A data fusion architecture for enhanced position estimation in wireless networks

The problem of position determination of a mobile user in a wireless networ k has been studied extensively in recent years-particularly in the context of military operations and emergency 911 service in cellular networks. The Global Positioning System (GPS) and network-based angle of arrival (AOA), t ime difference of arrival (TDOA), and time of arrival (TOA) techniques offe r solutions to the position estimation problem. However, each method has li mitations that prevent its adoption as a universal solution. Data fusion is a collection of methods and techniques for merging disparate types of info rmation. In this letter we present a data fusion model for the enhanced acc uracy of position estimates within wireless networks. We illustrate our mod el with several examples and conclude with recommendations for future resea rch directions.