Wireless Signal Source Locator Using Distributed Sensor Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating wireless signal sources, such as radio frequency signals, are limited in accuracy and scope, particularly in identifying sources outside of cellular networks and require expensive infrastructure like cellular base stations.
Innovation Solution
A distributed sensor network synchronized to a common synchronization source, comprising low-cost wireless sensor devices that passively detect signals and use synchronization signals from sources like cellular base stations or GNSS to determine the location of RF signal sources, including mobile devices and other sources, through time-of-arrival measurements and data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive infrastructure like cellular base stations is used to locate wireless signal sources, then location accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive cellular base stations with inexpensive wireless sensor devices that can be deployed in large numbers. These low-cost sensors perform location measurements using passive signal detection and time-of-arrival measurements, achieving accurate source localization without requiring costly infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a distributed network of sensor devices that replicate the location measurement function previously performed by centralized base stations. Multiple copies of simple sensors replace a single complex base station, enabling cost-effective wireless location services through parallel measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If cellular base stations are used for signal source location, then location capability is provided, but adaptability to different wireless communication standards is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless sensor devices are designed with universal detection capabilities that can identify and measure signals from multiple wireless communication standards including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks. This multi-functional design allows the same sensor platform to locate sources across different communication protocols without requiring standard-specific infrastructure.
3Ease of manufacture
If a distributed sensor network is used instead of cellular base stations, then cost-effectiveness and adaptability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor devices into a coordinated network that shares measurement data and computational resources. By merging individual sensor capabilities with centralized data processing, the system achieves accurate location determination while managing complexity through collaborative operation rather than isolated complex devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server or centralized processing unit that acts as an intermediary between distributed sensors and the location determination function. This mediator receives raw measurements from simple sensors, performs complex calculations for source localization, and returns results, thereby shielding individual sensors from complexity while enabling sophisticated location capabilities.
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 high accuracy and cost-effectiveness in locating wireless signal sources, enabling comprehensive analysis of wireless spectrum usage and improving resource management, with the ability to monitor a wide range of wireless communication standards and detect sources not part of the cellular network.
Implementation Method 1
Each sensor device in the group is configured to detect the target signal transmitted by the target signal source and measure a time of arrival of the target signal
Data Source
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AI summary
In some aspects, a wireless-signal source locator system includes wireless sensor devices distributed at distinct locations over a geographic region. The wireless sensor devices are configured to passively monitor wireless communication network signals in the geographic region. Each wireless sensor device is configured to receive a source signal wirelessly transmitted by a source (e.g., a mobile device, etc.) and a reference signal (e.g., from a synchronization source). The wireless sensor devices can generate arrival-time data based on the source signal and the reference signal. The wireless-signal source locator system further includes a data analysis system configured to receive the arrival-time data from the wireless sensor devices and to identify a location of the source based on analyzing the arrival-time data generated by three or more of the wireless sensor devices.