Indoor Location Tracking via Passive RF Signal Mediators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location tracking technologies in LTE networks, such as GPS, face challenges in determining precise indoor locations of user devices, especially when they cannot detect GPS satellite signals, leading to inaccurate or impossible location determination.
Innovation Solution
Implementing radio frequency signal mediators that passively receive signals from user devices to collect Layer 2 radio access network measurement data, which is then used by a location determining device to calculate the device's location and send it to a location server for precise indoor location tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS technology is used to determine device location, then location precision is improved, but location tracking becomes impossible or inaccurate for devices indoors or unable to detect GPS satellite signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces radio frequency signal mediators as intermediary devices that passively receive and process radio frequency signals from user devices. These mediators collect Layer 2 radio access network measurement data and forward it to a location determining device, enabling indoor location tracking without requiring GPS satellite signals. This intermediary system bridges the gap between GPS-based outdoor tracking and the need for indoor location capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If triangulation technology is used to estimate device location, then location tracking availability is improved for indoor devices, but location precision deteriorates compared to GPS technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from GPS satellite signal-based coordinates to radio frequency signal-based Layer 2 measurement data. By utilizing radio access network measurements such as reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and timing advance (TA) from multiple radio frequency signal mediators, the system achieves precise indoor location determination through mathematical calculation, surpassing traditional triangulation methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If passive signal reception by radio frequency signal mediators is implemented, then location tracking availability indoors is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional mediators and data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing radio frequency signal mediators perform multiple functions: they continue to facilitate normal wireless communication while simultaneously serving as location tracking sensors by passively collecting Layer 2 radio access network measurement data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated indoor positioning infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity despite the addition of location tracking capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio frequency signal mediators self-configure and automatically begin collecting location data without requiring manual setup or calibration. The system leverages existing network infrastructure and protocols, allowing mediators to autonomously participate in location determination by forwarding measurement data to the location determining device, thereby minimizing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency signal mediator configured indoors passively receives signals from a user wireless device and determines layer two radio access network measurement data from the signals. At least one other radio frequency signal mediator in the same space also passively receives signals from the user wireless device and determines layer two radio access network measurement data from the signals. The radio frequency signal mediators send the data to a location determining device that determines a location for the user device based on the at least two sets of data and send the location data to a location server.