Coordinated Access Point Positioning for Indoor Accuracy and Low Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location estimation techniques in wireless communication systems face challenges in achieving high accuracy, particularly in indoor environments, due to limited precision and the need for manual input of network information, which can be laborious and prone to human error, and resource-intensive measurement processes, especially in crowded conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method for automated position estimation that involves coordinating multiple access points (APs) using various measurement techniques such as ToF, AoA, and RTT, determining weights for each measurement, and iteratively refining location estimates based on channel conditions and feedback to improve accuracy and reduce resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input of network information is used for location estimation, then the process is simple to implement, but it is laborious and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated position estimation using access points and measurement techniques (ToF, AoA, RTT) without requiring manual input of network information. The access points autonomously collect measurements and compute locations, eliminating human error while maintaining ease of deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical input processes with automated electronic measurement and computation systems. Access points automatically perform signal measurements and the system computationally determines locations, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with automated electronic systems.
2Device complexity
If traditional location estimation techniques are used, then the implementation is straightforward, but the precision is limited and cannot achieve decimeter or centimeter levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement techniques (Time of Flight, Angle of Arrival, Round Trip Time) from multiple access points into a unified location estimation system. This merging of multiple measurement sources enables high-precision decimeter or centimeter-level accuracy while maintaining automated straightforward implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional single-dimension measurement approaches to multi-dimensional measurement by incorporating multiple access points and multiple measurement types (ToF, AoA, RTT) simultaneously, enabling precision breakthrough to decimeter or centimeter levels.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive measurements are performed to improve location accuracy, then the precision increases, but resource consumption increases especially in crowded conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs measurements selectively rather than continuously, using triggers based on confidence levels and channel conditions. When confidence is sufficient or conditions are unfavorable, measurements are reduced or skipped, maintaining accuracy while conserving resources in crowded conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where location estimates and confidence levels inform subsequent measurement decisions. High confidence estimates reduce the need for additional measurements, creating a feedback loop that maintains precision while optimizing resource consumption dynamically.
4Ease of manufacture
If automated position estimation is implemented without coordination, then deployment is easier, but accuracy and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal coordination protocol that enables access points to autonomously perform multiple functions (measurement, computation, collaboration) without specialized configuration. This multi-functionality maintains ease of deployment while ensuring reliable coordinated operation for accurate location estimation.
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
Enhances location estimation accuracy to decimeter or centimeter levels, reducing resource usage and eliminating the need for manual input, thereby expanding the applicability to indoor scenarios and improving usability in industries like manufacturing and healthcare.
Implementation Method 1
using various measurement techniques such as ToF, AoA, and RTT
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable media for identifying a locations of a network entities within a network. A method for identifying a location of an (AP) includes receiving a first location measurement associated with a first measurement variant and a second location measurement associated with a second measurement variant from a first AP; receiving a third location measurement associated with the first measurement variant and a fourth location measurement associated with the second measurement variant from a second AP; determining weights associated with the location measurements; determining a first location associated with the first AP and a second location associated with the second AP based on a first weight, a second weight, a third weight, and a fourth weight; determining a confidence of the first location based on a comparison of the first location measurement and the second location measurement.