Infrastructure Device Location Using Terminal Signal Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location technologies, such as GPS and hybrid techniques, often fail to provide accurate location coordinates in indoor or unfavorable environments, and can be cost-prohibitive for small mobile devices, with hybrid techniques relying on cellular infrastructure and offering insufficient accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a location processor in infrastructure devices to coordinate messaging with terminal devices, providing location data based on coarse and refined estimates, leveraging temporary signals of opportunity and connectivity from local or network servers, even in the absence of stand-alone location technologies like GPS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stand-alone location technologies (GPS, beacon systems) are used, then location coordinates can be provided, but they are cost prohibitive for installation in small mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location determination techniques (cell ID, signal strength measurement, triangulation) into a hybrid system that works together to provide accurate location coordinates without requiring expensive standalone GPS receivers in each mobile device. The infrastructure devices perform complex processing while mobile devices provide simpler measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces infrastructure devices (base stations, access points) as intermediaries that perform complex location processing. These infrastructure devices receive signals from mobile devices, perform triangulation and signal strength analysis, and return location coordinates, thereby offloading the computational burden and cost from mobile devices.
2Device complexity
If hybrid techniques (Cell ID, E-CID, AOA, U-TDOA) are used, then location can be determined without expensive infrastructure, but accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple hybrid techniques (Cell ID for coarse location, signal strength measurement for distance estimation, and triangulation using signals from multiple infrastructure devices) into a unified location determination system. This combination achieves higher accuracy than any single technique alone while avoiding expensive standalone GPS receivers.
3Measurement precision
If stand-alone location technologies are used, then location coordinates can be provided, but they fail to provide location in indoor or unfavorable locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal location determination system that can operate in multiple environments (outdoor, indoor, urban canyons) by supporting multiple determination techniques. The system automatically selects and combines appropriate methods based on available infrastructure and environmental conditions, making it adaptable to various scenarios where standalone GPS fails.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus determines a physical location of a wireless infrastructure device. At least one coarse location data from an associated terminal device is determined. Additional coarse location data are stored and accumulated. The device location is considered accurate by determining that enough received coarse location data has been received.