Cell Table Data Mining for Mobile Device Location Assistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radio communication systems, particularly cellular networks, face challenges in accurately determining the location of mobile devices, especially in emergency situations, due to limited precision and high computational demands of GPS processing, which can deplete battery life and fail to meet stringent FCC requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize cell table data mining to determine a reference location for mobile devices by comparing location information with mobile country code, mobile network code, and Area-Identification, providing assistance data to help the device acquire satellite signals more efficiently, thereby reducing power consumption and improving location determination accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS processing is used to determine mobile device location, then location accuracy is improved, but battery life is depleted and computational demand increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing cell table data to create a database of cell locations, areas, and satellite visibility information before actual location determination is needed. This pre-computed data structure allows the mobile device to quickly query and retrieve relevant satellite information without performing complex real-time calculations, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining location accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using cell tower location data and network-based area information as a mediator between the mobile device and direct GPS satellite signals. This intermediary layer provides assistance data that guides the device in selecting appropriate satellites, reducing the computational burden and energy consumption associated with processing all possible satellite signals simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If GPS processing is used to determine mobile device location, then location accuracy is improved, but computational demand increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidcomputational demand
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the complex GPS processing task into smaller, more manageable components by dividing the satellite signal acquisition process into distinct phases: (1) querying pre-computed cell area data, (2) filtering satellites based on pre-determined visibility criteria, and (3) acquiring only the necessary satellite signals. This segmentation reduces computational demand while maintaining location accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing cell area boundaries, center points, and associated satellite visibility information in a database structure optimized for quick retrieval. This pre-processing eliminates the need for complex real-time geometric calculations, significantly reducing the computational burden on the mobile device during actual location determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If cell table data mining is used to determine reference location, then unnecessary satellite searches are minimized, but location determination accuracy must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of satellite signal acquisitionVSAvoidlocation determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by tailoring the satellite selection process to the specific local area where the mobile device is located. By querying cell table data for the device's specific cell area, the system identifies and prioritizes satellites that are most relevant to that local region, improving acquisition efficiency while maintaining accuracy through locally optimized satellite selection rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the mobile device's location and updating the cell table database with new area definitions and satellite visibility information. This feedback loop allows the system to refine its satellite selection algorithms over time, improving both efficiency and accuracy as the database accumulates more localized data about cell areas and their corresponding satellite geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8467805B2System and method for determining a reference location using cell table data mining
Publication Date: 2013.06.18 TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS INC
  • US8467805B2 patent drawing
  • US8467805B2 patent drawing
  • US8467805B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for providing assistance data to a wireless device. A location request may be received for the wireless device, the location request identifying location information for the wireless device. A reference location for the wireless device may then be determined as a function of a comparison of the location information and a region determined as a function of at least one of a mobile country code (“MCC”), mobile network code (“MNC”), and an Area-Identification (“Area-ID”), such as a location area code (“LAC”) or a Radio Network Controller-Identification (“RNC-ID”). Assistance data may be provided to the wireless device as a function of the determined reference location.