Mobile Base Station Geolocation With Dynamic Search-Area Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geolocation methods for wireless communication systems in large geographical areas suffer from low accuracy due to sparse base station density, leading to positioning errors of up to several kilometers, and are sensitive to multipath phenomena and synchronization requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that artificially increases base station density by using a mobile base station to collect measurements within a search area, combining data from both fixed and mobile stations to estimate a precise geographical position through trilateration and machine learning techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If base station density is increased to improve geolocation accuracy, then positioning precision improves, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile base stations that can dynamically move to different locations within a search area, transforming the static infrastructure into a dynamic system. This allows the same number of base stations to effectively cover multiple locations sequentially, achieving higher measurement precision without proportionally increasing infrastructure density.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile base station creates temporary copies of the base station function at different locations. Instead of deploying permanent base stations throughout the entire large geographical area, the mobile unit replicates base station capabilities dynamically, providing the necessary measurement points for accurate geolocation without permanent infrastructure everywhere.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coverage area is expanded to serve large geographical regions, then system versatility improves, but geolocation accuracy deteriorates due to sparse base station density
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile base station dynamically adapts its position based on the search area requirements. When serving large geographical regions, the mobile unit travels to specific locations within the search area to provide measurement points, enabling the system to maintain high geolocation accuracy across expansive coverage areas without requiring dense permanent infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile base station serves multiple functions: it acts as a base station when positioned in the search area for geolocation measurements, and simultaneously serves as a communication relay or positioning reference point. This multi-functionality allows a single mobile unit to support both wide coverage and precise localization needs.
3Device complexity
If traditional geolocation methods are used with sparse base stations, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but positioning error increases to several kilometers
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile base station serves itself by autonomously navigating to positions within the search area where it can effectively measure signals from the terminal. It independently determines its own deployment strategy and positioning, providing the necessary measurement data without requiring external coordination or additional fixed infrastructure.
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
Achieves geolocation accuracy of less than 500 meters in areas up to 5 kilometers wide by enhancing base station density virtually, improving positioning precision without increasing fixed infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
estimating the distances separating a terminal from several base stations by calculating the arrival times or the time differences of arrival of radio signals exchanged between these entities
Implementation Method 2
calculations of the difference in frequency of arrival of the signals (FDOA for 'Frequency Difference Of Arrival'). The latter being based on the Doppler effect
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (100) for geolocating a terminal (11) of a wireless communication system using measurements of a parameter representing a radio signal exchanged between the terminal and base stations of the communication system. The method uses fixed base stations (12) and a mobile base station (13) that is moved within a determined search area (20). During a predefined search period, the terminal transmits several radio signals to the fixed base stations and the mobile base station. A precise geographical position can thus be determined using, on one hand, measurements performed during the search period for the different base stations, and on the other hand, geographical positions of the fixed base stations and geographical positions of the mobile base station at different transmission times of the radio signals by the terminal.