UAV-Mounted eNB for User Localization in Cellular Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user localization techniques in cellular networks face challenges in achieving high accuracy, especially in dense urban areas and emergency situations, due to varying wireless channel conditions and reliance on non-3GPP equipment which may not be present or provide unreasonable results.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a UAV-mounted lightweight eNB with a satellite-localization system and machine-learning techniques to determine user device locations by measuring RSSI and RTT at multiple points, allowing for continuous connectivity and accurate positioning without relying on additional base stations or on-board GPS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple base stations are used for localization, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the localization function into two parts: the UAV-mounted eNB performs signal measurement and collects localization data, while a separate network entity (location server) performs the actual position calculation. This segmentation allows the measurement process to be distributed while keeping the computational complexity centralized, resolving the contradiction between needing multiple measurement points and avoiding system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary location server that acts as a mediator between the UAV-mounted eNB and the network core. This intermediary handles the complex trilateration calculations and coordinate transformations, allowing the UAV to simply perform measurements without needing to implement complex localization algorithms, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional cellular networks are deployed in emergency areas, then coverage is improved, but deployment time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional static base station into a dynamic mobile platform by mounting the eNB on a UAV. This allows the base station to be rapidly deployed to emergency areas by flying the UAV directly to the target location, eliminating the need for physical infrastructure construction. The dynamic nature of the UAV enables quick repositioning and adaptability to changing emergency situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the base station from the ground plane to the three-dimensional air space, allowing coverage of areas that are difficult or impossible to reach with ground-based infrastructure. This dimensional change enables deployment in remote, disaster-struck, or otherwise inaccessible regions by utilizing the vertical dimension and mobility of aerial platforms.
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 highly accurate and reliable user positioning in complex environments and emergency scenarios, ensuring efficient localization with minimal delays and battery consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a satellite-localization system configured to ascertain a geographic location of the UAV
Implementation Method 2
determine a round trip time of a data packet sent to the user device and a receipt acknowledgement of the data packet
Implementation Method 3
determine a location of the user device based on the information pertaining to the user device retrieved at each of the plurality of different points in time and on the geographic location of the UAV at each of the plurality of different points in time
Data Source
AI summary
A system for localizing user devices includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV includes a transceiver configured to establish a communicative connection with a user device, and retrieve information pertaining to the user device at each of a plurality of different points in time. The UAV further includes a satellite-localization system configured to ascertain a geographic location of the UAV at each of the plurality of different points in time, and a processor. The processor is configured to, based on the information pertaining to the user device retrieved at each of the plurality of different points in time and on the geographic location of the UAV at each of the plurality of different points in time, determine a location of the user device.