Relative Location of Mobile Nodes in Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for relative location of mobiles in a wireless network are inefficient, requiring high energy consumption, being prone to security issues, and not robust enough to handle unpredictable network topology changes, especially in areas where satellite access is limited.

Innovation Solution

A method using a network with wireless links where nodes can transmit and receive messages, with a processing module to interpret and modify messages, and a management message system that increments or updates a rank field to determine the relative location of mobiles, allowing for efficient and secure location data transmission without the need for geographical positioning systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If synchronous message exchanges are used for relative location, then location accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases and security vulnerabilities arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic location updates instead of continuous synchronous exchanges. Mobile nodes transmit location information at predetermined intervals rather than maintaining constant communication, significantly reducing energy consumption while still providing accurate location data for routing decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The location management function is integrated into the routing protocol itself, allowing nodes to autonomously perform location-based routing without requiring separate location services or external infrastructure. Each node independently manages its own location information and uses it for routing decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If satellite location systems are used, then absolute geolocation accuracy is improved, but system cost and accessibility requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeolocation accuracyVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces virtual coordinate systems and relative location references as intermediaries between physical location and routing decisions. Instead of directly using expensive satellite-based absolute coordinates, the system uses relative position information exchanged between nodes to establish virtual coordinates that are sufficient for routing purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of location information through message propagation. Location data is replicated and distributed through the network via routing messages, allowing multiple nodes to share location information without requiring each node to have its own expensive location determination capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If continuous location tracking is implemented, then location updates are frequent, but network robustness decreases due to link failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation update frequencyVSAvoidnetwork robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic location updates at predetermined intervals rather than continuous tracking. This approach reduces the number of messages transmitted through the network, minimizing the impact of link failures while still providing timely location information for routing decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates error handling and retry mechanisms in advance. When location updates are lost due to link failures, the system has predefined procedures to request retransmission or use cached location information, ensuring continuous operation without requiring constant communication links.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2387274B1Method for relative location of mobile nodes in a wireless network and its corresponding network
Publication Date: 2016.10.05 CENT NAT DETUD SPATIALES (CNES)
  • EP2387274B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2387274B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3c
  • EP2387274B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The method involves transmitting a locating message from a node source to a destination source of collector nodes (102, 102') via a series of mobile nodes (103-1-103-9), where the locating message contains locating data having an individual and/or collective identification code of each mobile node through which the message is transmitted from the node source to the collector nodes. Transmission of the message is realized such that the locating data of each mobile node belonging to a wireless network (100) is transmitted to the collector node. An independent claim is also included for a wireless network permitting relative location of mobile nodes in an evolution zone established between electronic communication devices.