Mobile Device Height Estimation via Sensor Context
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the height of a mobile device above a surface are unreliable due to assumptions of a common expected height, leading to erroneous results when the actual height differs significantly.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods that determine a location context using data from sensors and positioning systems, allowing for the retrieval of second data to estimate the height above a surface, which can be used to calibrate pressure sensors and improve altitude estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a common expected height (e.g., 0.9 meters) is assumed for the mobile device above the surface, then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision and reliability of height estimation deteriorate when the actual height differs significantly from the assumed height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical assumption-based height estimation with a sensor-based measurement system. Pressure sensors, barometers, and other sensing devices are used to directly measure or calculate the height above a surface, substituting the simple assumption method with a more sophisticated but accurate sensing approach. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation while dramatically improving measurement precision through automated sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device uses its own onboard sensors (pressure sensors, barometers, accelerometers, gyroscopes) to automatically determine its height above a surface without requiring external measurement equipment or manual input. The device self-calibrates and self-measures, eliminating the need for users to manually input height information while achieving accurate measurements. This resolves the contradiction by making the system both easy to operate and highly precise.
2Device complexity
If a common expected height is assumed for the mobile device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of height estimation deteriorates when the actual height differs from the assumed height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple assumption-based system with a sensor-based measurement system using pressure sensors, barometers, and other sensing devices. This substitution increases device complexity slightly but dramatically improves reliability by providing actual measured data rather than assumptions. The system can dynamically adapt to different heights while maintaining reasonable complexity through efficient sensor integration and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the mobile device's sensor system universal by using the same pressure sensors, barometers, and other sensors for multiple functions including height measurement, altitude estimation, calibration, and various application-specific measurements. This multi-functionality approach allows the device to reliably determine height in diverse scenarios without requiring separate specialized systems, thus improving reliability while managing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If pressure sensors are calibrated using a common expected height, then the calibration process is simplified, but the calibration accuracy deteriorates when the actual height differs from the expected height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-calibration of pressure sensors by using the mobile device's own sensors (barometers, pressure sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes) to determine the height above a surface and automatically calibrate the pressure sensor accordingly. This eliminates the need for manual calibration procedures while achieving high calibration accuracy. The device performs its own calibration in the field, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback-based calibration where the mobile device uses measurements from multiple sensors to continuously monitor and adjust the pressure sensor calibration. The system compares measured height from various sensors with pressure sensor readings and automatically adjusts calibration parameters to minimize errors. This feedback mechanism maintains high calibration accuracy while keeping the calibration process simple and automated.
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
Provides more accurate estimates of the height above a surface, enhancing the calibration of pressure sensors and improving the reliability of altitude calculations.
Implementation Method 1
retrieve a first measurement of a pressure from a pressure sensor of the mobile device
Implementation Method 2
estimate an altitude of the mobile device using a barometer of the mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
Determining one or more heights of one or more mobile devices above surfaces. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that retrieve first data (e.g., measurement value(s) determined by sensor(s) of a mobile device or estimated position(s) of the mobile device), determine a location context based on the first data, identify second data (e.g., measurement value(s) determined by sensor(s) of the mobile device or status indicator value(s) of feature(s) of the mobile device) to retrieve for use in determining an estimated height above a surface at which the mobile device is located based on the determined location context, retrieve the second data, and determine an estimated height above a surface at which the mobile device is located based on the retrieved second data.