Relative Position Determination for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the relative positions of mobile devices do not provide simultaneous and accurate direction and distance information to both requesting and requested users, leading to difficulties in meeting in unfamiliar or outdoor locations.
Innovation Solution
A method where users send a position request, and if accepted, the current geographical positions are determined, allowing for the computation of relative positions, which are then displayed as distance and direction on both devices, using existing mobile radio networks and GPS systems, with updates at regular intervals or upon request.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only the requesting device displays location information, then the system complexity is reduced, but the usefulness and coordination efficiency deteriorate because both users need direction information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of displaying relative position information into both the requesting device and the requested device. This allows both users to see direction and distance information simultaneously, improving coordination efficiency without significantly increasing overall system complexity since both devices perform similar functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Both the requesting device and requested device are equipped with the capability to display relative position information. This universal approach ensures that regardless of which device initiates the request, both parties receive directional guidance, making the system more versatile and useful for mutual navigation.
2Measurement precision
If relative position calculations are performed continuously, then the position information accuracy is improved, but the energy consumption and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs relative position calculations at regular intervals rather than continuously. This periodic update approach maintains sufficiently accurate position information for navigation purposes while significantly reducing energy consumption and processing load compared to continuous real-time calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The update frequency of position information is made dynamic, adjusting based on user needs and movement conditions. When users are in motion or require updated navigation, refresh rates increase; when stationary or coordination is complete, updates decrease, optimizing the balance between accuracy and energy usage.
3Productivity
If position requests are sent to multiple devices simultaneously, then the coordination efficiency is improved, but the network traffic and message management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments message handling by creating separate communication channels: position requests are sent individually to each target device, and each device independently processes and responds to its own requests. This segmentation simplifies message management complexity while maintaining the ability to coordinate multiple devices efficiently through parallel independent interactions.
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
Enables users to easily and accurately navigate towards each other by providing continuous and precise relative position information, enhancing meeting coordination in various scenarios, including outdoor events.
Implementation Method 1
The satellite transmits a signal to the GPS receiver in the mobile device, and the current geographic position is determined on the basis of the received signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the relative positions of at least two mobile devices, such as mobile phones, tablet computers, PDAs, notebooks, subnotebooks, or similar mobile devices, to each other, in which a position request from one mobile device (10) is transmitted to the other mobile device (12), after confirmation of the position request by the requested mobile device (12), the relative positions of the two mobile devices (10, 12) to each other are determined on the basis of the current geographic positions of the two mobile devices (10, 12), and on the basis of the relative positions, at least for the requesting mobile device (10), a relative distance (24) and a geographic direction (26) to the requested mobile device (12) are specified as a position indication.