Mobile Device Positioning Using Sensor Data Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with wireless signal-based positioning capabilities face challenges in obtaining accurate position fixes due to errors in assistance data, which can lead to increased energy consumption and delayed position determination, especially when starting from a cold state without prior knowledge of satellite positions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of onboard inertial and environmental sensors to compute additional positioning parameters, allowing the mobile device to detect erroneous conditions and adjust the positioning process by considering both wireless signal-based and sensor-derived data, thereby affecting the indication of uncertainty and potentially restarting the position fix process independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If assistance data is used to reduce search complexity, then power consumption is reduced and position fix speed is improved, but accuracy deteriorates due to errors in assistance data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by comparing sensor-derived position estimates with wireless signal-based position estimates to detect errors in assistance data. When discrepancies are detected, the system adjusts the positioning process by relying more on sensor data or re-acquiring wireless signals, thereby maintaining accuracy while still benefiting from the speed improvements provided by assistance data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor data as an intermediary to verify and correct position estimates derived from wireless signals using assistance data. The sensors act as a mediator that can detect when assistance data is erroneous and provide alternative or corrective position information, resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a full sky scan is performed from cold start, then position fix accuracy is ensured, but power consumption increases and acquisition time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using sensor data to provide a partial position estimate that complements the wireless signal-based positioning. Instead of performing a complete full sky scan from cold start, the system uses sensor-derived information to reduce the search space, thereby maintaining accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption and acquisition time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by using sensor data to pre-establish an estimated position before initiating the wireless signal-based position fix process. This preliminary estimate allows the system to start with a reduced search space rather than performing a complete full sky scan, thereby conserving energy and reducing acquisition time while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If sensor data is integrated to detect erroneous conditions, then position fix accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using the onboard sensors for multiple purposes: not only for their primary functions (motion detection, environmental sensing) but also for position estimation and error detection in the positioning system. This multi-functionality improves reliability without requiring additional dedicated hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by utilizing the mobile device's existing onboard sensors to detect and correct errors in the positioning system. Rather than requiring external verification systems or additional complex hardware, the device uses its own built-in sensors to monitor and improve the reliability of position fixes, thereby achieving improved reliability with minimal increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein may relate to electronic devices, and more particularly to methods, apparatuses and articles of manufacture for use in a mobile device having one or more onboard sensors and a wireless signal based positioning capability.