Mobile Device Location via Linear Equation Coefficients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the location of mobile devices in a network are inefficient and unreliable, particularly when direct distance measurements to static beacons or devices of known location are not available.
Innovation Solution
A method that processes data from wireless signals to determine coefficients for a system of linear equations, allowing for the calculation of two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinates of mobile devices, even when they are only within wireless range of other devices of unknown location, using techniques such as trilateration and bilateration, and filtering to improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods (trilateration or pattern-matching) are used to determine device locations, then location estimation can be achieved, but the process is inefficient and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/geometric location determination methods (trilateration, pattern-matching) with a linear algebra-based system. By formulating location determination as a linear system of equations and solving it using matrix operations, the system achieves both higher reliability and efficiency in location estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mathematical parameters and approach from geometric calculations to linear algebraic equations. By representing device locations and distances in terms of linear equations with coefficients derived from distance data, the system transforms the problem into a more efficient computational framework that handles noise and uncertainty better.
2Measurement precision
If direct distance measurements to static beacons or devices of known location are required, then location can be determined, but the method fails when no such direct measurements are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mathematical framework (linear system of equations) that indirectly determines locations. Instead of requiring direct measurements from known locations, the system uses distance data between devices to construct linear equations that can be solved for unknown locations, effectively mediating between available data and required outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear system approach provides universal applicability across different network configurations. The same linear algebraic framework can handle cases with direct measurements, indirect measurements through multiple devices, and various network topologies, making the system versatile and adaptable to diverse scenarios.
3Loss of information
If distance data is used to determine locations, then location information can be extracted, but noise and errors in distance data reduce accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The linear system formulation inherently provides feedback mechanisms through matrix operations that can accommodate noisy data. The system uses the available distance data to construct equations that, when solved, produce location estimates that are consistent with all measurements, effectively feedback-adjusting for noise and errors in the input data.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a respective location of each of a set of one or more mobile devices (3) of a network of devices (3, 4). The method includes receiving data comprising a set of values representative of distances between respective pairs of devices (3, 4) of the network of devices (3, 4), wherein the values representative of distances are determined from wireless signals transmitted f between the devices (3, 4). The values representative of distances are processed to determine a set of coefficients for a system of linear equations, and the system of linear equations is solved to determine two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinates representative of the location of each of the set of one or more mobile devices (3) in a two-dimensional plane or a three-dimensional space.