3D Target Geolocation Using Serverless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Trilateration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wardriving techniques require a large footprint, rely on outdated crowdsourced data, and lack tools for precise, serverless geolocation and cyber operations against targets, especially in three-dimensional space.

Innovation Solution

Implementing small-form-factor devices with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, using trilateration in three dimensions, and employing a serverless network of sensors for accurate geolocation and cyber operations, including intrusion detection and data management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional wardriving techniques are used for geolocation, then device coverage area is sufficient, but device footprint is large and visibility is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice footprintVSAvoidgeolocation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional geolocation (latitude and longitude only) to three-dimensional geolocation by incorporating altitude information. This dimensional enhancement allows for more precise target localization in vertical space, enabling accurate geolocation even with smaller, less conspicuous devices that cannot rely on large antenna arrays or multiple distributed sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If crowdsourced data is used for wardriving, then data coverage is extensive, but data is outdated and lacks precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeolocation precisionVSAvoiddata freshness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing three-dimensional location data (including altitude) for numerous reference points and infrastructure elements in the area of operation. This pre-established spatial database enables real-time, precise geolocation calculations without requiring continuous data collection or processing, thus maintaining both high precision and data freshness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If server-based wardriving systems are used, then processing power is sufficient, but system complexity and operational vulnerability increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem architecture complexityVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wardriving device is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating all necessary processing capabilities directly into the portable unit. The device independently performs signal detection, three-dimensional geolocation calculations, target identification, and cyber operations without requiring external server infrastructure. This self-service architecture eliminates single points of failure, reduces operational vulnerability, and maintains reliability while minimizing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If three-dimensional geolocation is implemented, then target localization accuracy is improved, but computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget localization accuracyVSAvoidcomputational energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculations by pre-establishing a three-dimensional spatial database of reference points, infrastructure locations, and environmental features before deployment. During actual operation, the portable device only needs to perform relatively simple matching calculations between detected signals and the pre-computed spatial database, significantly reducing real-time computational energy requirements while maintaining high localization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables precise, serverless geolocation and cyber operations against targets in three-dimensional space, reducing the device's visibility and enhancing operational accuracy and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

calculating a three-dimensional location of the device based on a signal strength of the detected one or more signals and a plurality of three-dimensional locations where the one or more signals were detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTrilateration:

Data Source

PatentUS20260043888A1Method for detection and geolocation of target device in 3D space
Publication Date: 2026.02.12 BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC
  • US20260043888A1 patent drawing
  • US20260043888A1 patent drawing
  • US20260043888A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, devices, and systems and geolocation of a target device in three-dimensional space are provided. A method according to one example involves identifying device signals within an area of operation including one or more signal source signals and one or more target device signals. The method involves calculating an estimated position of the target device within the area of operation based on a three-dimensional distance analysis of the target device relative to a signal source using the one or more signal source signals and the one or more target device signals. The method involves generating a mapping of the area of operation including a three-dimensional representation of the estimated position of the target device.