Reference Pressure Network Spatial Coverage Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reference pressure networks have limited spatial coverage, making it challenging to accurately calibrate pressure sensors and estimate altitudes of mobile devices outside the network's coverage area, particularly in urban environments or within buildings.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the estimated position of a mobile device and identifying the nearest reference pressure sensor within the network. If the device is outside the network's coverage, the method uses a combination of reference pressures from the network and other sources, or adjusts reference-level pressures using wind data, to extend the spatial coverage and ensure accurate calibration and altitude estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the reference pressure network uses only network-based reference pressure sensors, then measurement precision is improved, but spatial coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines network-based reference pressure sensors with non-network-based pressure sensors to extend spatial coverage. The system integrates multiple pressure sensor types and sources, merging their data through a unified processing framework that maintains measurement precision while expanding the operational area beyond what a single network could provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary atmospheric model that bridges the gap between network-based and non-network-based pressure sensors. This model acts as a mediator, using data from network sensors to calibrate and validate readings from non-network sensors, thereby extending coverage while maintaining precision through the intermediary validation layer.
2Area of stationary object
If non-network-based pressure sensors are used to extend coverage, then spatial coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where readings from non-network-based pressure sensors are continuously validated and calibrated against the atmospheric model, which itself is updated using data from network-based reference pressure sensors. This feedback loop ensures that while coverage is extended, measurement precision is maintained through continuous validation and correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration of non-network-based pressure sensors using the atmospheric model before they are used for measurements. This preliminary action ensures that sensors outside the network coverage area are pre-calibrated with expected atmospheric conditions, thereby maintaining measurement precision even in extended coverage zones.
3Measurement precision
If reference pressure sensors are densely distributed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure sensing system into network-based reference pressure sensors for high-precision calibration and non-network-based sensors for extended coverage. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high measurement precision in network areas while using simpler, more distributed non-network sensors in extended areas, thereby reducing overall infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of pressure sensors based on their location and role. Network-based sensors operate as stable reference points with strict calibration requirements, while non-network-based sensors in extended coverage areas use atmospheric model-based calibration with different accuracy thresholds. This parameter differentiation reduces the complexity burden of dense sensor distribution.
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 and reliability of altitude estimation and pressure sensor calibration for mobile devices, even when they are outside the traditional coverage area of the reference pressure network, thereby improving emergency response times and navigation accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
altitude can be computed using a measurement of pressure from a pressure sensor of a mobile device
Implementation Method 2
An estimate of an altitude of a mobile device (hmobile) can be computed by the mobile device 120 or another device that receives needed information as follows: hmobile = (−Pmobile + Pref) × R × Tremote / (M × g) + href
Data Source
AI summary
A method involves determining an estimated position of a mobile device and determining that the estimated position of the mobile device is outside a coverage area of a first network of reference pressure sensors. For each reference pressure sensor of the first network, a distance between a respective reference pressure sensor and the estimated position of the mobile device is determined. A first reference pressure sensor that is nearest to the estimated position of the mobile device as compared to other reference pressure sensors of the first network is then identified. An assigned reference-level pressure value is determined using a first reference pressure measured at the first reference pressure sensor, and an estimated altitude of the mobile device is determined, or a pressure sensor of the mobile device is calibrated, using the assigned reference-level pressure value.