Mobile Repeater Location Tracking Without GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication systems, such as repeaters in trains, face challenges in maintaining signal configuration settings as they move across different cellular service coverage areas, especially when GPS functionality is inadequate due to terrain or cost constraints, requiring alternative methods to determine location and adjust settings.
Innovation Solution
A repeater system that uses movement sensors like gyroscopes, accelerometers, and compasses to determine the location of a train by correlating path information with a stored map, allowing adaptive configuration of operational parameters without relying on GPS, thereby enabling continuous signal coverage across varying cellular networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used to determine location, then location information can be obtained, but additional external antennas and high cost are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location determination function from the GPS system and implements it using existing onboard sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) already present in the mobile device. This eliminates the need for additional external GPS antennas and reduces system complexity while maintaining location determination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an alternative location determination method that copies the functional outcome of GPS by using inertial measurement data and cellular tower triangulation. This provides a backup location determination system that works independently of GPS, particularly useful in environments where GPS signals are unavailable
2Measurement precision
If GPS external antenna is installed on rooftop, then location information can be received, but installation difficulty and additional expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the mobile device to determine its own location using sensors already built into the device itself (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, cellular radio). This self-service approach eliminates the need for external GPS antennas and complex installation procedures, making the system easier to deploy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the mobile device perform multiple functions: it uses the same onboard sensors for both navigation/orientation purposes and location determination for repeater configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated GPS hardware and simplifies the overall system
3Measurement precision
If GPS is used in tunnels or urban canyons, then location information should be obtained, but GPS satellite reception is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares for GPS signal loss by implementing alternative location determination methods using onboard sensors and cellular tower triangulation. These alternative methods are ready to take over when GPS signals become unavailable in tunnels or urban canyons, ensuring continuous location determination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary methods (inertial measurement from accelerometers/gyroscopes and cellular tower signal analysis) that mediate between the need for location information and the unavailability of direct GPS signals in challenging environments. These intermediaries provide location data when GPS fails
4Ease of operation
If repeater configuration parameters are fixed, then system setup is simple, but the system cannot adapt to different cellular service areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the repeater configuration dynamic by automatically adjusting parameters based on real-time location determination. As the mobile device moves to different cellular service areas, the system dynamically modifies filter definitions, gain settings, and modem configurations to match the local network characteristics, combining simplicity with adaptability
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 solution improves location accuracy and reduces costs by eliminating the need for external GPS antennas, ensuring reliable communication as the train moves through different service areas without GPS interference.
Implementation Method 1
A repeater system uses movement sensors like gyroscopes, accelerometers, and compasses to determine the location of a train
Implementation Method 2
A repeater system uses movement sensors like gyroscopes, accelerometers, and compasses to determine the location of a train
Implementation Method 3
The repeater circuitry receives the signal from the signal source, amplifies the signal, and transmits the amplified signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
A repeater system and method for implementing within a mobile platform includes repeater circuitry configured for repeating signals between devices and signal sources such as base transceiver stations. The repeater circuitry has a plurality of configurable settings for controlling operation of the repeater circuitry. Movement sensors sense the movement of the mobile platform and controller circuitry is configured to use inputs from the movement sensors to determine a current path of the mobile platform and to compare the determined current path to the known path information for the mobile platform for determining the location of the mobile platform and repeater system to vary the configurable settings of the repeater system based upon the determined location. Other information such as identification information from a signal source or information from the mobile platform are also used to vary the configuration and configurable settings of the repeater system.