Indoor Mobile Location via Distributed Transceiver Pilot Beacons
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Solution Overview
Problem
In indoor environments, such as large office buildings, locating a mobile station is challenging due to the absence of GPS signals and the complex propagation environment, which reduces the accuracy of triangulation or tri-lateration methods, especially when cellular coverage is provided by distributed antenna systems (DAS) that introduce delays and inaccuracy.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating data packets with coded cellular signals sent over a data network associated with multiple transceivers, where each transceiver broadcasts pilot beacon signals, allowing the determination of a mobile station's location based on received multi-paths and pilot beacon reports, using unique delays and signal strengths to refine the positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation or tri-lateration method is used for locating mobile station, then location can be determined, but accuracy is reduced due to complex propagation environment and DAS delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the location determination process by using multiple transceivers distributed throughout the building, each independently measuring signal characteristics. Instead of relying on a single triangulation calculation from external base stations, the location is determined through collective measurements from multiple segmented transceiver points, reducing the impact of individual path delays and complex propagation effects.
2Adaptability or versatility
If distributed antenna system (DAS) is used to provide cellular coverage inside building, then coverage is provided, but delay in the system distorts triangulation results causing significant inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having each transceiver measure the signal characteristics and report back to a central location determination entity. The location is then calculated based on this feedback information from multiple transceivers, using the relative delays and signal strengths to compensate for DAS-induced distortions and achieve accurate positioning despite the distributed antenna system's inherent delays.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment of the present invention, the method includes creating a plurality of data packets. Each data packet in the plurality of data packets includes a plurality of coded cellular signals. The plurality of data packets are sent over a data network associated with at least one sector served by a plurality of transceivers, and at least one of the plurality of transceivers broadcasts the data packets. A location of a mobile station is determined based on received multi-paths associated with response from the mobile station to broadcast of at least one of the plurality of data packets.