Proximity Sensor Dead Reckoning for Indoor Location Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determining techniques, such as GPS and cellular signal triangulation, are unreliable within structures due to signal interference, leading to inaccurate or impossible position determination, and dead reckoning accuracy varies based on the mobile device's position relative to the user.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a plurality of capacitive proximity sensors to determine the mobile device's position relative to the user, adjusting the use and duration of dead reckoning based on this position to enhance accuracy and conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or cellular signal triangulation is used to determine location, then location accuracy is improved when signals are available, but location determination becomes impossible or unreliable when signals are blocked by structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dead reckoning as an intermediary method that bridges the gap between GPS/cellular signal availability and continuous location tracking. When primary signal-based methods fail due to structural blockage, the system transitions to using accelerometer data and proximity sensor information to maintain location determination capability, thus resolving the reliability issue while preserving accuracy where possible
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between signal-based location methods and dead reckoning based on signal availability and proximity sensor readings. When the mobile device is detected to be close to the user (via proximity sensors), the system activates dead reckoning with higher confidence, adjusting the parameter of location determination method selection to maintain reliability across different environmental conditions
2Reliability
If dead reckoning is continuously used to track location within structures, then location tracking is maintained without signals, but battery power is consumed unnecessarily when the device is not close to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic activation of dead reckoning based on real-time proximity sensor feedback. The system continuously monitors whether the mobile device is close to the user's body and only activates the computationally intensive dead reckoning algorithm when proximity thresholds are met, making the location tracking system adaptive to actual usage conditions rather than operating in a static continuous mode
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensors on the mobile device itself provide the information needed to control the dead reckoning functionality. The device uses its own built-in sensors to determine when it should activate location tracking, eliminating the need for external control systems and enabling the device to self-regulate its power consumption based on actual proximity to the user
3Measurement precision
If dead reckoning accuracy is improved by continuously monitoring device position relative to user, then location precision is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to additional proximity sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the multi-functionality of proximity sensors that are already present in modern mobile devices for their primary purpose of detecting user interaction (such as for display dimming or call functions). By repurposing these existing sensors for dead reckoning activation decisions, the system enhances location precision without adding dedicated proximity monitoring hardware, thus avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functionality of proximity detection and dead reckoning control into a unified decision-making process. The same proximity sensor data that controls basic device behavior (display, audio) is also used to gate the activation of location tracking, combining multiple functions into a single sensor system and reducing overall system complexity rather than adding separate monitoring mechanisms
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
Accurately tracks user location within structures by optimizing dead reckoning based on sensor proximity, maintaining precision while conserving battery life.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of capacitive proximity sensors to determine the mobile device's position relative to the user
Data Source
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Figure 2A~2C
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AI summary
Various arrangements for limiting inaccuracy of dead reckoning are presented. Proximity data may be collected using a plurality of proximity sensors of a mobile device. A position of the mobile device may be determined in relation to a user using the proximity data. Whether to determine a location of the mobile device using a dead reckoning technique may be determined at least partially based on the position of the mobile device in relation to the user.