Mobile Device Location via Relative Sensor Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning protocols, such as LPP and LPPe, face challenges in determining the absolute location of mobile devices when they are unable to measure signals from external sources or when network entities cannot measure sufficient signals due to physical obstructions, leading to inaccurate or delayed location determination.
Innovation Solution
A method where a mobile device computes a relative change in location using local sensors and transmits this information to a location server, which estimates the absolute location of the mobile device, even in scenarios where traditional signal measurements are unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional signal measurement methods are used for location determination, then location accuracy can be achieved in open environments, but location determination fails or becomes inaccurate when physical obstructions block signal paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces local sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) as intermediary measurement devices that can detect motion and orientation changes without requiring external signal sources. These sensors serve as mediators between the mobile device and the location server, enabling location determination through relative movement data even when traditional signal-based methods fail due to obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic signal-based positioning system with a mechanical sensor-based system. Instead of relying on radio waves from satellites or base stations, the system uses mechanical sensors to detect physical motion and orientation changes, substituting the signal measurement mechanism with direct physical measurement of device movement.
2Productivity
If absolute location determination is performed continuously, then location availability is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination process into two distinct phases: relative location tracking using local sensors and absolute location calculation using network-based measurements. The relative location component continuously tracks movement between updates, while the absolute location is calculated only when needed using available network signals. This segmentation allows the system to maintain location awareness without continuously performing computationally intensive absolute location calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary relative location tracking using local sensors continuously, building up a history of movement data. When absolute location determination becomes necessary, the system already has recent relative movement information ready to be combined with the absolute position, reducing the overall processing time required compared to performing complete location calculations from scratch each time.
3Measurement precision
If network-based location methods are used, then location accuracy is improved in open environments, but the system becomes vulnerable to signal blockage in urban canyons, buildings, and tunnels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the location system universal by enabling it to function through multiple mechanisms depending on environmental conditions. The mobile device can use network-based methods when available (providing high accuracy in open environments) and switch to sensor-based relative tracking when network signals are blocked (enabling operation in urban canyons, buildings, and tunnels). This multi-functionality allows the same system to adapt to diverse environmental conditions without requiring separate systems for each scenario.
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 and timely determination of a mobile device's absolute location by leveraging local sensor data, improving location accuracy and response times even in obstructed environments.
Implementation Method 1
computing a relative change in location of the mobile device using local sensors of the mobile device
Implementation Method 2
computing a relative change in location of the mobile device using local sensors of the mobile device
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for determining an absolute location of a mobile device by a server. A relative change in location of a mobile device is computed using local sensors of the mobile device. The relative change in location is transmitted to a location server for estimating, by the location server, an absolute location of the mobile device.