Automated Cell Location and Azimuth Validation Using Timing Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining and validating cell locations and azimuths in communication networks are inefficient, inaccurate, and labor-intensive, particularly with the addition of new cells, leading to errors in E911 dispatch operations and RAN planning.

Innovation Solution

A Cell Attribute Management Component (CAMC) uses timing advance measurement data and location data from communication devices to estimate and validate cell locations and azimuths through machine learning algorithms, including smallTA and linear regression, and validates these using a distance difference validation algorithm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated methods are used for cell location and azimuth determination, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to algorithmic approximations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell determination efficiencyVSAvoidcell location and azimuth accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system validates estimated cell locations and azimuths by comparing them against multiple independent data sources including observed communication devices, E911 records, and RAN planning data. This feedback loop ensures automated determination maintains high precision while improving productivity through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary validation checks on estimated cell attributes before finalizing them, using pre-collected data from multiple sources to verify accuracy. This preliminary action prevents propagation of errors while maintaining automated efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If manual validation methods are used for cell attributes, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to labor-intensive processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell attribute validation accuracyVSAvoidvalidation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-validation by automatically comparing estimated cell attributes against multiple independent data sources without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains high validation accuracy while eliminating time-consuming manual processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical validation processes with automated computational algorithms that compare cell attributes against stored data from multiple sources, maintaining precision while dramatically reducing validation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If multiple data sources are used for validation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple validation algorithms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell information accuracyVSAvoidvalidation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The validation system uses a universal framework that can handle multiple data sources and validation algorithms through a single integrated process. This multi-functional approach improves reliability by incorporating diverse validation methods while managing complexity through unified system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Loss of time

If automated estimation algorithms are used, then loss of time is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to algorithmic errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell determination timeVSAvoidcell location accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary validation of algorithmic estimates against multiple independent data sources before finalizing cell location and azimuth information. This preliminary action catches algorithmic errors early while maintaining the speed benefits of automated estimation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback validation where estimated cell attributes are continuously checked against observed data from communication devices, E911 records, and RAN planning information, correcting algorithmic errors while maintaining rapid automated determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250220392A1Automated cell azimuth estimation and validation

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Locations and azimuths of cells of a communication network can be estimated, determined, and validated. Cell attribute management component (CAMC) can estimate, determine, and/or validate cell locations based on analysis of timing advance (TA) measurement data and/or location data associated with devices associated with base stations associated with cells. CAMC can estimate azimuth of a cell associated with a base station based on analysis of a validated cell location of the cell and location data associated with devices associated with the cell. CAMC can determine whether a recorded azimuth of the cell is validated based on analysis of the estimated azimuth of the cell and the recorded azimuth of the cell. CAMC can tag the recorded azimuth of the cell as validated if applicable azimuth accuracy criteria is met, inaccurate if applicable azimuth criteria is not met, or omni if the cell is an omni cell.