A scattering model based approach to NLOS mitigation in TOA location systems

We present a novel approach for reducing the effect of non-line-of-sight (NLOS) error that inhibits accurate location of wireless mobile stations (MSs). The location algorithm is developed based on the distribution of times of arrival (TOAs) generated from multipath scattering models that have been published in the literature. By matching the statistics of the measured TOAs of several multipath arrivals with those produced by the scattering models, estimates of the line-of-sight (LOS) TOAs between each base station (BS) and the MS are obtained. The LOS TOAs can then be used in any traditional TOA location algorithm. The algorithm shows a significant improvement in location accuracy for a TOA system in NLOS environment.