Integrated Wireless Location System Using SDR and Multi-Network Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless location determination methods, particularly in urban environments or indoors, face limitations due to reliance on GPS signals and inefficiencies in software-only solutions that combine Wi-Fi, WiMAX, GSM, and CDMA methods, leading to inaccurate and time-consuming location fixes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that integrates satellite-based GPS with non-satellite wireless network location determination methods like Wi-Fi, WiMAX, GSM, and CDMA, using a hardware-based approach with Software Defined Radio (SDR) to passively listen to multiple wireless network messages, combine location measurements, and validate positions using natural and man-made structure databases for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS location determination is used, then location accuracy is improved, but location determination becomes impossible or impeded in indoor or dense urban environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS satellite-based location determination with Wi-Fi and cellular network-based location determination methods into a unified system. The GPS processor and Wi-Fi processor each determine locations independently, and their results are integrated to provide reliable location determination across all environments including indoor and dense urban areas where GPS alone fails
2Reliability
If software-only positioning solutions are used to augment GPS, then location determination is provided in GPS-denied environments, but processing time increases significantly due to sequential operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic architecture where the GPS processor and Wi-Fi processor operate in parallel rather than sequentially. The system dynamically selects and executes multiple location determination methods simultaneously, with results being integrated in real-time, thereby significantly reducing processing time compared to software-only sequential solutions
3Measurement precision
If multiple wireless network location determination methods are integrated, then location determination accuracy and reliability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination system into distinct functional modules: a GPS processor dedicated to satellite-based location determination, a Wi-Fi processor dedicated to Wi-Fi network-based location determination, and a location integrator that combines their results. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in its function while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing complexity through clear separation of concerns
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems are presented for integrated wireless device location determination. A method for determining location on a wireless device (12) includes receiving a request for wireless device location and receiving a plurality of wireless network messages (24). Each message is transmitted from a wireless network edge device associated with one of a plurality of wireless networks (26, 28). Further included is obtaining location measurement information from the received wireless network messages and obtaining location determining assistance information for each of the wireless networks associated with the received wireless network messages. The method further includes determining more than one wireless device location based on the location measurement information and the location determining assistance information, determining an integrated wireless device location based on the more than one wireless device location, validating and storing the integrated wireless device location. A method for determining wireless device location at a network device is also provided.