Wireless Location Estimation Using Reference Device Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network systems often inaccurately determine the location of user devices due to factors like multipath radio propagation, processing delay, and chip quantization error when using single base station measurements.
Innovation Solution
The system employs reference devices with known distances to calculate an estimation coefficient, which is then used to compensate for measurement errors and improve the accuracy of user device location estimation by calculating an estimated distance based on the reference devices' actual and measured distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single base station measurements are used to determine user device location, then the system complexity is reduced, but the location determination accuracy deteriorates due to multipath radio propagation, processing delay, and chip quantization error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference devices as intermediary elements with known locations between the base station and user devices. These reference devices serve as mediators to establish a relationship between measured distances and actual distances, enabling the system to compensate for measurement errors without increasing the fundamental single-base-station architecture. The reference devices provide calibration data that acts as a bridge to improve accuracy while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of distance measurement by introducing an estimation coefficient that transforms raw measured distances into corrected distances. This parameter transformation approach allows the system to account for consistent errors in distance measurements by applying a scaling factor derived from reference devices, thereby improving location accuracy without altering the basic measurement methodology or increasing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If reference devices with known distances are introduced to calculate estimation coefficients, then location determination accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the relationship between measured distances and actual distances using reference devices with known locations. The estimation coefficients are calculated in advance based on reference device data, creating a lookup table or calibration set that can be applied to subsequent user device measurements. This preliminary calibration phase separates the complexity of error characterization from the real-time location determination process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by using reference devices with known locations to automatically characterize and correct its own measurement errors. The network autonomously calculates estimation coefficients based on reference device measurements, eliminating the need for external calibration services or manual error correction. This self-calibration mechanism improves accuracy while minimizing the need for additional external infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may be configured to compute an estimated location of a user device based on an estimation coefficient and a measured distance between the user device and a base station. The estimation coefficient may be based on: an actual distance between a reference device and the base station, and a measured distance between the reference device and the base station. The system may store or output the information regarding the estimated location of the device.