Mobile Device Array for Positioning and Tomographic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in accurately determining the location of user equipment and imaging real-world areas without user intervention, particularly in scenarios where devices are constantly sending and receiving communications signals, and there is a need for efficient and precise positioning and imaging processes.
Innovation Solution
An array of mobile devices forms a spatially configurable antenna array to collect and process wireless communication network signals, using an array positioning engine to determine the location of user equipment and perform tomographic imaging of real-world areas by analyzing signal transmission and reception characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional positioning methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing mobile devices perform multiple functions: they serve as both communication devices and positioning sensors. By utilizing the communication signals already being transmitted and received by mobile devices for positioning purposes, the system achieves high positioning precision without requiring dedicated positioning hardware, thus avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mobile devices' own communication signals for positioning. The signals that mobile devices naturally transmit and receive during normal operation are repurposed for positioning and imaging, eliminating the need for separate positioning systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high precision
2Measurement precision
If energy-intensive sensors are used for positioning and imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system repurposes communication signals that are already being transmitted and received by mobile devices during normal operation. Since these signals are naturally present and do not require additional energy-intensive sensors or dedicated positioning hardware, the system achieves accurate positioning and imaging while minimizing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical sensors and mechanical positioning systems with signal processing methods. By using wireless communication signals for positioning and imaging instead of traditional sensors, the system eliminates the need for energy-intensive hardware while maintaining measurement precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If static antenna arrays are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic array configuration where mobile devices can be added to or removed from the array based on their current locations and operational status. The array positioning engine dynamically adjusts the array composition and configuration in real-time, enabling the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions and positioning requirements without requiring complex manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the positions and states of mobile devices in the array, using this feedback information to dynamically adjust the array configuration. The array positioning engine processes real-time data about device locations and optimizes the array setup accordingly, achieving high adaptability while keeping management complexity manageable through automated control
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
This approach enables accurate and efficient positioning of user equipment and real-time imaging of surrounding areas, improving positioning uncertainty and imaging quality through dynamic adjustments of the array configuration and signal processing, without requiring user intervention or energy-intensive sensors.
Implementation Method 1
An array of mobile devices forms a spatially configurable antenna array to collect and process wireless communication network signals
Implementation Method 2
perform tomographic imaging of real-world areas by analyzing signal transmission and reception characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for utilizing an array of one or more mobile devices to perform a task. The method may include accessing a task to be performed using the array of one or more mobile devices. The task may include user equipment positioning, imaging a real world area, or a combination thereof. The method may also include receiving signals collected by the array of one or more mobile devices while the task is being performed, and determining an uncertainty of a result of the task being performed based, at least in part, on one or more characteristics associated with the array of mobile devices and the task being performed. Furthermore, the method may include adjusting the array of mobile devices to reduce the uncertainty of the result of the task being performed.