Network-Assisted Relative Positioning for Wireless Device Rendezvous
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently assisting wireless communication devices, such as drones and IoT sensors, to locate each other without requiring direct GPS coordinates or specialized homing devices, especially in scenarios where devices are moving or need to change destinations.
Innovation Solution
A network-assisted relative positioning method that uses a server node or network node to inquire and determine the positioning and movement information of devices, providing instructions for them to find each other based on relative position data, utilizing existing positioning systems and allowing for dynamic updates and changes in destination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS coordinates are used for positioning, then absolute location accuracy is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network infrastructure (base stations, access points) as intermediaries to provide positioning services. Instead of requiring GPS receivers in each device, the network infrastructure performs positioning calculations using signal measurements from multiple access points, thereby providing accurate positioning without GPS hardware in the devices themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/GPS-based positioning system with a signal-based network positioning system. By using wireless signal measurements (time of arrival, signal strength) from network infrastructure, the system substitutes the need for GPS satellite reception and processing, reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning capability.
2Measurement precision
If specialized homing devices are deployed for drone delivery, then delivery precision is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the network infrastructure universal by having base stations and access points perform multiple functions: providing communication services, positioning services, and homing/guidance services. This eliminates the need for specialized homing devices while maintaining precise delivery capability, as the same network infrastructure that enables communication also enables positioning and guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the positioning function and homing function into the network infrastructure. Instead of having separate GPS modules and specialized homing devices, the base stations integrate multiple functions including location estimation, destination provisioning, and real-time guidance, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If fixed destination programming is used for drones, then system simplicity is improved, but adaptability to changing destinations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic destination provisioning where the network can update the destination location of a drone during flight. Instead of fixed pre-programmed destinations, the base station can provide updated location information based on real-time conditions, allowing the drone to adapt its route and destination dynamically while maintaining relatively simple onboard electronics.
Data Source
AI summary
A server node (240, 340) and method therein for assisting a first wireless communication device (210, 310) and a second wireless communication device (220, 320) to seek each other in a wireless communication network are disclosed. The server node inquires positioning and movement information of the first and second devices and obtains information on a relative position between the first and the second devices. The server node then sends instructions to at least one of the first and second devices based on the information on the relative position.