Communication Device Location via Short-Range Signal Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current indoor and outdoor positioning technologies require costly infrastructure installation and rely on specific network infrastructures like GPS/GNSS and cellular networks, making them expensive and limiting for widespread adoption.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a 'variable non-uniform antenna array' where communication devices act as both transceivers and can be static or mobile, using short-range signals and sensor data to estimate locations without the need for pre-installed infrastructure or network reliance, and leveraging user and sensor data for location determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional positioning technologies (Wi-Fi hotspots, Bluetooth beacons, UWB transceivers) are used, then location estimation accuracy is improved, but infrastructure cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation estimation accuracyVSAvoidinfrastructure installation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables communication devices to locate themselves using existing cellular infrastructure and signal processing algorithms, without requiring deployment of specialized positioning hardware. Each device uses its own sensors and the server's processing capabilities to determine location, eliminating the need for businesses to install and maintain expensive positioning infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention leverages existing cellular network infrastructure and standard communication protocols to provide positioning services, making the system universally applicable without requiring device-specific or location-specific hardware installations. The same cellular network that handles voice and data also enables location estimation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If fixed antenna elements and transceivers are installed for positioning, then location detection capability is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem installation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the positioning function from dedicated hardware infrastructure and integrates it into general communication devices. Instead of requiring separate fixed transceivers and antenna elements, the positioning capability is embedded in standard mobile devices through software algorithms that process existing signal data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces physical mechanical positioning infrastructure (fixed antennas, transceivers, readers) with virtual positioning through signal processing algorithms. Location determination is achieved through computational analysis of signal characteristics rather than through dedicated hardware sensors installed throughout the environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If indoor positioning infrastructure is deployed, then location estimation accuracy is improved, but operational and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindoor location estimation accuracyVSAvoidoperating and maintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system eliminates ongoing operational costs associated with maintaining dedicated positioning infrastructure by enabling devices to self-locate using existing cellular networks. No separate power supply, monitoring, or maintenance systems are required for positioning functionality, as it leverages the existing cellular infrastructure that is already operational.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Area of stationary object

If GPS/GNSS and cellular networks are relied upon for outdoor positioning, then positioning coverage is improved, but dependency on network infrastructure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning coverage areaVSAvoidnetwork infrastructure dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the cellular network serve dual purposes: both communication and positioning. This multi-functionality reduces dependency on separate dedicated positioning infrastructure while maintaining broad coverage. The same cellular towers and network elements that handle voice and data traffic also provide location estimation services.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10178510B1System and method for locating a communication device

Publication Date: 2019.01.08 KAI WISSAM ELIAS

AI summary

A plurality of communication devices are configured for communicating with the server via the internet. Each communication device is configured for communicating with other communication devices, via short range signals. At least a property of the received short range signals is measured and converted to signal data. Each communication device is associated with a user, and each user is associated with respective user data stored. Location data of at least a first communication device is known at a first time. When a second communication device is inside the communication ranges of two or more first communication devices with known respective locations, the server processes the known locations to yield a location of the second communication device.