Terminal Location Estimation Using Multiple Schemes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing location estimation methods using magnetic fields in indoor environments often incorrectly estimate a terminal's location due to similar magnetic field patterns in multiple locations, leading to inaccurate positioning.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method utilizing multiple location estimating schemes, including Kalman and particle filters, with an initial condition controlling unit to manage start times and parameters for location estimating units, and a location determining unit that calculates a second location based on average values or clusters of estimated first locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If location estimation is performed using magnetic field measurement, then location estimation can be achieved in indoor environments, but location accuracy deteriorates due to similar magnetic field patterns in multiple locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindoor location estimation capabilityVSAvoidlocation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the location estimation process into multiple independent estimation units, each using different estimation schemes (e.g., magnetic field-based, WiFi-based, sensor-based). Each unit processes location estimation separately, and the results are later fused. This segmentation allows each unit to specialize in specific conditions, improving overall accuracy while maintaining indoor versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple location estimation results from different estimation units into a final location determination. The location determination unit aggregates estimates from magnetic field-based units, WiFi-based units, and sensor-based units, using fusion algorithms to produce a more accurate final location that overcomes the limitations of any single estimation method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If multiple location estimating schemes are used simultaneously, then location accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the location estimation system into multiple independent estimation units, each handling specific estimation tasks. This modular architecture allows complex multi-scheme functionality to be broken down into manageable components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high accuracy through the coordinated operation of these segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a location determination unit as an intermediary that receives estimates from multiple estimation units and produces the final location. This intermediary layer simplifies the system architecture by centralizing the fusion logic, allowing the estimation units to operate independently while still achieving coordinated accuracy improvement.

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 enhances location estimation accuracy by reducing errors and preventing incorrect estimations, providing a robust method for determining a terminal's location in indoor environments with similar magnetic field patterns.

Implementation Method 1

At least one location estimating unit may be configured to estimate a first location of the terminal using a Kalman filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKalman filter:

Implementation Method 2

At least one location estimating unit may be configured to estimate a first location of the terminal using a particle filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParticle filter:

Implementation Method 3

Some methods use magnetic field to calculate a location of a terminal. In methods of calculating a location of a terminal by measuring a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS8942723B2Apparatus and method for estimating the location of a terminal using multiple location estimating schemes

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Provided are an apparatus and method for estimating a location of the terminal using multiple location estimating schemes. The apparatus and method may estimate the location of the terminal more accurately by controlling initial conditions for a plurality of location estimating units, for example, a start time for estimating locations, initial parameters for location estimating schemes, and the like.