Mobile Device Localization Using Orthogonal Code Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile device localization techniques face challenges in achieving reliable and accurate positioning, especially in indoor, inner-city, and rural areas, due to limitations in satellite navigation accuracy and spatial resolution of spreading codes in OTDOA methods.
Innovation Solution
A method involving synchronized mobile communication network (MCN) base stations using orthogonal codes for precise localization, where a master base station transmits request signals and receives response signals from slave base stations, allowing for high-resolution clock synchronization and accurate determination of round-trip times to localize mobile devices with cm-level spatial accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If GNSS satellite-based positioning systems are used, then positioning can be obtained in rural areas and backcountries, but positioning accuracy deteriorates in indoor and inner-city areas due to signal unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning system into multiple synchronized base stations distributed across different locations. Each base station independently measures signal arrival times, and the mobile device combines these measurements to calculate its position. This segmentation allows the system to provide continuous positioning coverage both indoors and outdoors, eliminating the need for satellite signals while maintaining accuracy in all environments.
2Reliability
If OTDOA positioning techniques are used, then positioning can be achieved in mobile communications networks, but spatial resolution is limited by the temporal chip length of spreading codes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter used for time measurement from the temporal chip length of spreading codes to high-resolution counter units that can measure time with precision much finer than traditional OTDOA methods. This parameter change enables cm-level spatial accuracy by directly measuring signal arrival times with nanosecond or sub-nanosecond resolution, overcoming the inherent resolution limits of code-based spreading.
3Measurement precision
If 5G networks provide accurate localization in indoor and inner-city scenarios, then positioning accuracy improves, but network coverage is limited and lacks availability in rural areas and backcountries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning system that functions equally well in diverse environments including indoor, inner-city, rural, and backcountry areas. By deploying synchronized base stations throughout the service area and using high-resolution time measurement, the system provides consistent cm-level positioning accuracy across all locations, making it universally applicable regardless of the specific geographic or environmental context.
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 provides unprecedented localization accuracy without satellite navigation, achieving spatial accuracy in centimeters and below, even in challenging environments like indoors and rural areas, by leveraging high-resolution counter units for precise clock synchronization.
Implementation Method 1
The master base station is configured for transmitting a request signal encoded with an orthogonal code
Implementation Method 2
Each of the slave MCN base stations is configured for transmitting its individual response signal encoded with an orthogonal code upon reception of the request signal
Implementation Method 3
The master base station is further configured for receiving the response signals encoded with orthogonal codes. Moreover, the master base station comprises a processing unit configured for determining the arrival times of the response signals
Implementation Method 4
calculating the round-trip times for all slave base stations
Implementation Method 5
A method involving synchronized mobile communication network (MCN) base stations using orthogonal codes for precise localization, where a master base station transmits request signals and receives response signals from slave base stations, allowing for high-resolution clock synchronization
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a mobile communication network, MCN, base station, comprising a first receiver unit configured for receiving a first signal encoded with a first orthogonal code from another MCN base station or a mobile device; a localization and positioning/timing unit configured for a) processing, for localizing the mobile device, the first signal encoded with the first orthogonal code comprising determining the time of arrival of the first signal at the MCN base station and b) providing, for localizing the mobile device, a second signal encoded with a second orthogonal code; and a first transmitter unit configured for transmitting the second signal encoded with the second orthogonal code. Moreover, it is provided a mobile device, comprisinga first receiver unit configured for receiving a second signal encoded with a second orthogonal code from a base station; a positioning and timing unit configured for a) processing, for localizing the mobile device, the second signal encoded with a second orthogonal code comprising determining the time of arrival of the second signal at the mobile device and b) providing, for localizing the mobile device, a first signal encoded with a first orthogonal code; and a first transmitter unit configured for transmitting the first signal encoded with a first orthogonal code.