Fixed-Location Radio Device Geo-Location Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fixed-location radio devices face challenges in accurately and reliably determining their geo-location, especially when deployed in environments with poor GPS triangulation, leading to potential interference issues due to inaccurate spectrum allocation, as they often lack self-determining location capabilities due to infrequent movement and high costs associated with their use.

Innovation Solution

A system and method where a separate electronic device with location-determining capabilities is brought into close proximity to the fixed-location radio device to obtain and verify its location data, using techniques such as short-range communication links, time-stamped location determinations, and unique keys to ensure accuracy and authenticity of the location data, which is then used for configuring the radio device and monitoring potential location changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS receiver or self-determining location capability is integrated into the radio device, then location determination accuracy is improved, but device cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation determination accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The location determination function is extracted from the fixed-location radio device and performed by a separate portable electronic device. The portable device determines its own location using GPS or other location services, then transfers this location information to the fixed radio device through short-range communication. This extraction eliminates the need for the fixed radio device to have integrated GPS hardware, reducing its complexity and cost while still achieving accurate location determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A portable electronic device serves as an intermediary between the location determination system and the fixed radio device. The portable device acts as a temporary location determination tool that interfaces with the fixed device during configuration, transferring location data without being permanently integrated into the fixed device's architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If GPS triangulation is used for location determination, then location data can be obtained, but accuracy deteriorates in indoor or poor signal environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation data acquisitionVSAvoidlocation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The portable electronic device uses its own built-in location determination capabilities (GPS, cellular triangulation, Wi-Fi positioning) to determine its location, then transfers this self-determined location to the fixed radio device. This self-service approach allows the portable device to leverage its optimized location hardware and algorithms, achieving better accuracy than forcing GPS into the fixed device would provide, especially in environments where the portable device's location services are more effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If location data is measured and transferred to remote server, then spectrum management is enabled, but reliability and accuracy of location verification deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum management efficiencyVSAvoidlocation verification reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The location determination is performed in advance during the device configuration phase, before the fixed radio device begins operation. The portable device determines its location and transfers this pre-determined location information to the fixed device, which then uses this location for spectrum management registrations. This preliminary action ensures that the location data is captured at the appropriate time and reduces reliance on continuous location verification, improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces reliance on continuous GPS signal reception and server-based location verification with a one-time location determination followed by cryptographic verification. The fixed radio device stores the location information locally and uses unique keys to verify location authenticity, substituting the mechanical GPS signal reception system with a cryptographic verification system that is more reliable in various environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If fixed-location radio devices are configured with location data during initial setup, then spectrum allocation is enabled, but interference protection deteriorates if location changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidinterference risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements location verification mechanisms where the fixed radio device's location information is periodically verified against the registered location with the spectrum management server. If the device has moved to a different location, the system detects this through feedback mechanisms and can trigger reconfiguration or alert the user. This feedback loop maintains interference protection by ensuring the device operates only at its registered location while preserving the simplicity of initial configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2926540B1System and method for determining and verifying geo-location of a radio device
Publication Date: 2017.10.11 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2926540B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2926540B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2926540B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

To determine precise geographical location of a fixed-location radio device, the fixed-location radio device may enter a configuration mode and receive location data from a separate electronic device that is within close proximity to the fixed-location radio device. The location of the electronic device is used as a proxy for the location of the fixed-location radio device. The location of a radio device may be verified using spectrum sensing measurement.