Mobile Pressure Sensor Calibration Using Estimated Altitude Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices face challenges in accurately estimating altitude due to pressure sensor drift, leading to imprecise altitude estimates that can delay emergency responses and mislead users in urban environments.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine when an estimated altitude can be used for calibration or location determination by defining an area where the mobile device is likely to reside, assessing altitude values within this area for a threshold condition, and calibrating the pressure sensor when the estimated altitude matches known altitudes, even if the exact altitude is unknown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensor calibration is performed only when exact altitude is known, then calibration accuracy is improved, but calibration opportunities are reduced and response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration using estimated altitude values before exact altitude confirmation is available. By evaluating whether estimated altitude meets calibration criteria (threshold conditions on altitude values and their standard deviations), the system prepares calibration data in advance, reducing response time when exact altitude becomes available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own estimated altitude measurements and statistical analysis capabilities to self-evaluate calibration suitability. By monitoring the consistency of altitude estimates over time and determining when they meet predefined thresholds, the system autonomously identifies calibration opportunities without external intervention.
2Reliability
If pressure sensor calibration is performed more frequently, then calibration accuracy is improved, but system complexity and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter being monitored from exact altitude to statistical properties of estimated altitude (mean, standard deviation, threshold compliance). By evaluating whether altitude estimates remain within acceptable ranges and show consistent behavior over time, the system identifies calibration opportunities using simpler statistical parameters rather than complex spatial reasoning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial calibration evaluation by checking only essential threshold conditions on altitude estimates rather than complete environmental analysis. This partial approach identifies sufficient calibration conditions without requiring full system complexity, allowing more frequent calibration checks with reduced computational burden.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensor calibration is delayed until exact altitude is confirmed, then calibration reliability is improved, but altitude estimation accuracy during the delay period deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors estimated altitude values and their statistical properties, providing feedback on calibration suitability. By evaluating whether altitude estimates meet threshold conditions and showing consistent behavior, the system identifies moments when calibration can reliably proceed, creating a feedback loop that balances estimation accuracy with calibration reliability.
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 enhances the accuracy of altitude estimation and pressure sensor calibration, ensuring reliable location determination and reducing response times by providing more opportunities for calibration, especially in environments where exact altitudes are unclear.
Implementation Method 1
altitude can be computed using a measurement of pressure from a calibrated pressure sensor of a mobile device along with ambient pressure measurement(s) from a network of calibrated reference pressure sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Determining when an estimated altitude of a mobile device can be used for calibration or location determination. Particular systems and methods determine an area in which the mobile device is expected to reside, determine an altitude value of each section of a plurality of sections in the area, determine if the altitude values meet a threshold condition, and determine that the estimated altitude of the mobile device can be used for determining the position of the mobile device or for calibrating a pressure sensor of the mobile device when the altitude values meet the threshold condition.