Mobile Device Elevation via Barometric Pressure and Ground Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are limited in providing accurate elevation information, often requiring four satellites for estimation, which is not always available, and even then, the elevation is relative to an ideal earth model rather than mean sea level or ground level, while other methods like location beacons may not be widely available.
Innovation Solution
A method using barometric pressure readings from mobile devices and a barometric pressure metric of a weather reference point, combined with an elevation of a ground reference area, to calculate the height of a mobile device over ground level, which can be implemented in a distributed computing system without the need for full-time internet connections or new sensors, and can infer weather reference points through crowdsourcing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS uses four satellites to estimate elevation, then elevation information can be obtained, but the requirement for four satellites is often not met due to weak satellite signals or unavailability of line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical satellite-based elevation measurement system with a barometric pressure-based measurement system. The barometer measures atmospheric pressure, which is then converted to elevation data, providing a non-line-of-sight alternative to GNSS satellite signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from satellite signal strength and geometric positioning to barometric pressure. By measuring pressure variations with altitude and converting these pressure readings to elevation data, the system achieves reliable elevation measurement without requiring satellite line of sight.
2Measurement precision
If GNSS estimates elevation relative to ellipsoid datum, then elevation can be calculated, but the elevation is not relative to mean sea level or to ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ground reference points with known elevations relative to mean sea level as intermediaries. These reference points serve as calibration targets, allowing the barometric pressure measurements to be converted from pressure-based elevation to mean-sea-level-based elevation, making the data compatible with standard geographic references.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the elevation reference frame by calibrating barometric pressure measurements against ground reference points with known mean sea level elevations. This parameter transformation converts pressure-derived elevation into elevation relative to mean sea level, matching standard geographic coordinate systems.
3Measurement precision
If location beacons are used to determine device elevation, then relative elevation can be estimated, but this service is only available for places with beacons installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables mobile devices to autonomously determine their own elevation using built-in barometers. Each device independently measures atmospheric pressure and converts it to elevation data without requiring external beacon infrastructure, making the service universally available wherever the device goes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the beacon-based elevation measurement system with a barometric pressure-based system. This substitution eliminates the need for deployed beacon infrastructure, allowing elevation services to be provided in any location without requiring pre-installed reference points.
4Ease of manufacture
If barometric pressure readings are used to calculate elevation, then 3D location services can be provided without new sensors or full-time internet connections, but the system needs weather reference points for accurate calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ground reference points with known elevations as intermediaries to calibrate barometric pressure measurements. These reference points provide the connection between raw pressure readings and accurate elevation values, enabling precise measurements without requiring complex weather station infrastructure at every location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal elevation determination system where ground reference points serve multiple purposes: they calibrate barometric measurements, provide mean sea level reference, and enable accurate elevation calculation across entire regions. The same reference infrastructure supports both local and regional elevation determinations.
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 provides accurate 3D location services, including elevation and height, even in areas without physical weather stations, and is scalable for large numbers of mobile devices, enabling practical and cost-effective 3D location estimates for various applications such as network planning and emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a barometric pressure reading of the mobile device... calculate an elevation of the mobile device from the barometric pressure reading
Data Source
AI summary
A processing system including at least one processor may obtain a location of a mobile device and a barometric pressure reading of the mobile device, identify a weather reference area and a ground reference area containing the location, and calculate an elevation of the mobile device from the barometric pressure reading of the mobile device and a barometric pressure metric of a weather reference point of the weather reference area, where the weather reference point has a predetermined elevation. The processing system may then determine a height of the mobile device over a ground level of the location based upon the elevation of the mobile device that is calculated and based upon an elevation of a ground reference area containing the location and provide a report of the location of mobile device including the height of the mobile device over the ground level that is determined.