Vehicle Positioning via Motion Sensor Rotation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In vehicles, it is challenging to accurately determine the position of electronic devices among multiple users due to low accuracy in indoor positioning systems, making it difficult to provide context-specific services, especially when users need to specify positions while driving.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device within a vehicle equipped with a motion sensor, communication circuit, and processor that monitors movement to estimate movement parameters and compare them with reference values to determine the position of external electronic devices, using inertial sensors and wireless communication to differentiate between driver and passenger devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If indoor positioning based on signal transmission/reception is used to determine user position, then the system can identify device positions, but the positioning accuracy is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpractical usability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces signal transmission/reception-based positioning with motion sensor-based detection. The motion sensor detects vehicle rotation (angular velocity) and combines it with centrifugal acceleration measurements from the electronic device to calculate position, substituting the unreliable signal-based mechanical positioning system with a physics-based motion detection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameters from signal strength-based positioning to motion-based parameters (angular velocity, centrifugal acceleration). By detecting the vehicle's rotation parameters and combining them with the device's acceleration sensor data, the system calculates position based on physical motion parameters rather than signal transmission characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If users manually specify device positions to identify drivers and passengers, then accurate position identification is achieved, but driving safety is compromised due to distraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition identification accuracyVSAvoiddriving safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service positioning where the electronic device automatically determines its own position relative to the vehicle without user intervention. The motion sensor in the device detects vehicle rotation and combines it with acceleration data to autonomously calculate position, eliminating the need for users to manually specify positions while driving.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of vehicle rotation and device motion before position determination is needed. By continuously monitoring motion sensor data and pre-calculating position based on vehicle dynamics, the system has position information ready when needed, eliminating the need for last-minute manual input that would distract the driver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electronic devices are connected to the vehicle, then more users can be served, but it becomes difficult to distinguish which device belongs to which user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-user service capabilityVSAvoiddevice-user association information

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by determining the position of each electronic device independently based on its own motion sensor data and vehicle rotation characteristics. Each device's position (driver side, passenger side, front, rear) is calculated separately using its local motion measurements, creating a unique position signature for each device that identifies its user without confusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 user experience by accurately identifying device positions, enabling context-specific services without requiring users to manually specify positions, thereby improving safety and service relevance.

Implementation Method 1

monitor movement of the electronic device, using the motion sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial sensing: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

when a specified rotation of the vehicle is detected using the inertial sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial rotation detection: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentUS11218837B2Method for determining position in vehicle using vehicle movement and apparatus therefor

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device including a motion sensor, a communication circuit, a processor, and a memory. The processor may monitor movement of the electronic device using the motion sensor when being connected to an in-vehicle electronic device of the vehicle, and may obtain first movement information of a first external electronic device from the first external electronic device within the vehicle using the communication circuit. The processor may estimate a first movement parameter of the first external electronic device generated by the specified rotation, from the first movement information when a specified rotation of the electronic device is detected using the motion sensor, and may compare the first movement parameter with a reference value to estimate a position of the first external electronic device within the vehicle.