Wireless Device Location via Phase Difference Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the location of a wireless transmitter in wireless communication systems face challenges in accuracy and reliability, particularly in environments where stable reference signals are difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using phase differences of waveforms exchanged between a first wireless device and a second wireless device to determine the location of the wireless transmitter. This approach utilizes a plurality of receive elements distributed in two or three dimensional orientations, eliminating the need for a stable reference signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RSSI based methods or time of arrival methods are used to determine location, then location determination can be implemented, but accuracy and reliability deteriorate in environments where stable reference signals are difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from signal strength (RSSI) or time of arrival to phase difference of waveforms. Phase difference is a more stable parameter that can be reliably measured even when reference signals are unstable, thereby improving both reliability and accuracy of location determination in challenging environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional wireless location determination methods (RSSI, time of arrival) with a waveform-based phase difference approach. This substitution enables more accurate and reliable location determination by utilizing the phase characteristics of exchanged waveforms between devices rather than relying on signal strength or timing measurements that are sensitive to environmental conditions
2Measurement precision
If phase differences of exchanged waveforms are used to determine location, then accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring multiple receive elements in two or three dimensional orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional location determination to three-dimensional location determination by adding vertical spacing between receive elements. This dimensional extension enables accurate 3D positioning while maintaining the phase difference measurement approach, resolving the contradiction between accuracy improvement and device complexity through spatial configuration
3Measurement precision
If stable reference signals are used for location determination, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates in environments where stable reference signals are difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables devices to determine location autonomously by having each device determine the phase difference of waveforms exchanged with other devices. This self-service approach eliminates dependence on stable reference signals from external sources, improving environmental adaptability while maintaining measurement accuracy through mutual phase difference measurements between devices
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 method provides accurate location determination of a wireless transmitter by comparing measured phase differences with expected phase differences for each geographic region, enhancing the reliability of location-based services.
Implementation Method 1
determine a first location of a first wireless device with respect to a second wireless device based on at least a phase difference of a signal, the signal exchanged between the two wireless devices
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosed embodiments estimate a location of a first wireless device based on signals received from the wireless device from two other wireless devices (3000). To combine estimates of the two wireless devices, the two wireless devices share a definition of a plurality of geographic regions. A first set of expected phase differences for the plurality of regions are determined for a first of the two wireless devices, and a second set of expected phase differences for the plurality of regions are determined for a second of the two wireless devices. Based on these two sets of expected phase differences, each of the two devices estimate a position of the first wireless device.