Rivada Networks announced a U.S. patent for its position-determination technology, which enables nearby mobile devices to triangulate off of one another, eliminating the need for GPS and network-based location methods.
Rivada's device-based approach relies on a number of inputs, including data from devices' accelerometers, to ascertain relative location and movement. "This peer-to-peer capability frees network resources and will speed the development of an ecosystem of a locally independent 'Internet of things,'" said Rivada CEO Declan Ganley.
"Enhanced location-based information allows accuracy to within 1 meter or less," said Rivada CTO Clint Smith. "This innovation allows for improved tracking of products, vehicles and personnel along with greater accuracy in buildings, tunnels and underground, where current technology is often unreliable."
Rivada said the technology can be used in location-aware social and commercial services, search-and-rescue as well as home-automation and machine-to-machine communications. Another possible application is in self-driving cars.
Despite its push into position-determination technology, Rivada, an Irish vendor, is probably better known for its dynamic spectrum arbitrage (DSA) technology, which it has been touting for use by public-safety agencies. Last month, the firm was awarded a patent for a telecom commodity exchange based upon its DSA technology.
The company said its commodity exchange technology "will allow wireless network operators and other qualified bidders to buy and sell wireless broadband capacity in real time, in units of time and space small enough to meet the needs of network operators and customers alike."
For more:
- see this Rivada release
- see this IWCE's Urgent Communications article
Related articles:
Rivada sets sights on commercial market for its spectrum arbitrage platform
Public-safety-commercial partnerships already in the works