Mobile Devices as Temporary Location Anchor Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the location of mobile devices often lack sufficient location anchor points in desirable areas within buildings, leading to inaccurate location determination due to the improper placement of access points based on infrastructure and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
Mobile devices are instructed to operate as temporary location anchor points in areas where additional anchor points are needed, transmitting signals to aid in location determination and receiving compensation for their services, which can include improved QoS or other benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If access points are placed based on infrastructure and space constraints, then device deployment is easier, but location determination accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Mobile devices are made to serve dual functions: their primary communication function and an auxiliary location anchor point function. The mobile device performs both mobile communication and transmits location reference signals, eliminating the need for dedicated access points while improving location accuracy through flexible placement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using fixed access points as location anchors, the patent inverts the approach by using mobile devices as the location anchors. Mobile devices transmit reference signals that serve as location references for determining positions of other devices, reversing the traditional role assignment.
2Measurement precision
If mobile devices operate as location anchor points, then location determination accuracy is improved, but device power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Mobile devices transmit location reference signals periodically rather than continuously. The network device configures the mobile device with specific transmission parameters including periodic intervals, reducing power consumption while maintaining sufficient location determination accuracy through periodic position updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation mode of mobile devices as location anchor points based on network conditions and location accuracy requirements. Mobile devices can switch between serving as location anchors and normal communication mode, optimizing energy usage according to actual needs.
3Measurement precision
If more location anchor points are deployed, then location determination accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for dedicated location anchor infrastructure by using existing mobile devices with dual functionality. This reduces system complexity by removing separate anchor point devices while maintaining or improving location accuracy through the distributed nature of mobile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile devices automatically configure themselves to serve as location anchor points when instructed by the network device. The system self-organizes by having mobile devices transmit reference signals and the network device automatically processes these signals for location determination, reducing manual configuration complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Mobile devices are used as temporary location anchor points, e.g., to supplement fixed location permanent location anchor points, in a wireless communications system in which mobile device locations are determined. A mobile device receives a command or request to operate as a location anchor point. In some embodiments, the command includes time information indicating the amount of time the mobile device is to operate as a location anchor point. In some embodiments, a mobile device operating as a location anchor point reports a received signal strength measurement along with information identifying the device from which the signal was received to a network element, e.g., a location server node. In some embodiments, a mobile device operating as a location anchor point broadcasts a signal providing location information. The mobile device receives compensation for operating as a location anchor point. Compensation may be monetary, services, or benefits provided by the network.