Positioning Cells Synchronize With Cellular Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current indoor user location techniques using Bluetooth, WiFi, UWB, cameras, or motion sensors suffer from inaccuracies greater than 5 meters, and there is no reliable accurate indoor cellular positioning solution.
Innovation Solution
The use of augmented 3G or 4G cellular Observed Time Difference Of Arrival (OTDOA) positioning with additional positioning cells that automatically learn and synchronize with the cellular network, emitting positioning signals only during synchronization intervals, and communicating through the cellular network or unlicensed spectra to achieve precise user location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If positioning cells emit continuous signals, then positioning accuracy is improved, but interference with cellular network increases
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning cells transmit positioning pilot signals periodically during specific time intervals (e.g., 5ms, 10ms, or 20ms periods) rather than continuously. The transmission occurs during designated time slots when the cellular network does not transmit, creating a periodic pattern that provides sufficient positioning data while minimizing network interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Time resources are pre-configured and divided into network transmission intervals and positioning transmission intervals before actual positioning operations begin. This preliminary allocation ensures that positioning cells know exactly when to transmit without conflicting with cellular network operations, eliminating the need for real-time coordination.
2Area of stationary object
If positioning cells transmit at high power, then signal coverage is improved, but interference with cellular network synchronization signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning cells use periodic transmission during designated time slots with lower power levels, accumulating coverage through repeated transmissions over time rather than relying on high instantaneous power, thus avoiding interference with cellular synchronization signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces time slot allocation as an intermediary mechanism that separates positioning transmissions from cellular network transmissions. By acting as a temporal mediator, it allows both systems to coexist without direct interference, enabling positioning cells to transmit effectively without overwhelming cellular synchronization signals.
3Measurement precision
If more positioning cells are added, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning cells are designed to perform multiple functions: they transmit positioning pilot signals, synchronize with the cellular network automatically, and operate independently without requiring dedicated infrastructure. This multi-functionality allows existing cellular infrastructure to be repurposed for positioning, reducing overall system complexity despite adding multiple positioning cells.
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning cells automatically synchronize with the cellular network and configure themselves without manual intervention or complex centralized control. Each positioning cell independently learns network parameters and adjusts its transmissions accordingly, eliminating the need for complex deployment and management systems even as the number of cells increases.
4Measurement precision
If positioning signals are transmitted during cellular network intervals, then positioning accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning cells transmit signals periodically during specific time slots rather than continuously, allowing the system to accumulate positioning data over multiple cycles while reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial transmission (only during designated time slots) rather than full continuous transmission, providing sufficient positioning accuracy through selective signaling while consuming less power than would be required for continuous operation.
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 approach provides accurate indoor user location with high precision (1-3 meters) by leveraging the always-on and low-power cellular network, while minimizing interference with the cellular network.
Implementation Method 1
Each positioning cell comprising an antenna unit configured for emitting and receiving radio-frequency signals
Implementation Method 2
the positioning cells are configured for emitting respective positioning signals (i.e., positioning pilots) receivable by the communication device
Data Source
AI summary
A system for accurate positioning of a communication devices includes a plurality of positioning cells configured for synchronizing to the cellular network and to each other, and for emitting positioning signals during time intervals proximal to time points at which the cellular network emits synchronization signals. In the manner, the positioning signals reach the communication device when the communication device's antenna is on for listening to a synchronization signal of the cellular network. Processing the times of arrival of the positioning signals by a server in communication with the communication device enables accurate positioning of the communication device.