Position Indication Controls for Mobile Device Location Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indoor positioning systems face challenges in accurately determining location and confidence near structure peripheries and when transitioning between different positioning systems, often resulting in unstable location indications and arbitrary changes in confidence circle radii due to interference and precision discrepancies between indoor and outdoor systems.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a delay in position calculation and display near system boundaries, retaining the prior position, and using vector expectations to stabilize location indications, along with expanding the confidence circle radius over time when accurate outdoor positioning is unavailable, to smooth transitions between systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS positioning system is used to determine location, then outdoor positioning accuracy is improved, but positioning reliability deteriorates near structure peripheries and indoors due to signal obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning systems (GPS and indoor positioning system) into a unified positioning framework. The system dynamically switches between or integrates results from different positioning sources based on location context, ensuring continuous and reliable positioning coverage both outdoors and near structure peripheries where single systems fail
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (positioning management system) that mediates between the GPS receiver and the final position indication. This intermediary processes signals from multiple sources, evaluates their reliability, and synthesizes a stable position estimate even when individual systems experience signal obstruction or transition between indoor/outdoor environments
2Adaptability or versatility
If indoor positioning system is used to determine location, then indoor positioning capability is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates near structure peripheries and when transitioning to outdoor locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges indoor positioning system results with GPS positioning results in a unified framework. Near structure peripheries and during transitions, the system integrates data from both indoor and outdoor positioning sources to maintain precision, rather than relying solely on the indoor system which degrades at boundaries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching and weighting between different positioning systems based on the device's location context. The system adaptively adjusts which positioning source (indoor or outdoor) is prioritized based on signal availability, location context, and transition state, optimizing precision across all environments including periphery zones
3Speed
If position indication is displayed without delay, then responsiveness is improved, but position stability deteriorates near system boundaries due to arbitrary switching between positioning systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of positioning data quality and system availability before final position determination. By pre-assessing the reliability of each positioning source and preparing transition strategies in advance, the system can smoothly switch between systems near boundaries without causing abrupt position jumps or instability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous and stable position indication by implementing smooth transition mechanisms between positioning systems. Rather than abrupt switching, the system maintains continuous position estimates through weighted integration or gradual transitions, eliminating discontinuities and arbitrary jumps in the displayed position near system boundaries
4Reliability
If confidence circle radius is adjusted dynamically, then position confidence indication is improved, but visual stability deteriorates due to arbitrary changes near system boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-evaluates positioning data quality and system reliability before adjusting the confidence circle radius. By assessing the stability and quality of position estimates in advance, the system can dynamically adjust confidence indication without causing abrupt or arbitrary visual changes, especially near system boundaries where conditions are less certain
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to localizing mobile devices. In one example, a first location method associated with a first accuracy value may be used to estimate a location of the mobile device. A confidence circle indicative of a level of confidence in the estimation of the location is calculated. The confidence circle may be displayed on a mobile device. When other location methods become available, the size of the displayed confidence circle may be expanded based on information from an accelerometer of the client device or the accuracy of the other available location methods. This may be especially useful when the mobile device is transitioning between areas which are associated with different location methods that may be more or less accurate.