Cooperative Position Location Using Mixed Signals of Opportunity

We propose to continue our Phase I efforts by demonstrating the cooperative position location using mixed signals of opportunity in Phase II. Mixed signals of opportunity include broadcast signals (e.g., AM/FM radio and digital television) and communication signals (e.g., cellular network and wireless local area network). It is likely that a single type of signals could not provide sufficient sources of good geometry and quality for reliable positioning. Yet a mixture of different types, at an increased hardware and software complexity, complements each other with different frequencies, bandwidths, and propagation paths. This is also valuable in combating multipath and in particular non line of sight (NLOS) propagation. Further, the integration with displacement sensors and analytic procedures will ensure a joint solution even when only a limited number of sources is available. In Phase II, the demonstration will be carried out by building a super RF front-end and data acquisition systems that can selectively acquire mixed signals, implementing computational algorithms, conducting field tests, and processing field test data for analysis and evaluation. The Phase II deliverable will include validated software tools that can also serve as “marketable” products to pursue after Phase II. We will contact third parties for demo as initial steps toward technology transition. BENEFIT: The proposed cooperative positioning algorithms, when used in conjunction with tactical radio network, are very appealing to the military as they have the potential to improve battlespace awareness and surveillance for timely decision making and multiple platform coordination and information integration. An important civilian application is for firefighters/first responders in search and rescue and similar missions in which fast locating of people in need can critically reduce or prevent the loss of life and/or damage to property. It can also be applied to homeland security and law enforcement in which the need for operating within buildings can benefit greatly from this device. As a positioning and navigation device, it can be applied in portable and transportation systems to supplement other navigation means for location-based services and in infotainment.