Object Identification Error Margin Area Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices that determine objects by pointing face challenges in accurately identifying the intended object due to inaccuracies in position and direction estimation, leading to user dissatisfaction if the intended object is not found.

Innovation Solution

A method that estimates the position and direction of an electronic device using a positioning mechanism and magnetic sensor, calculates intersecting imaginary lines based on error margins, and determines a Point-Of-Interest (POI) within a defined area to enhance the chances of correctly identifying the object, incorporating error handling and statistical models for direction estimation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If position and direction estimation is performed using standard positioning mechanisms and magnetic sensors, then the device can identify objects by pointing, but measurement errors cause the intended object to not be found

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject identification accuracyVSAvoidobject identification reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-calculating error margins for position and direction measurements before performing object identification. The system determines a first error margin for position estimation and a second error margin for direction estimation, then uses these margins to define an expanded search area and set of candidate POIs. This compensates for measurement errors in advance, ensuring that the intended object is included among candidates even when measurements are imperfect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from point-based identification to area-based identification by introducing error margins as additional dimensional parameters. Instead of checking if a single estimated position and direction exactly matches a POI, the system creates a two-dimensional error margin space around the estimation, expanding the search from a point to an area, thereby increasing the probability of capturing the intended object despite measurement inaccuracies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If error margins are incorporated to improve object identification, then more POIs are considered as candidates, but the complexity of determining the correct object increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject identification accuracyVSAvoidcalculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the error analysis into distinct components: position error margin determination, direction error margin determination, area calculation based on these margins, and candidate POI filtering. Each component is handled separately through dedicated calculation steps, making the overall complex process manageable and systematic rather than attempting to solve all errors simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex geometric intersection calculations with simplified area-based reasoning. Instead of calculating precise intersections of error ellipses and direction cones, the system substitutes these mechanical geometric operations with area calculations using error margins, determining whether POIs fall within the defined error area, thereby simplifying the computational mechanics while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If multiple candidate POIs are generated due to error margins, then the chance of finding the intended object increases, but user confusion may increase when multiple POIs are presented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject identification reliabilityVSAvoiduser interface simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using the calculated error margins to dynamically adjust the presentation of candidate POIs to the user. The system provides feedback about the reliability of each candidate based on how well it fits within the error margins, and uses this feedback to prioritize or filter candidates presented to the user. This feedback mechanism helps reduce user confusion by highlighting the most likely intended object while still maintaining high reliability through comprehensive candidate consideration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 improves the accuracy of object identification by considering error margins, reducing user complexity and ensuring that relevant information about the object is accessible, even in cases where multiple POIs are present, thereby enhancing user experience.

Implementation Method 1

estimating a direction when orienting the electronic apparatus towards the object by a magnetic sensor of the electronic apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2569958B1Method, computer program and apparatus for determining an object in sight
Publication Date: 2017.12.06 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2569958B1 patent drawingFigure 1~11
  • EP2569958B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2569958B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

A method of determining an object in sight with an electronic apparatus, where the object being associated with a Point-Of-Interest, POI, item in a database is disclosed. The method comprises estimating (100) a position of the electronic apparatus by a positioning mechanism; estimating (102) magnitude of error of estimated position; estimating (104) a direction when orienting the electronic apparatus towards the object by a magnetic sensor of the electronic apparatus; estimating (106) magnitude of error of estimated direction; calculating two intersecting imaginary lines in a model of the environment of the electronic apparatus, wherein the two imaginary lines intersect a line of the estimated direction at a side of the electronic apparatus distal to said object, and where a mutual angle between the two imaginary lines and the line of the estimated direction is based on the estimated magnitude of error of estimated direction, and the position where the imaginary lines intersect is determined from the estimated position and the magnitude of error of estimated position, such that an area between the two imaginary lines is formed (108) based on a determined maximum distance of sight; and determining (110) a POI associated with a position within said area such that information about the object associated with the determined POI is obtainable. A computer program and an electronic apparatus are also disclosed.