Wireless Mobile Device Group Positioning via Neighbor Information Lists
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods fail to effectively locate a target wireless mobile device when it is out of sight due to obstacles or limited signaling coverage, as the locator device cannot directly receive the wireless signals from the target device.
Innovation Solution
A group of wireless mobile devices act as beacon devices, advertising wireless signals and sharing positioning information through neighbor information lists (NILs), allowing a locator device to indirectly determine the position of an out-of-sight target device by receiving and broadcasting location data messages containing identity and positioning information of neighboring devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a locator device directly receives wireless signals from a target wireless mobile device, then positioning information can be immediately acquired, but the target device must be in line-of-sight visibility which is not always possible in complex environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary wireless mobile devices (relay nodes) that act as mediators between the locator device and the target device. These intermediaries receive signals from the target device and forward positioning information to the locator device, enabling indirect positioning when direct line-of-sight is blocked by obstacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct two-point communication (locator-target) to a multi-point dimensional network (locator-intermediate-target). By establishing positioning information through multiple intermediate devices, the system creates a dimensional pathway around obstacles to achieve the target's position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless mobile devices share positioning information through neighbor information lists, then out-of-sight target devices can be located, but the system complexity increases due to multiple devices and information sharing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes all wireless mobile devices in the area serve multiple functions: they act as both beacon devices advertising their own location and as relay nodes forwarding positioning information. This universal role reduces the need for specialized infrastructure while enabling comprehensive positioning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the beacon signaling function and the relay positioning function into a single integrated system. Wireless mobile devices simultaneously perform self-identification through beacon signals and information relaying through neighbor information lists, combining multiple functions into one unified approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless mobile device in a group of wireless mobile devices, configured for wireless communication with a locator device and one or more neighbor wireless mobile devices in the group, configured to obtain a neighbor information list comprising positioning information relative to the neighbor wireless mobile devices, and broadcast a location data message comprising an identity of the wireless mobile device, the neighbor information list and a message authentication code. A locator device, configured for wireless communication with a group of wireless mobile devices and for locating a target wireless mobile device in the group, configured to determine that the target wireless mobile device is not in wireless communication with the locator device, and search for the target wireless mobile device based on the neighbor information lists in the location data messages received from the wireless mobile devices in the group until positioning information of the target wireless mobile device is found.