Smart Device Position and Orientation Using Reference Transceivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing positioning systems, such as those using satellites and cell towers, face limitations in accurately determining a direction of interest within structures due to variations in communication signal strength and lack of accurate functionality for orientation.

Innovation Solution

The method combines registration and storage of environmental aspects with wireless communications to enhance the determination of a smart device's position and orientation, using transceivers and sensors like magnetic field sensors, LIDAR, and accelerometers to calculate pitch, yaw, and bank angles, and generate a direction of interest.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If triangulation techniques based on satellites and cell towers are used for position determination, then position can be ascertained, but measurement precision deteriorates within structures due to variations in communication signal strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidsignal strength consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediate reference transceivers deployed within the structure itself as mediators between the satellite/cell tower signals and the user device. These reference transceivers receive signals from external sources and create local reference points, allowing triangulation to be performed using multiple local references rather than relying solely on distant satellite signals that vary in strength within the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the positioning system into multiple distributed reference transceivers placed throughout the structure. Instead of relying on a single external positioning source, the system divides the space into multiple triangulation zones, each with its own reference points, thereby improving local measurement precision while compensating for signal variations in different areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If existing positioning systems are used within structures, then position can be determined, but orientation functionality deteriorates due to lack of accurate direction determination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation accuracyVSAvoiddirection of interest determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the reference transceiver system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both position determination and orientation determination. The same network of reference transceivers that provides location data also provides directional data by measuring angles of arrival from multiple references, eliminating the need for separate orientation systems and improving overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reference transceivers serve as intermediaries that provide both positional and orientational reference data. By measuring the angles of signal arrival from multiple reference points, the system can calculate not only position but also the direction of interest, thereby improving orientation accuracy through the same intermediary infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides accurate and enhanced location and orientation determination by comparing registered environmental aspects over time, allowing for precise positioning and directional guidance within structures.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field sensor to quantify an ambient magnetic field and generate an orientation of the smart device along three axis of the ambient magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a LIDAR transmitter and receiver to determine a position of the smart device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

one or more accelerometers to detect changes in pitch, yaw, and bank angles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer sensing: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS11475177B2Method and apparatus for improved position and orientation based information display

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 MIDDLE CHART LLC

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for enhanced wireless determination of a position and direction of a smart device are describe which support the display of a virtual tag upon a user interface of the smart device. Wireless transceivers controlled by the smart device communicate with reference point transceivers to generate data sufficient to determine relative positions of the wireless transceivers and a direction of interest. Operation of LIDAR may be operative to verify the position and direction of the Smart Device as well as a topography of the environment.