibration data including wireless data indicative of locations of mobile devices within the plurality of vehicles, ground truth data with respect to the locations of the mobile devices, and contextual information with respect to one or more of operating system versions of the mobile devices or battery levels of the mobile devices. A machine-learning model is trained using the wireless data and the contextual information as inputs and the ground truth data as output. Responsive to an error rate for the machine-learning model being within an error target, the machine-learning model is provided to the plurality of vehicles.