Spatial Division Determination Using Movement Footprint Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for determining Wi-Fi signal coverage in residential environments require on-site measurements, which are costly and may be rejected due to privacy concerns, and existing remote solutions lack accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that determine spatial division of an environment by analyzing a user's movement footprint using communication between a carried device and a stationary device, adjusting the representation based on reference object sizes for improved accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If door-to-door service with on-site measurements is provided, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase due to engineer deployment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial division determination accuracyVSAvoidtime for on-site measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy (movement footprint) of the user's physical movement through the environment using communication signals. Instead of requiring an engineer to physically measure spaces, the system captures wireless communication data (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) that automatically records the user's trajectory,停留时间, and spatial patterns, generating an accurate digital representation of the environment without on-site measurement personnel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of on-site physical measurement with an electronic field-based system. Wireless communication signals (electromagnetic fields) are used to detect and track the user's movement, substituting the need for physical measuring instruments and human engineers with automated electronic detection and processing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If door-to-door service is provided, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to engineer and instrument deployment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial division determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing communication devices (smartphones, Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices) perform the additional function of spatial measurement and mapping. These devices already exist in the environment for communication purposes, and the system leverages their existing capabilities to capture movement data, eliminating the need for specialized measurement instruments and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy of the physical measurement process through communication signal analysis. Instead of using physical measuring tapes and instruments, the patent captures electromagnetic signal interactions that naturally occur during user movement, converting these signals into spatial information through algorithmic processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Loss of time

If remote third-party service is used, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of on-site verification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice response timeVSAvoidspatial division determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a faithful digital copy of the user's physical movement patterns through wireless communication data. The movement footprint captures trajectory, speed,停留时间, and spatial relationships with sufficient fidelity to enable accurate remote spatial division determination, eliminating the need for on-site verification while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the generated spatial division representation is validated against additional communication data points and reference information. This iterative refinement process ensures that remote measurements achieve the same precision as on-site measurements by continuously adjusting and verifying the spatial model based on accumulated communication signal data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 allows for accurate and cost-effective determination of spatial division, reducing human and material costs while enhancing user experience and service efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

determining a movement footprint of a user walking along a wall in the environment at least in part based on a communication between a first communication device and a second communication device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless communication signal transmission and reception: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentEP3712561B1Method and device for determining space partitioning of environment
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3712561B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3712561B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3712561B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for determining spatial division of an environment. For example, a movement footprint of a user walking along a wall in the environment is determined at least in part based on a communication between a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device is carried by the user, and the second communication device is placed in the environment. A representation of the spatial division of the environment is generated based on the determined movement footprint. An estimated size associated with at least one reference object in the environment is determined according to the representation of the spatial division, and a reference size associated with the at least one reference object is obtained. Further, the representation of the spatial division is adjusted based on a comparison between the estimated size and the reference size. The present disclosure further provides an electronic device capable of implementing the method.