Network-Based Mobile Station Localization Using Path Loss Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile station localization methods require active participation from the mobile station or GPS, which adds complexity and cost, and are limited to outdoor environments due to the need for direct-line-of-sight satellite access.
Innovation Solution
A wireless packet-carrying network system that calculates radial distances between a mobile station and base stations using path loss values and signal strength, allowing for triangulation of the mobile station's position on a grid without requiring macro diversity or active transmission from the mobile station, utilizing path loss models like the COST231-Hata model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS hardware is installed in the mobile station for localization, then positioning capability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the localization function from the mobile station and relocates it to the network side. Instead of equipping the mobile station with GPS hardware, the system uses existing network infrastructure (base stations and network processors) to perform triangulation and calculate the mobile station's position, thereby eliminating the need for additional hardware in the mobile device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network-based intermediaries (base stations and network processors) that mediate the localization process. These intermediaries measure signal parameters and perform calculations to determine the mobile station's position, serving as mediators between the mobile station and the localization function, thereby avoiding direct integration of GPS hardware in the mobile device.
2Measurement precision
If active transmission by the mobile station is required for localization, then positioning accuracy is improved, but operational simplicity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional localization approach by reversing the roles of the mobile station and the network. Instead of the mobile station actively transmitting signals for localization, the network passively receives signals from the mobile station and performs the localization calculations using the received signal parameters, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while simplifying mobile station operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the network to perform self-service localization by automatically measuring signal parameters and calculating positions without requiring active participation from the mobile station. The network uses existing signal measurements and path loss models to compute positioning information, making the mobile station merely a passive signal source rather than an active participant.
3Reliability
If direct-line-of-sight path is required for GPS, then positioning reliability is improved, but environmental adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters used for localization by transitioning from satellite-based GPS to network-based triangulation. Instead of relying on satellite signals that require direct line-of-sight, the system uses radio frequency signal parameters (signal strength, timing information) from multiple base stations, enabling localization in indoor and urban environments where satellite signals are unavailable or unreliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network base stations as intermediaries that facilitate localization in environments where direct satellite access is blocked. These base stations act as mediators that can measure signal parameters from the mobile station and perform triangulation calculations, enabling reliable positioning in indoor, urban, and other environments where GPS direct-line-of-sight is not available.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein may use first and second path loss values L1 and L2 to calculate first and second distances R1 and R2 between the MS and first and second base stations BS1 and BS2, respectively, in a wireless packet-carrying network. L1 and L2 may comprise values of a reduction in signal strength of signals as transmitted by the BS1 and the BS2 and as received by the MS. The MS may triangulate its position relative to a grid using R1 and R2. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.