Pressure Sensor 3D Localization Through Elevation Disambiguation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices, such as smartphones and smartwatches, face challenges in accurately determining their three-dimensional position within a room or building using existing methods like trilateration and triangulation, leading to ambiguity in localization.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pressure sensor and a processor in a mobile device to measure elevation relative to static devices, such as routers or Wi-Fi extenders, and using RF communication to determine precise three-dimensional positions by disambiguating potential solutions through elevation and distance data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If trilateration or triangulation algorithms are used to determine device position, then two-dimensional position can be found, but three-dimensional localization remains ambiguous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from two-dimensional position determination (trilateration/triangulation) to three-dimensional localization by incorporating elevation data from a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor measures atmospheric pressure to calculate elevation above a reference level, adding the vertical dimension (Z-axis) to the existing horizontal coordinates (X-Y plane), thereby resolving the ambiguity in 3D positioning.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensor is added to measure elevation, then three-dimensional position can be determined, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the pressure sensor to serve multiple purposes: it not only measures elevation for 3D localization but also provides atmospheric pressure data for weather monitoring, altitude awareness, and other environmental sensing applications. This justifies the addition of the sensor by demonstrating its broader utility beyond单一的3D positioning function.
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
Enables accurate three-dimensional localization by resolving ambiguities in position determination, allowing for the creation of detailed 3D models of environments.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer (e.g., a pressure sensor) for measuring elevation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus of the subject technology includes a first device in radio frequency communication with a plurality of second devices. The first device includes a transducer and a processor. The transducer measures an elevation of the first device with respect to a device of the second devices. The processor determines possible values of a three-dimensional (3D) position of the first device and selects one of the possible values as the 3D position of the first device based at least on the measured elevation.