Dynamic Radius Selection for Mobile Altitude Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device altitude estimation methods, such as barometric-based systems, face challenges in accuracy due to proximity issues with weather stations and varying atmospheric conditions, which can lead to imprecise altitude estimates, potentially delaying emergency responses or mislocating users in urban environments.
Innovation Solution
The method involves selecting reference-level pressures using a dynamically-changing radius based on weather conditions and pressure patterns, utilizing a pressure map with a horizontal gradient to identify optimal reference-level pressures for altitude estimation, ensuring accuracy within tolerated altitude errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If reference-level pressures from weather stations within a large predefined distance are used, then more reference data is available, but the accuracy of altitude estimation deteriorates due to proximity issues and varying atmospheric conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamically-changing radius that adapts based on weather conditions and pressure patterns. Instead of using a fixed predefined distance, the search radius for weather stations is adjusted in real-time according to atmospheric conditions, allowing the system to optimize the balance between having sufficient reference data and maintaining accuracy through proximity to relevant weather stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of search radius from a static predefined value to a dynamic value that varies with weather conditions and pressure patterns. This parameter change enables the system to select optimal reference-level pressures by adjusting the spatial scope based on current atmospheric conditions, thereby improving altitude estimation accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed predefined distance is used to select reference-level pressures, then the selection process is simple, but the accuracy deteriorates because it does not account for varying weather conditions and pressure patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed-distance selection method to a dynamic approach where the search radius adapts to weather conditions and pressure patterns. This dynamic adjustment maintains operational simplicity while significantly improving accuracy by selecting reference pressures that are spatially relevant to current atmospheric conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback from weather conditions and pressure pattern analysis into the reference-level pressure selection process. The system continuously monitors atmospheric conditions and adjusts the search radius accordingly, creating a feedback loop that improves the accuracy of altitude estimation while maintaining ease of operation through automated adaptation.
3Area of stationary object
If reference-level pressures from distant weather stations are used, then coverage area is increased, but the reliability of altitude estimation decreases due to proximity issues with weather stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically-adjustable search radius that responds to weather conditions and pressure patterns. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to expand coverage when needed while maintaining reliability by ensuring that selected reference stations are sufficiently close to the mobile device, avoiding the use of distant stations that would compromise estimation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by selecting reference-level pressures based on their spatial proximity and relevance to the mobile device's location, adjusted by current atmospheric conditions. This local approach ensures that the most reliable reference pressures are used for each specific situation, balancing coverage with accuracy by prioritizing nearby weather stations with appropriate atmospheric conditions.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy and reliability of mobile device altitude estimation by selecting reference-level pressures that closely match atmospheric conditions, leading to quicker and more precise location determination, especially in urban environments.
Implementation Method 1
In a barometric-based positioning system, altitude can be computed using a measurement of pressure from a calibrated pressure sensor of a mobile device
Implementation Method 2
The estimate of pressure at the location of the reference pressure sensor can be converted to an estimated reference-level pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Determining which reference-level pressures, from among a plurality of available reference-level pressures, are used when estimating an altitude of a mobile device. Different systems and methods determine isobars based on reference-level pressures of weather stations, and then use the isobars in different ways to identify particular reference-level pressures for use in estimated an altitude of a mobile device. One approach determines the smallest distance between an initial estimated position of a mobile device and a neighboring isobar, and then uses that distance to identify reference-level pressures. Another approach identifies reference-level pressures between an isobar on which an initial estimated position of a mobile device is location and a neighboring isobar. Yet another approach compares the number of identified reference-level pressures and/or locations of the identified reference-level pressures against threshold conditions before determining which reference-level pressures to use.