Apple Inc. (Cupertino, CA)

What is a Patent for Sensor-assisted location fix

Search Patent for Sensor-assisted location fix

Sensor-assisted location technology is described. The most important technology for location, like GPS can be used to determine current location (e.g. fixing the location) in a location enabled device. In some instances, the primary location technology may not be reliable and/or use more power than an alternative technology that is based on location. To increase the accuracy and/or add value to location information, sensors like compasses and accelerometers can be utilized. A device that is able to detect location, for example, can find an area using unreliable GPS information and then use sensors to calculate an accurate position. The areas identified could be crowdsourced. The location data from primary location technology can be altered using sensors. Sensors can also be used to spot errors. Sensors are also able to alter the sampling interval of primary location technology. Sensors can be utilized to smooth the motion of a user interface between sampling intervals for the primary location technology.

The present disclosure is generally related to the identification of a sensor-assisted place fix and, more specifically, to the identification of the location of a spot fix by using technology that is augmented by sensor information.

Mobile computing devices, such as tablets, smartphones media players, as well as other mobile devices are becoming commonplace. Mobile devices are increasingly crucial in our everyday lives. Mobile devices usually can determine the exact location of the device. This ability has allowed mobile phones to be utilized to navigate and other services that use location. Cars are also becoming increasingly equipped with navigation systems and other computer systems that may be connected with varioussensors and inputs. Both mobile devices and cars can communicate and exchange information via wired and wireless ways.

The technology could be more useful if it is capable of locating the location accurately. However, there are times when primary location technologies become inaccurate or inaccessible. It can be challenging to locate the exact location in “urban canyons” and “building shadows.” Certain location technology need a lot of energy which could reduce the battery’s lifespan.

Embodiments of the invention solve this and other issues individually and collectively.

Sensor-assisted technology for location is described. Primary location technologies, such as GPS are able to determine the current location (e.g. the location fix) of a device that is location-enabled. In some instances the primary location technology may not be reliable and/or consume more power than an alternative technology for location. To increase the accuracy or enhance location data, sensors such as gyrometers and compasses are utilized. For example, alocation-enabled device can detect an area that has insufficient GPS location data and use sensors to calculate a more accurate location. Crowd-sourced data can help to identify areas. The location information of the primarylocation technology could be manipulated with sensors. Sensors can be used to modify the sampling time of primary technology for location. Sensors can be utilized to smooth movement on an interface for users between sampling intervals for the main location technology.

Other embodiments relate to computers and mobile devices as well as other media that can be used in conjunction with the techniques described in this document. The following detailed description along with the accompanying drawings will assist you to understand the nature and advantages of the invention.

Click here to view the patent on USPTO website.

 

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