# Using Millimeter Waves to Map Your Surroundings for Better Location > This patent describes a way for a mobile device to use millimeter wave signals to understand its environment and pinpoint its location by analyzing how those signals bounce off surfaces. - **Patent:** US 20230213647 - **Original title:** System, method and computer-accessible medium for real time imaging using a portable device - **Owner:** New York University NYU - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 2 - **Field:** telecommunications, consumer_electronics, software, semiconductors ## What it does This invention uses millimeter wave (mmWave) radio frequency signals to create a map and determine a device's location. A transmitting device sends out these signals, which then bounce off surfaces like walls or furniture, creating 'multipath components.' The device receives these bounced signals and analyzes information from them, such as the angle they arrived (AoA) or when they arrived (time of arrival). Using this data, along with a stored map, a ray tracing process calculates the device's precise location. It can then generate images or video of the surroundings, potentially showing other objects in the environment. For example, a phone could use this to show a user exactly where they are in a large building or to highlight obstacles. ## What it does NOT cover - Methods that do not use millimeter wave (mmWave) radio frequency signals. - Systems that do not analyze multipath components of the RF signal. - Methods that do not determine at least two pieces of information like AoA, AoD, time of arrival, RTA, or phase. - Techniques that do not use a stored 2D or 3D map of the environment. - Processes that do not employ a ray tracing calculation to determine location. ## The clever bit The innovation lies in combining mmWave signal analysis with existing map data and ray tracing. This allows for precise localization by understanding how the signals interact with the physical environment, rather than relying solely on satellite signals which fail indoors. ## Real-world examples 1. Advanced indoor navigation systems 2. Augmented reality applications requiring precise spatial awareness 3. Robotics and autonomous systems needing environmental mapping 4. Smartphones with enhanced location services ## Why it matters Accurate indoor positioning is a long-standing challenge. This technology offers a potential solution by leveraging readily available millimeter wave frequencies, which are key to modern high-speed wireless communication like 5G. It could enable new location-aware applications and improve existing ones that struggle with GPS indoors. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Using Millimeter Waves to Map Your Surroundings for Better Location cover? This patent describes a way for a mobile device to use millimeter wave signals to understand its environment and pinpoint its location by analyzing how those signals bounce off surfaces. ### Who owns patent US 20230213647? This patent is owned by New York University NYU. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on March 10, 2043, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What is patent US 20230213647 cited by? This patent has been cited by 2 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? Accurate indoor positioning is a long-standing challenge. This technology offers a potential solution by leveraging readily available millimeter wave frequencies, which are key to modern high-speed wireless communication like 5G. It could enable new location-aware applications and improve existing ones that struggle with GPS indoors. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Methods that do not use millimeter wave (mmWave) radio frequency signals. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20230213647/system-method-and-computer-accessible-medium-for-real-time-imaging-using-a-porta **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230213647 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [Modeling Wireless Channels for Future 6G Networks](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12451984/6g-pervasive-channel-modeling-method-suitable-for-all-frequency-bands-and-all-sc) — This patent describes a method for creating detailed mathematical models of how wireless signals travel in future 6G networks, covering all types of frequencies and environments. - [Smart Access Control Using Phone Location and Bluetooth](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12739636/physical-access-control-systems-with-localization-based-intent-detection) — This patent describes a system that uses a mobile phone's Bluetooth signal for authentication and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology for precise location to figure out if a user intends to open a secured door or asset, then performs an action like unlocking it. - [How Phones and Base Stations Talk Using Twisting Radio Waves](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11974263/method-of-using-orbital-angular-momentum-in-a-wireless-communication-system-and-) — LG's patent describes a method for a mobile device to tell a base station which specific "twisting" radio wave patterns it can best receive, helping improve wireless communication. - [How to Tune Multi-Antenna Systems for Better Wireless Signals](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11115136/method-for-calibrating-an-array-antenna-in-a-wireless-communication-system-and-a) — This patent describes a step-by-step method for fine-tuning the many small antennas in an array to make sure they work together perfectly, improving signal quality in wireless communication systems. - [How 5G Networks Intelligently Switch Your Phone's Connection Beams](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12231284/network-architecture-methods-and-devices-for-a-wireless-communications-network) — This patent describes how a 5G network efficiently manages and switches the directional radio signals (beams) your phone uses, especially when needing to look beyond its current cell tower.