5G Network Location Tracking for Real-Time Physical Distancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physical distancing solutions, particularly in indoor and small-cell environments, are labor-intensive, non-real-time, and intrusive, lacking scalability and privacy, and do not effectively detect and alert users of overcrowding or high COVID-19 risk.
Innovation Solution
A network-centric 5G solution using remote radio head scheduling, digital beam forming, and precise location determination to calculate physical distancing metrics, providing real-time alerts and contact tracing data without requiring user applications, while respecting privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing physical distancing solutions are implemented, then physical distancing tracking is achieved, but the solutions are labor-intensive and require human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual monitoring and mechanical tracking systems with wireless communication technology. Network nodes automatically track wireless devices using signal-based location determination, eliminating the need for human intervention and manual counting methods. The system uses digital beam forming and remote radio head scheduling to automate the entire physical distancing tracking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service tracking where wireless devices automatically report their locations and the network node autonomously calculates physical distancing metrics. The network node independently determines locations, calculates metrics, and generates alerts without requiring human operators, making the system self-sufficient and automated.
2Speed
If existing physical distancing solutions are implemented, then physical distancing tracking is achieved, but real-time notification capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The network node continuously monitors wireless device locations and calculates physical distancing metrics in real-time using ongoing wireless communications. The system maintains continuous tracking through persistent signal exchange, enabling immediate detection of distancing violations and instant notification to relevant parties, eliminating detection delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by immediately notifying wireless devices when physical distancing thresholds are violated. The network node continuously receives location data, calculates metrics, and provides instant feedback through notifications, creating a closed-loop system that enables rapid response to overcrowding conditions.
3Reliability
If existing physical distancing solutions are implemented, then physical distancing tracking is achieved, but privacy concerns arise due to intrusive monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The network node serves as an intermediary that processes location data without exposing personal information. The system uses the network infrastructure as a mediator to anonymously track device locations and calculate physical distancing metrics, protecting user privacy while maintaining tracking effectiveness. Personal identifiers are not exposed, only aggregate location data is used.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing physical distancing solutions are implemented, then physical distancing tracking is achieved, but scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the universal 5G network infrastructure to enable physical distancing tracking across diverse environments and scenarios. The same network nodes and communication protocols serve multiple functions including location tracking, metric calculation, and notification, making the system highly scalable and adaptable to different deployments without requiring separate specialized infrastructure.
5Extent of automation
If network-centric 5G solution with remote radio head scheduling and digital beam forming is implemented, then real-time physical distancing tracking is achieved, but device complexity and network infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges physical distancing tracking functionality with existing 5G network operations. The system combines remote radio head scheduling and digital beam forming—already used for communication—with location tracking functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tracking infrastructure. The network nodes perform both communication and tracking functions simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity despite advanced capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A network node and a method for the network node determine a physical distancing metric (PDM) associated with at least one wireless device (WD). The network node includes processing circuitry configured to determine a location of each wireless device (WD) of a plurality of WDs and determine the PDM based at least in part on the location of each WD of a subset of WDs of the plurality of WDs and a predetermined threshold, the location of each of WD of the subset of WDs being within a predefined area. Also, a WD and a method for the WD is provided. The WD includes at least a radio interface configured at least to receive a first message including physical distancing information based at least on the transmitted wireless signal.