Mobile Device Floor Height Calibration via Pressure Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the altitude of a mobile device, particularly in urban or indoor environments, face challenges due to imprecise pressure sensor readings and limited calibration data, leading to delayed emergency responses and navigation errors.
Innovation Solution
A method that collects pressure data from both outdoor and indoor locations to estimate floor heights, using reference pressure data and user context to calibrate the mobile device's pressure sensor, thereby improving altitude estimation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensor calibration is performed using only outdoor terrain data, then calibration accuracy is improved, but the quantity of calibration data is reduced due to limited outdoor time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces floor height as an intermediary variable that bridges indoor and outdoor calibration scenarios. By using floor height information (obtained from building data or previous outdoor measurements) as a mediator, the system can calibrate indoor pressure readings without direct outdoor reference, thereby expanding calibration opportunities while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension outdoor calibration approach to a multi-dimensional approach that incorporates indoor locations, floor heights, and building structures. This dimensional expansion allows calibration data collection across diverse environments (indoor/outdoor, multiple floors, various buildings), significantly increasing the quantity of calibration data while maintaining precision through the use of floor height as a reference
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensor calibration is performed frequently to account for drift, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time occurs due to repeated calibration procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration actions by collecting pressure data across multiple locations and floors during normal device usage. This advance data collection creates a calibration dataset that can be processed offline, eliminating the need for frequent interruptive calibration procedures while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous calibration by utilizing pressure measurements taken during normal device operation across various indoor and outdoor locations. Instead of discrete calibration events, the system continuously accumulates calibration data from everyday usage, maintaining precision without time loss through uninterrupted data collection
3Measurement precision
If floor height data is collected from multiple sources to improve calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple data collection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device's pressure sensor multi-functional by using it for both altitude measurement and floor height calibration. The same sensor and data processing mechanisms serve multiple purposes: normal altitude estimation, calibration data collection, and floor height determination, thereby improving precision without adding dedicated hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by using its own pressure sensor readings combined with floor height information to automatically adjust and refine its altitude measurements. The device serves itself by utilizing its operational data for calibration purposes, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or complex manual procedures
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 approach enhances the accuracy of altitude estimation by generating more data points for calibration, reducing the impact of sensor drift and weather-related pressure changes, and enabling quicker location determination for emergency responses and navigation.
Implementation Method 1
altitude can be determined using a measurement of pressure from a calibrated pressure sensor of a mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and machines involve detecting when a mobile device is in a first area and a second area at different times, collecting pressure data from the mobile device and reference sensor(s) to estimate altitudes of the mobile device within the first area and the second area, collecting terrain altitudes associated with the first area and the second area, and using a difference between the estimated altitudes and a difference between the terrain altitudes to determine a height of a floor. The estimated floor height may be used to calibrate a pressure sensor of a mobile device.