Reference Pressure Network Extension Using Wind-Adjusted Pressure Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing networks of reference pressure sensors have limited spatial coverage, leading to inaccurate calibration and altitude estimation of mobile devices when they are outside the coverage area, as unreliable external data sources like NOAA data are used, which lack the necessary accuracy for floor-level precision.
Innovation Solution
A method to extend the spatial coverage of reference pressure sensors by using a combination of network pressure data and external data sources, such as NOAA, to create a pressure pattern, adjust pressure contours, and translate reference-level pressures using wind data to improve calibration and altitude estimation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reference pressure sensors are deployed to provide calibration data, then altitude estimation accuracy is improved, but the spatial coverage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces external data sources (NOAA pressure data, wind data) as intermediaries to extend the effective coverage area. These external sources act as mediators that provide reference pressure information to locations outside the physical sensor network, allowing mobile devices to be calibrated even when outside the direct coverage area of reference pressure sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of reference pressure data by downloading and storing external pressure field data (isobars, pressure contours) from NOAA and other sources. These copied data representations allow the system to simulate reference pressure conditions at locations where physical sensors do not exist, effectively extending coverage through data replication.
2Area of stationary object
If external data sources like NOAA data are used for calibration, then spatial coverage is extended, but measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple data sources including internal reference pressure sensor data, external NOAA pressure data, and wind data into a unified calibration system. By combining these diverse sources and using data fusion techniques, the system maintains high accuracy while extending coverage area beyond what any single source could provide alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms external pressure data into the local reference frame by applying wind data adjustments and coordinate transformations. External pressure contours are modified and translated to match local conditions, changing the parameters of the external data to make them applicable and accurate for local calibration needs.
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
Enhances the accuracy of pressure sensor calibration and altitude estimation for mobile devices outside the network's coverage area, ensuring floor-level precision by integrating reliable network data with external data patterns and wind adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
altitude can be computed using a measurement of pressure from a pressure sensor of a mobile device along with ambient pressure measurement(s) from a network of reference pressure sensors
Implementation Method 2
translate reference-level pressures using wind data to improve calibration and altitude estimation accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Extending the spatial coverage of a reference pressure network. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that initially determine that an estimated position of a mobile device resides outside a coverage area of a network of reference pressure sensors. Reference-level pressures are determined using measurements of pressure from the network of reference pressure sensors. A time interval and a plurality of wind speeds and corresponding wind directions are used to determine an adjusted location for each reference pressure sensor of the network. The adjusted location and the reference-level pressure for each reference pressure sensor are used to determine a pressure pattern, which is used to determine a reference-level pressure value for the estimated position of the mobile device. The reference-level pressure value is used for calibrating a pressure sensor of the mobile device, or for estimating an altitude of the mobile device for emergency response or navigation.