User Terminal Initial Location Setting via Magnetic Field Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing location estimation methods for user terminals, such as mobile devices, face challenges in accurately determining the initial location, especially in environments with complex magnetic fields and varying signal strengths, leading to ambiguity and reduced accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a user terminal that measures the magnetic field at its current location, estimates candidate initial locations based on a pre-recorded magnetic field map, displays these candidates to the user, and allows selection to set the initial location, utilizing sensors like magnetometers and processors to refine the estimation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetic field-based location estimation is used, then location determination can be performed in environments without GPS signals, but accuracy is reduced in complex magnetic field environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation determination capabilityVSAvoidlocation estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary location estimation using magnetic field data before presenting candidate locations to the user. This preliminary action narrows down the possible locations from a large search area to a few specific candidates, improving both reliability and accuracy by pre-processing the location determination task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The user acts as an intermediary in the location determination process. Instead of directly estimating location from magnetic field data, the system presents candidate locations to the user and receives feedback through user selection. This intermediary step resolves ambiguity in complex magnetic field environments by incorporating human judgment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If automated location estimation algorithms are used, then initial location can be determined without user input, but accuracy is reduced due to magnetic field variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic location settingVSAvoidinitial location accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary automated estimation to generate candidate locations, but stops before final determination. This preliminary automated action provides a head start without committing to an potentially inaccurate result, allowing subsequent user input to correct any estimation errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by presenting estimated candidate locations to the user and receiving selection input. This feedback loop allows the system to correct automated estimation errors by incorporating actual user observation of the current location, thereby improving accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If candidate locations are presented to user for selection, then location accuracy is improved through user confirmation, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial location accuracyVSAvoiduser interaction requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The location determination process is segmented into distinct stages: automated candidate generation, user selection, and final confirmation. This segmentation allows the system to perform complex automated processing without overwhelming the user, as each stage presents only simple, manageable tasks rather than requiring comprehensive user analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of candidate location quantity to optimize usability. By limiting the number of candidate locations presented to the user (rather than presenting all possible locations), the system maintains high accuracy through user confirmation while preventing operation complexity from becoming excessive. This parameter optimization ensures the user interface remains manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the accuracy of initial location setting by allowing user input to select the most appropriate location from candidate options, improving location determination in complex environments and reducing ambiguity.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a magnetic field at a current location of a user terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field measurement: Magnetometer

Data Source

PatentUS9137632B2Method of setting initial location of user terminal via interaction with user and user terminal

Publication Date: 2015.09.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method of setting an initial location of a user terminal via an interaction with a user and a user terminal is provided. The method includes measuring a magnetic field at a current location of the user terminal, and estimating a candidate initial location of the user terminal based on the magnetic field. The method further includes displaying the candidate initial location, and selecting the candidate initial location. The method further includes setting the initial location based on the selection.