Position Estimation Using Data Density and Reliability Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing position estimating systems face accuracy issues due to noise and deteriorated radio wave reception conditions, causing variations in positioning results from multiple positioning devices.

Innovation Solution

A position estimating device that calculates density and reliability of position data from multiple positioning devices, using a position data obtaining unit, density calculating unit, reliability calculating unit, and position estimating unit to accurately estimate the position of a transmitter based on predetermined thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple positioning devices are used to receive radio waves from a transmitter, then positioning coverage is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to noise and deteriorated radio wave reception conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning coverageVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of position data by calculating density (spatial distribution) and reliability (consistency with historical data) for each positioning result. Position data is filtered and weighted based on these calculated parameters, allowing the system to maintain high positioning accuracy while using multiple positioning devices for broad coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If position data from multiple positioning devices is simply averaged, then positioning coverage is maintained, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to variations caused by noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning coverageVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by evaluating each position data point individually based on its density and reliability parameters. Instead of uniform averaging, the system weights and selects position data points according to their specific quality characteristics, ensuring that only reliable data contributes to the final position estimate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using historical position data to calculate reliability parameters for current position data. The system continuously compares new position measurements against historical patterns and adjusts the weightings accordingly, creating a feedback loop that improves positioning accuracy over time while maintaining coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3779497B1Position estimation device, position estimation system, position estimation method, and program
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP3779497B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3779497B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3779497B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A position estimating device includes a position data obtaining unit configured to obtain a plurality of position data of a transmitter, the plurality of position data being output from respective positioning devices, a density calculating unit configured to calculate a density of the plurality of position data based on the plurality of position data output from the respective positioning devices obtained by the position data obtaining unit, and a position estimating unit configured to estimate a position of the transmitter based on the plurality of position data output from the respective positioning devices and the density calculated by the density calculating unit.