Mobile Device Altitude Estimation via Barometric Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices face challenges in accurately determining their altitude within indoor environments, particularly in multi-level structures, due to unreliable signal acquisition from transmitters and the need for a reference barometric pressure to compute absolute altitude from atmospheric pressure measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that select a subset of reporting mobile devices based on characteristics of a target device's location, determine a reference parameter such as expected barometric pressure for a reference altitude, and transmit this parameter to the target device, allowing it to estimate its altitude using local barometric pressure measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless signal-based positioning capabilities are used to determine mobile device position, then positioning capability is provided, but signal acquisition from transmitters is unreliable in indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces barometric pressure as an intermediary measurement mechanism to determine altitude when wireless signal acquisition is unreliable. The barometric pressure sensor measures atmospheric pressure, which correlates with altitude, providing an alternative positioning method that works independently of transmitter signals in indoor environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from relying on wireless signal parameters to using barometric pressure parameters for altitude determination. By measuring changes in atmospheric pressure, the system can infer altitude changes without requiring reliable wireless signal acquisition, thus resolving the contradiction between signal reliability and positioning accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If barometric pressure measurements are used to compute absolute altitude, then altitude determination is enabled, but a reference barometric pressure is required which is not always available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by having reporting mobile devices in the environment submit their altitude information and associated barometric pressure measurements in advance. This pre-collected data serves as a reference that can be used by target mobile devices to compute absolute altitude without requiring real-time reference pressure availability, reducing the immediate complexity burden on individual devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing reporting mobile devices to contribute their own altitude and barometric pressure data to a shared reference pool. Each device that needs altitude information can independently query and use this pre-established reference data without requiring other devices to provide real-time references, making the system self-sufficient.
3Measurement precision
If a reference parameter is determined using multiple reporting mobile devices, then reference accuracy is improved, but device selection and data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting reporting mobile devices based on their spatial proximity to the target device. Devices closer to the target are given higher weight or priority in the reference parameter determination, as their altitude measurements are more locally relevant. This selective approach improves reference accuracy for the specific local area while managing complexity by not processing all devices equally.
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 altitude determination of mobile devices within indoor environments by providing a reliable reference parameter for barometric pressure, improving navigation and positioning accuracy in multi-level structures.
Implementation Method 1
an altitude measurement for each of the reporting mobile devices in the subset of reporting mobile devices
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods, apparatuses and articles of manufacture are provided which may be used in determining an altitude of a mobile device. For example, an electronic device may select a subset of reporting mobile devices located within a particular environment, estimate a reference parameter that is indicative, at least in part, of a reference altitude within the particular region, e.g., based, at least in part, on one or more altitude measurements for one or more of the reporting mobile devices, and initiate transmission of the reference parameter to at least a target mobile device. In another example, a mobile device may obtain such a reference parameter, and estimate its altitude based, at least in part, on the reference parameter.