Apparatus and method for localization

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This invention relates to an apparatus and method for accurately localizing a target device (such as a mobile phone) using radio signals. The system works by triggering the target device to transmit a signal that changes frequency according to a specific hopping scheme (like frequency hopping in GSM or Bluetooth devices). Multiple synchronized receivers collect these signals and analyze the time difference of arrival (TDOA) and frequency data using advanced correlation and phase analysis techniques to pinpoint the location of the device, even in complex environments.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Locating mobile phones, radios, or other wireless devices in emergency or rescue scenarios (such as finding missing persons or disaster victims).
• Providing precise location-based services in large venues or campuses (e.g., hospitals, airports).
• Supporting law enforcement or security services in tracking unauthorized or lost devices.
• Enhancing network-based location services for telecommunication carriers.
• Industrial applications for tracking assets with embedded communication modules.
• Smart building systems for occupant or asset localization.
• Supporting next-generation wireless communication standards needing accurate device localization.

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• Provides high-precision localization by leveraging wideband signal analysis from frequency-hopping transmissions.
• Works with many existing radio standards (GSM, Bluetooth, ZigBee, TETRA, and more) without needing changes to the target device.
• Can differentiate between multiple devices and minimize interference from non-target signals.
• Operates even when the target device and receivers are not perfectly synchronized via advanced signal processing and signal identification techniques.
• Adaptable for use with both narrowband and wideband receivers, enabling deployment in diverse hardware configurations.
• Advantages for rescue and security operations by quickly narrowing down the search area for people or devices.
• Supports simultaneous location of multiple devices by uniquely identifying their frequency and timing schemes.

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Patent Abstract

A localization apparatus (300) is described that is adapted to trigger a target device (101) to send a signal according to a hopping scheme, to identify the individual target device and to calculate a time difference of arrival for localizing the target device.