Mobile Device Location Estimation Using Wireless Access Gateways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination methods for mobile devices, especially in areas with weak GNSS signals or without GNSS capabilities, are inadequate as they rely on triangulation and RSSI, which can be affected by physical barriers and do not provide accurate three-dimensional location information.
Innovation Solution
A method using multiple wireless access gateways to estimate a mobile device's location by scanning and weighting detected access gateways based on uncertainty, reach, and closeness, allowing for three-dimensional location determination and improved GNSS signal acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation and RSSI are used for location determination, then location estimation can be achieved, but accuracy deteriorates due to physical barriers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless access gateways as intermediary reference points between the mobile device and the final location calculation. Instead of direct triangulation between devices, the system uses known gateway locations as stable reference mediators, reducing the impact of physical barriers on signal propagation and improving location estimation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter basis for location determination from direct signal strength (RSSI) and geometric triangulation to a weighted combination of multiple factors including gateway uncertainty, reach, and closeness. This parameter transformation allows the system to adapt to varying signal conditions and physical barrier effects
2Loss of information
If conventional location methods are used, then two-dimensional location can be determined, but three-dimensional location information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends location determination from two-dimensional (latitude, longitude) to three-dimensional space by incorporating altitude information from wireless access gateways. This dimensionality change enables the system to provide complete spatial location information including vertical position, which is essential for applications like floor-level positioning in high-rise buildings
3Measurement precision
If multiple wireless access gateways are scanned and weighted, then location accuracy improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the complex problem of multiple gateway weighting into a manageable calculation by defining specific parameters (uncertainty, reach, closeness) with clear mathematical relationships. The weight calculation using these standardized parameters simplifies the computational process while maintaining high location accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device autonomously performs the scanning, detection, and weighted calculation of multiple wireless access gateways without requiring external computational assistance. This self-service approach distributes the computational load to individual devices, reducing overall system complexity while improving location accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, program products, and systems of location estimation using multiple wireless access gateways are disclosed. In general, in one aspect, a mobile device can scan and detect multiple wireless access gateways. The mobile device can determine an initial estimate of distance between the mobile device and each wireless access gateway. The mobile device can receive, from a server, location data of the detected wireless access gateways. The location data can include an estimated location of each wireless access gateway, an uncertainty of the estimated location, and a reach of each wireless access gateway. The mobile device can assign a weight to each estimated location using the uncertainty, the reach, and the initial estimate. The mobile device can estimate the location of the mobile device using the weighted locations.