Bilateration Navigation Using Signal Quality Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GPS systems face challenges in accurately determining location in urban canyon environments due to signal blockages and multipath interference, leading to inconsistent and inaccurate location data, especially in densely populated cities where tall buildings and landscaping obstruct satellite signals.
Innovation Solution
A method using bilateration that involves receiving signals from multiple transmitting devices, determining signal quality based on received signal strength and propagation characteristics, and using the two highest quality signals to calculate distances for precise location determination, even with only two signals available, allowing for continuous and accurate location updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS systems are used to determine location, then location information can be obtained, but the location data becomes inaccurate or unavailable in urban canyon environments due to signal blockages and multipath interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary transmitting devices (such as cellular towers, Wi-Fi access points, or other infrastructure devices) that relay location information. These intermediaries transmit signals through the urban canyon environment where GPS signals are blocked, enabling location determination without direct line-of-sight to satellites. The intermediary devices act as mediators between the electronic device and the location determination system, overcoming the harmful effect of signal blockage.
2Measurement precision
If triangulation from cellular telephone towers or Wi-Fi hotspots is used, then location can be determined in urban environments, but the location data becomes inconsistent and inaccurate when multiple signals are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for signal evaluation from simple signal strength to a composite metric that incorporates signal quality indicators and propagation characteristics. By transforming the evaluation parameter to include multiple factors (signal strength, quality indicators, propagation model), the system can reliably distinguish between useful signals and false signals, achieving both accuracy and consistency in location determination even when multiple transmitting devices are present.
3Productivity
If traditional location determination methods are used, then location data can be obtained, but the update rate becomes slow and insufficient for real-time navigation applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous location determination by continuously monitoring signals from multiple transmitting devices and continuously updating the location estimate. Rather than performing location calculations only when necessary, the system maintains continuous action by constantly evaluating signal quality and updating positions in real-time. This continuous approach eliminates time delays and provides uninterrupted location data streams suitable for dynamic navigation applications.
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 provides consistently accurate and precise location determinations up to 100 times per second, accurate within a few feet, and functions effectively in urban canyons, overcoming limitations of traditional GPS and Wi-Fi assisted location determination methods.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, with the electronic device, a plurality of signals emitted from a plurality of transmitting devices within a vicinity of the electronic device. A signal quality is determined for the plurality of signals that are received based on 1) a received signal strength indicator or 2) a received signal power and a received signal gain
Data Source
AI summary
A method of navigating a vehicle with an electronic device using bilateration to a desired location is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving, with an electronic device, a plurality of signals emitted from a plurality of transmitting devices within a vicinity of the electronic device and determining a signal quality for the signals that are received based on 1) a RSSI or 2) a received signal power and a received signal gain, and signal propagation characteristics based on transmitting device information. The signal propagation characteristics is compared with either 1) the RSSI or 2) the received signal power and the received signal gain and at least two of the signals are designated having a highest signal quality, and are used to determine a distance that the electronic device is from the transmitting devices for locating the electronic device. New coordinates are generated for the electronic device based upon the distances from the plurality of transmitting devices and the new coordinates are recorded as a current location of the electronic device to thereby navigate the vehicle. The current location of the vehicle is compared to the desired location and new coordinates continue generating as the vehicle moves.