IoT Geolocation via Iterative Signal Error Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for geolocating radio signal-transmitting devices in IoT networks face challenges of high complexity, energy consumption, and limited accuracy, particularly in scenarios requiring reliable location determination without modifying the devices.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a network infrastructure to geolocate devices by supplying positions and reception dates of radio signals from multiple stations, selecting a reference station, defining scanning zones, subdividing them, calculating cumulative error parameters, and iteratively refining the location with reduced granularity, allowing for accurate and reliable geolocation without increasing device complexity or energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS components are used for geolocation, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network reception stations as intermediaries between the signal-transmitting device and the geolocation function. These stations receive signals from the device and provide reception data to the geolocation server, which then calculates the device's position. This mediator approach allows accurate geolocation without requiring complex GPS components in the device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/GPS-based positioning system with a signal propagation-based system. Instead of using satellite guidance and physical positioning components, the system uses radio signal transmission and reception timing data from multiple network stations to calculate position through mathematical processing at the server.
2Device complexity
If triangulation method is used for geolocation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the computational complexity from the device dimension to the network/server dimension. The device simply transmits signals, while the server performs multi-dimensional analysis using reception timing data from multiple stations, signal strength measurements, and position calculations across the network infrastructure to achieve accurate geolocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple parameters including reception timing data, signal strength indicators, and position coordinates from multiple reception stations to calculate device location. By changing from a single-parameter approach to multi-parameter analysis at the server, the system achieves higher accuracy without increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If iterative scanning zone refinement is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but calculation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the geolocation process into iterative scanning zones with varying granularities. The server first performs a coarse search over a large area, then progressively refines the search in smaller subzones around the most likely position. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high precision without exhaustively searching the entire possible area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary coarse location estimation before detailed refinement. By first identifying a general area where the device is likely located using initial reception data, then focusing subsequent calculations on that specific region, the system achieves high precision efficiently without unnecessary calculations in distant areas.
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 accurate and reliable geolocation of radio signal-transmitting devices within IoT networks without modifying the devices, reducing energy consumption and complexity, and improving location precision through iterative refinement of scanning zones and granularities.
Implementation Method 1
calculating, for each reception station, a respective transmission error parameter as a function of a date of reception of the radio signal by said reception station, of a date of reception of the radio signal by the reference station, of a speed of propagation of the radio signal, of a distance between the tested position and said reception station
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for geolocating a signal-transmitting device, the geolocation method comprising:a. supplying positions of a plurality of stations and dates of reception of the radio signal by said stations,b. selecting a reference station,c. defining a scanning zone,d. subdividing the scanning zone as a function of a scanning granularity,e. for each subzone, calculating a degree of cumulative error of said subzone,f. selecting a subzone exhibiting a minimal degree of cumulative error,g. defining a new scanning zone,h. defining a new scanning granularity,i. iterating the method from the step d).