Distributed Sensor Network for Indoor Mobile Device Geolocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geolocation systems struggle to accurately determine the location of mobile devices in confined environments, such as indoor spaces, due to interference from buildings and other structures, which hinders emergency services' ability to quickly locate callers during 911 or 112 calls.
Innovation Solution
A sensor network with distributed localization sensors that use RF receivers, GPS receivers, and localization engines to determine their own positions and the proximity of mobile devices, employing techniques like trilateration and beacon signal analysis to provide accurate location data, even in areas with limited GPS signal strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional RF and GPS solutions are used for geolocation, then outdoor location accuracy is achieved, but location accuracy deteriorates in confined indoor environments due to building interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic sensors as intermediary devices that detect sound waves from mobile devices. Acoustic signals serve as a mediator that can penetrate buildings and confined spaces where RF signals fail, enabling location determination in environments blocked to traditional electromagnetic-based GPS and RF solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electromagnetic-based RF and GPS systems with an acoustic-based detection system. By substituting the mechanical/acoustic field (sound waves) for the electromagnetic field (RF signals), the system overcomes the limitation of building interference that blocks electromagnetic waves, allowing location tracking in confined indoor environments.
2Productivity
If network-based geolocation systems are deployed, then emergency service response capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple base stations and measurement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing acoustic sensors in the environment to serve dual purposes: their original function plus location detection. The system leverages ambient acoustic sensors that already exist in buildings and infrastructure, eliminating the need to deploy dedicated complex location systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining emergency response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where acoustic sensors serve both their primary purpose (such as environmental monitoring or security) and location detection for emergency services. This universal approach allows existing infrastructure to be repurposed for geolocation, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems and lowering overall complexity.
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
Enables precise location determination of mobile devices within confined spaces, enhancing emergency response efficiency by providing accurate coordinates to emergency services, even in areas where traditional RF and GPS solutions are insufficient.
Implementation Method 1
A RF receiver is configured to receive RF signals
Implementation Method 2
A global positioning receiver is configured to receive signals from a global positioning system
Implementation Method 3
The localization engine is configured to receive beacon signals transmitted by other sensors in the sensor network
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed antenna system includes a master unit and a plurality of remote units in communication with the master unit. A plurality of sensors are associated with the respective remote units and the sensors include receiver circuitry configured for capturing RF signals from mobile devices and a controller. The sensors are configured for using the RF signals from at least one mobile device captured by the receiver circuitry and determining position information for the at least one mobile device in the distributed antenna system. The receiver circuitry of the sensor includes an RF receiver integrated with a respective remote unit that is operable to receive RF signals from mobile devices for providing RF communications in the distributed antenna system.