Ultrasonic Sensor Navigation for Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation techniques in portable devices face limitations such as reliance on clear line of sight for satellite navigation, lack of precision in wireless signal trilateration, and rapid degradation of inertial navigation due to sensor errors, especially in varying orientations and environments with limited infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an ultrasonic sensor and ultrasonic navigation module in portable devices to process samples and determine navigational constraints, providing a navigation solution independently or supplementing existing techniques by estimating device angles, speeds, and misalignment angles using ultrasonic flow and Doppler analyses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite-based navigation is used, then absolute position determination is achieved, but clear line of sight is required which may not always be available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ultrasonic sensor as an intermediary measurement tool that operates independently of satellite signals. The ultrasonic sensor measures distance to surrounding objects by emitting and receiving sound waves, providing position information in environments where satellite-based navigation fails due to blocked line of sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic wave-based satellite navigation system with an acoustic wave-based ultrasonic measurement system. This substitution enables navigation in environments where electromagnetic signals are blocked, as ultrasonic waves can penetrate or reflect off objects in ways that provide alternative positioning data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless signal trilateration is used, then position can be determined without line of sight, but desired precision is not achieved and infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive ultrasonic sensors that can be integrated into portable devices, replacing complex wireless infrastructure requirements. The ultrasonic sensor provides self-contained positioning capability without needing external infrastructure, achieving both precision and independence from external systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inertial sensors are used for dead reckoning, then navigation can be performed without external references, but sensor errors cause solution to degrade rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ultrasonic measurements to provide feedback that corrects drift in inertial navigation systems. By periodically measuring distance to known objects or surfaces using ultrasonic waves, the system can detect and correct accumulated errors in position estimation, maintaining long-term accuracy without external references.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines inertial sensors with ultrasonic sensors to create a hybrid navigation system. The inertial sensors provide continuous motion tracking while the ultrasonic sensor provides periodic absolute position references, merging the advantages of both systems to achieve both independence from external references and long-term reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If inertial navigation is used in varying orientations, then navigation can be performed, but determination becomes complicated and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from purely inertial measurement (three-dimensional acceleration and rotation) to include ultrasonic range measurements that provide direct distance information. This additional dimensional data simplifies the navigation determination by providing direct position constraints that are independent of device orientation, reducing the complexity of calculating position from inertial data alone.
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
Enhances navigation accuracy and reliability by providing an independent navigation solution in challenging conditions and improving precision, especially in environments where traditional methods fail, with low power consumption and no requirement for supplemental illumination.
Implementation Method 1
estimating device angles, speeds, and misalignment angles using ultrasonic flow and Doppler analyses
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and methods are disclosed for determining a navigational constraint for a portable device using an ultrasonic sensor. The navigational constraint may be used to supplement other navigational solutions or may be used independently. The ultrasonic sensor may provide a plurality of samples to be processed to determine the constraint. Processing the ultrasonic samples may include performing a flow analysis regarding detected external objects. Determining the constraint may include any or all of determining a context for usage, distinguishing usage modes, estimating relative heading changes, and estimating misalignment angle between device and platform needed to determine direction of motion of the platform and determining a speed of the portable device from the samples.