Mobile Device Positioning Using Sensor Feature Detection

The patent introduces sensor data (images from cameras, point clouds from LiDAR) as intermediary elements between the mobile device and the positioning system. These sensors detect identifiable features in the environment that serve as mediators to determine position, bypassing the need for direct satellite signal reception and thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining positioning accuracy and dealing with unreliable GNSS signals in urban environments

The patent creates a copy of environmental features through sensor data acquisition. Instead of directly using satellite signals, the system captures images and point clouds that replicate visual representations of identifiable features (buildings, roads, landmarks). These copies are then processed to extract positioning information, enabling accurate positioning without direct line-of-sight to satellites

The patent makes existing sensors (cameras, LiDAR) perform multiple functions. These sensors are already present in modern mobile devices for other purposes (photography, depth sensing), but the patent extends their utility to include positioning by detecting identifiable features. This multi-functionality approach increases positioning accuracy without significantly increasing system complexity, as the hardware infrastructure already exists

The system uses the mobile device's own existing sensors (cameras, LiDAR, inertial measurement units) to provide positioning information. Rather than adding dedicated external positioning hardware, the patent enables the device to service its own positioning needs using components already present in the device, thereby improving accuracy while minimizing the increase in system complexity