Network-Centric Location Architecture for Wireless Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks face challenges in achieving accurate location services, particularly in indoor environments, due to limitations in time synchronization accuracy and computational resources, which affect the performance of LTE-based location methods and hybrid positioning technologies, failing to meet the stringent requirements of Location-Based Services (LBS) and Real Time Locating Service (RTLS) systems.
Innovation Solution
A network-centric architecture that employs software-defined radio technologies and digital signal processing to implement partially synchronized receivers and transmitters, allowing for advanced positioning techniques such as joint uplink/downlink positioning, and utilizing cloud-based processing for signal processing and position estimation, thereby reducing the computational burden on user equipment and network elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multilateration/trilateration methods are used for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but time synchronization requirements become more stringent and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a location server as an intermediary entity that centralizes the computational burden of multilateration calculations. The server receives timing measurements from multiple base stations and performs the complex mathematical computations to determine UE position, thereby simplifying the synchronization requirements at individual base stations and user equipment while maintaining high location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex time synchronization and position calculation functions from the distributed base stations and user equipment, concentrating these functions in a centralized location server. This extraction allows base stations to operate with simpler synchronization requirements while the centralized server handles the computationally intensive multilateration calculations.
2Measurement precision
If precise time synchronization is implemented across all network elements, then location accuracy is improved, but system complexity and computational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The location server acts as an intermediary that receives timing measurements from base stations with relatively loose synchronization requirements and performs the precise calculations needed for accurate location determination. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve high location accuracy without requiring all network elements to maintain precise synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the time synchronization and position calculation functions into a centralized location server, combining multiple functions that would otherwise be distributed across the network. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for precise synchronization between multiple distributed elements while maintaining location accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If advanced positioning techniques are used, then location accuracy is improved, but energy consumption at user equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the computationally intensive position calculation functions from user equipment and relocates them to a centralized location server. User equipment only needs to perform simple timing measurements and transmit this data to the server, dramatically reducing energy consumption at the mobile device while maintaining advanced positioning capabilities through techniques like OTDOA and U-TDOA.
Solution Approach 2:
The location server serves as an intermediary that receives raw timing measurements from user equipment and base stations, then performs the computationally intensive calculations to determine position. This intermediary approach allows advanced positioning techniques to be used without burdening user equipment with high energy consumption for complex computations.
4Ease of operation
If LTE-based location methods are used, then location services are provided, but synchronization errors significantly impact location accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the location server receives timing measurements from multiple base stations and uses these measurements to calculate and refine position estimates. The system can identify and compensate for synchronization errors by analyzing measurements from multiple sources and using statistical methods to mitigate the impact of errors, thereby maintaining location accuracy despite LTE synchronization limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite positioning methods that combine multiple location techniques (such as OTDOA, U-TDOA, and hybrid approaches) to compensate for the limitations of individual methods. By using a composite approach that leverages the strengths of different techniques and combines measurements from multiple base stations, the system can overcome synchronization errors and achieve accurate location determination.
Data Source
AI summary
A split architecture is disclosed for determining the location of a wireless device in a heterogeneous wireless communications environment. A detector within the device or another component of the environment receives signals including parameters for a localization signal of the device. The parameters describe known in advance signals within the signals. Additional metadata including each frame start of the signals and assistance data and auxiliary information are also received. The known in advance signals are detected based on the parameters of the localization signal. Samples extracted from the known in advance signals are then processed and compressed and sent with other collect data to a locate server remote from the detector. The location server uses that information as well as similar information about the environment to calculate the location of the device, as well as perform tracking and navigation of the device, and report such results to the environment.