Proximate Fingerprints for Indoor Position Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing position estimation techniques for mobile communication devices are ineffective in indoor environments due to signal attenuation and dynamic changes in wireless signal characteristics, making it difficult to rely on static heat maps for accurate location tracking.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using proximate fingerprints generated contemporaneously by reference devices at known locations to compare with signal characteristics from mobile devices, allowing for real-time position estimation without the need for extensive site surveys or frequent updates of heat maps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If static heat maps are used for position estimation, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates in dynamic indoor environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidposition estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static heat maps to dynamic proximate fingerprints that are generated and updated in real-time. Reference devices continuously create fingerprints based on current wireless signal characteristics, allowing the position estimation system to adapt to changing indoor environments without requiring complex frequent re-surveying infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Reference devices automatically generate and update their own proximate fingerprints without requiring manual site surveys. The system self-updates by having reference devices periodically create new fingerprints based on current environmental conditions, eliminating the need for external intervention while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If frequent heat map updates are performed to maintain accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time and productivity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition estimation accuracyVSAvoidtime for site surveys and updates

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Reference devices autonomously generate and update proximate fingerprints without requiring manual site survey teams. The automatic update mechanism eliminates time-consuming human intervention while maintaining current accuracy through real-time fingerprint generation based on present wireless conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous position estimation accuracy through ongoing automatic fingerprint generation at reference devices. Rather than periodic interruptions for re-surveying, the system continuously updates proximate fingerprints in the background, ensuring always-current data without disrupting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If extensive site surveys are conducted to create accurate heat maps, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition estimation accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of site survey infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Reference devices automatically generate proximate fingerprints without requiring external site survey teams or specialized equipment. Each reference device independently creates and maintains its own fingerprint data based on local wireless conditions, eliminating the need for complex centralized survey infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating one comprehensive static heat map through extensive surveys, the system creates multiple simplified proximate fingerprints at distributed reference devices. Each fingerprint is a localized copy of signal characteristics that can be independently generated and updated without requiring full-system re-surveying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Ease of operation

If static heat maps are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to dynamic environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of position estimation systemVSAvoidadaptability to changing indoor environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains operational simplicity while achieving environmental adaptability through dynamic proximate fingerprints. Reference devices automatically adjust their fingerprints to reflect current conditions, allowing the system to adapt to changing indoor environments without requiring complex manual reconfiguration or re-surveying procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2759177B1Position estimation via proximate fingerprints

Publication Date: 2018.04.25 QUALCOMM INC

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AI summary

Example methods, apparatuses, or articles of manufacture are disclosed herein that may be utilized, in whole or in part, to facilitate or support one or more operations or techniques for position estimation via one or more proximate fingerprints for use in or with a mobile communication device.