Cooperative RF pattern matching for precise device location
This technology improves the accuracy of locating mobile devices on a wireless network by combining two types of information: each device's signal characteristics compared against a pre-built map of how signals behave at different locations, plus direct signal measurements between the devices themselves. When two phones are each trying to determine their own location, their individual estimates may each have two plausible candidates. By also measuring the signal between the two phones, the system can cross-check which combination of candidate locations is mutually consistent and discard the wrong ones. The result is a more precise location fix than either device could achieve alone, without requiring GPS or additional hardware.
What you could build
A software layer for cellular network operators or enterprise wireless infrastructure vendors that improves device location accuracy for emergency services (E911), indoor navigation, or asset tracking—sold to network operators, public safety software vendors, or large venue operators managing IoT fleets.
Who in Virginia should care
Northern Virginia's dense concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors (Leidos, SAIC, Booz Allen), and data center operators creates demand for precise indoor and campus-level device tracking for security and logistics applications.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Scot Douglas Gordon, Sayed Reza Monir Vaghefi, R. Michael Buehrer
- Granted
- March 14, 2017
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 9596571
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.