In-Building Location via Perimeter GPS Relay Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GPS receivers face challenges in determining location within buildings due to limited link margin and interference from building materials, leading to insufficient signal reception and accuracy issues with current in-building location techniques.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a processing module and radio section that shares location information via a wireless network among devices, allowing deep-in-building devices to determine their location using GPS signals from perimeter devices and synchronizing clocks for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS receiver is placed inside a building, then location determination should be available, but signal reception becomes insufficient due to building penetration path losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces perimeter devices as intermediary elements that receive GPS signals outside the building and relay location information to interior devices through a communication network. This mediator approach allows interior devices to determine their location without directly receiving weak GPS signals through building materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct three-dimensional GPS signal reception to a two-dimensional network-based location sharing approach. Devices communicate location data through a communication network infrastructure rather than relying solely on direct line-of-sight GPS signals, effectively using the network dimension to overcome physical barriers.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated TDOA systems are deployed for in-building location, then location accuracy improves, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing multi-functional communication devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) serve the additional function of location determination. By utilizing the existing communication infrastructure and devices for both communication and location purposes, the system avoids the need for dedicated specialized equipment, thereby reducing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables standard communication devices to determine their own location by receiving and processing location information from other devices in the network. Each device serves itself for location determination using readily available communication capabilities, eliminating the need for specialized location-determining equipment.
3Area of stationary object
If GPS signals are transmitted from satellites, then global location coverage is achieved, but signal strength is insufficient for in-building reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS signal reception capability with local location information sharing among devices. By merging the global coverage advantage of GPS with the local precision of device-to-device communication, the system maintains wide coverage while compensating for signal strength loss through collaborative location determination.
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
Enables accurate in-building location determination even without direct GPS signal reception, improving location accuracy and reducing the need for expensive specialized equipment by leveraging a network of devices for shared location data.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless signals are transmitted utilizes a frequency of 1.57542 GHz
Implementation Method 2
it determines it location by calculating transit times for each of the received signals (e.g., the time difference between the timestamp and when the signal is received)
Implementation Method 3
shares location information via a wireless network among devices
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a processing module and a radio section. The processing module obtains location information regarding the device and converts it into a location signal. The radio section converts the location signal into a location wireless signal and transmits it within a local coverage area. A handheld device may use the location wireless signal to determine its location within a building.