Collaborative Location Sharing via Multi-Protocol Device Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional location-based services face limitations in accurately sharing and refining location information among devices within a network, particularly in indoor or complex environments where GPS signals may be weak or unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for collaborative sharing of location information among devices using a combination of GNSS receivers, network assistance, and communication protocols like Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11, where location-aware devices communicate their positions to location-unaware devices, refining accuracy through relative distance and direction calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS signals are used for location determination, then location information can be obtained, but accuracy deteriorates in indoor or complex environments where GPS signals are weak or unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location determination technologies (GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, Bluetooth positioning, cellular network positioning) into a unified location determination system. The mobile device can switch between or combine results from different positioning methods based on environmental conditions, ensuring reliable location determination whether outdoors with GPS signals or indoors where alternative positioning methods are used.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes positioning parameters by selecting different positioning methods based on signal availability and environmental conditions. When GPS signals are weak or unavailable (indoor environments), the system transitions to using Wi-Fi access points, Bluetooth beacons, or cellular tower triangulation, effectively changing the positioning parameters to maintain accuracy in diverse environments.
2Measurement precision
If collaborative location sharing among devices is implemented, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple communication protocols and coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple communication protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular) and can act in different roles within the location sharing network - it can be a location requester, a location provider, or a relay device. This universal design allows the same device to handle various communication scenarios without requiring separate specialized hardware for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a location server as an intermediary that coordinates location sharing among multiple devices. The server receives location requests, manages the network of location-aware devices, and distributes location information efficiently. This intermediary simplifies the complexity by centralizing coordination logic, allowing individual devices to have simpler implementations while still benefiting from collaborative location determination.
3Measurement precision
If location information is shared among multiple devices, then location accuracy is enhanced through collaborative determination, but information loss occurs when devices are outside communication range
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing a network of location-aware devices and pre-determining their locations and communication ranges. Before a location request is made, the location server already has information about which devices are available and their operational ranges. This allows the system to proactively select appropriate relay devices or alternative paths to ensure location information can be delivered even when direct communication is not possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where devices continuously report their location status, signal strength, and communication availability to the location server. This feedback allows the system to dynamically adjust location sharing strategies, selecting optimal relay devices or alternative positioning methods based on real-time conditions, thereby preventing information loss by adapting to changing network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device determines its location and communicates the location to other local devices utilizing a nonstandard, standard and/or proprietary protocol in combination with another protocol such as a Bluetooth, RFID, IEEE 802.11 and/or a cellular phone protocol. The location may be determined utilizing a GNSS receiver and/or network device information. A new location may be determined based on the determined location, a relative distance and/or a relative direction to other local devices. Determined location information may be communicated to other devices via a network. The wireless communication device may receive locations and/or corresponding location uncertainties from devices located within a limited range. The received information is utilized to determine a more accurate location. The more accurate location is communicated back to the devices within the limited range and/or to other communication devices.