Printing Device Location Refinement via Mobile Inputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing devices lack accurate location information, especially indoors, due to the limitations of GPS signals and existing location detection technologies, making it difficult to precisely identify their physical position for mobile printing and location-aware applications.
Innovation Solution
A method where location-aware mobile devices interact with printing devices to estimate and refine their location by collecting and processing positional data from various devices using GPS, WiFi, and other technologies, weighting readings based on confidence measures and proximity, to improve the accuracy of the printing device's location over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS signals are used to determine printing device location, then location information can be obtained, but accuracy deteriorates especially within buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location determination technologies (GPS, WiFi, cell tower triangulation, land-based receivers) into a unified location estimation system. By merging these different technologies, the system overcomes the limitations of individual methods, particularly GPS signal weakness indoors, and achieves more reliable and accurate location determination through complementary approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously receiving location readings from multiple portable computing devices that interact with the printing device, processing these readings to refine the estimated location, and using the refined location information to improve future location estimates. This iterative refinement process progressively enhances location accuracy over time.
2Measurement precision
If a single GPS measurement is used to estimate printing device location, then location coordinates can be obtained quickly, but measurement precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary location estimation using available data (single GPS measurement or initial location coordinates) to establish a starting point quickly. This preliminary action allows the printing device to be located immediately, while continuous refinement in the background progressively improves accuracy without requiring users to wait for the refinement process to complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous location refinement by constantly receiving new location readings from portable computing devices that interact with the printing device. This continuous process runs in the background without interrupting printing operations, progressively improving location accuracy over time while the device remains fully operational.
3Measurement precision
If location information is collected from multiple portable computing devices, then location accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printing device autonomously performs location refinement by automatically receiving location readings from portable computing devices, processing these readings through statistical operations, and updating its own location information without requiring external intervention. The system serves itself by continuously improving its location data through interactions with any nearby portable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of location determination by transitioning from relying on a single location source to aggregating multiple location readings. By varying the number and types of input parameters (different portable devices, different location technologies), the system dynamically adjusts its location estimation approach to optimize accuracy based on available data.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and printing devices herein establish a current physical position of a printing device and then receive current physical position readings from different portable computing devices (when the portable computing devices or its users are physically interacting with the printing device). The portable computing devices each have a physical position locator. The method then processes the current physical position readings to refine the current physical position of the printing device.