Mobile Device Positioning via Single Anchor and Motion Vectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining a mobile device's position, such as GPS and triangulation, are costly and lack precision, and require multiple antennas or precise time synchronization, while methods using a single base station do not provide precise location information.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that use a single anchor device to determine position by measuring distance and movement, estimating the device's position through signal strength and power, and employing sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and compasses to refine location, without the need for GPS receivers or multiple antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS technology is used to obtain precise location information, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an anchor device as an intermediary that provides reference position information and facilitates distance measurement. Instead of directly using expensive GPS receivers, the mobile device uses the anchor device as a mediator to determine its position through measured distance and movement vector calculations, thereby reducing device cost while maintaining location precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic system with a local measurement system using sound wave propagation. The mobile device determines its position by measuring the time of flight of sound waves to the anchor device and calculating movement vectors from accelerometer data, substituting the complex GPS mechanical/electromagnetic system with a simpler acoustic and inertial measurement approach.
2Measurement precision
If triangulation technology is used to track mobile device location, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirement of multiple base stations and precise time synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of triangulation (determining position through distance measurement) while removing the complex requirements of multiple base stations and precise time synchronization. By using a single anchor device and combining distance measurement with movement vector tracking, the system achieves location precision without the cumbersome infrastructure of traditional triangulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic movement vector tracking to complement static distance measurement. Instead of relying solely on complex multi-point triangulation, the system continuously updates the mobile device's position by calculating movement vectors from accelerometer data and integrating them with periodic distance measurements to the anchor device, creating a dynamic positioning system that is both precise and simple.
3Device complexity
If a single base station is used to track mobile device, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient angular resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional angular measurement (which requires multiple antennas for resolution) to four-dimensional positioning by adding time and movement vector dimensions. The system determines position through distance measurement (one dimension) combined with movement vector tracking in three spatial dimensions, achieving precise location with a single anchor device without relying on angular resolution from multiple antennas.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and precise method for determining a device's position using a single anchor device, improving location accuracy and reducing system complexity, allowing for implementation in devices like smartphones.
Implementation Method 1
estimating the distance between said device and said anchor device
Implementation Method 2
the device determines the vector of movement using sensors employing earth's magnetic field measurements and motion detection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~3
AI summary
This method implemented by a mobile device for obtaining its position comprises the steps of: a. determining (E30) a current set of possible positions of said device from a measure of the distance between said device and an anchor device at a current instant; b. determining (E50) a subsequent set of possible positions at a subsequent instant from said current set and from a vector of movement of said device at said current instant; c. estimating (E60) the distance between said device and said anchor device at said subsequent instant d. obtaining (E70) a new current set of possible positions of said device by selecting within said subsequent set of possible positions those which are at said distance from said anchor device repeating steps b. to d. until said current set (AE1*) comprises only one element and estimating that the position of said device is said element.