Terminal Location Estimation Using Motion Sensor Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current location estimation methods, such as GPS, are ineffective in indoor environments where satellite signals are unavailable, leading to challenges in accurately determining the location and direction of objects in IoT settings.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing a terminal's direction measurement function, motion sensors, and beacon signals to calculate direction angles and correct location estimates based on terminal movement, enabling accurate location and direction estimation of objects in real-time with minimal installation costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If GPS is used for location estimation, then wide area coverage is achieved, but indoor location estimation fails due to satellite signal unavailability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidindoor location estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the location estimation system into two distinct modes: outdoor GPS-based estimation and indoor terminal-based estimation. The system automatically switches between these segments depending on the environment, using GPS when satellite signals are available and switching to terminal direction measurement and motion sensor data when indoors, thereby maintaining reliability across different areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system that bridges GPS and indoor location estimation. This intermediary uses terminal direction measurement functions, beacon signals from tags, and motion sensor data to calculate and correct location estimates in indoor environments where GPS cannot operate, effectively mediating between satellite-based and facility-based positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If terminal-based direction measurement and motion sensor correction are used, then indoor location estimation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindoor location estimation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by utilizing the terminal's existing built-in direction measurement function and motion sensors for location correction. Instead of adding external complex positioning equipment, the system leverages the terminal's own resources to perform self-correction of location estimates, thereby improving accuracy without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the terminal multi-functional by using its direction measurement capability not only for communication purposes but also for location estimation and correction. The motion sensors serve dual purposes for both motion detection and location accuracy correction, reducing the need for dedicated components and simplifying the overall system

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

3Measurement precision

If real-time location correction based on terminal movement is implemented, then location accuracy is improved, but processing requirements and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by correcting the location estimate at specific intervals based on terminal movement events rather than continuously. The system calculates location corrections when movement is detected using motion sensors, and performs beacon signal measurements periodically, reducing energy consumption compared to continuous real-time processing while maintaining acceptable location accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10028089B2Method and apparatus for estimating location in a terminal
Publication Date: 2018.07.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US10028089B2 patent drawing
  • US10028089B2 patent drawing
  • US10028089B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services.A method and apparatus for estimating a location in a terminal are provided. The method includes calculating locations of the terminal and a tag, calculating information about movement of the terminal using a motion sensor, and correcting the calculated location of the tag based on information about the movement of the terminal.