Cellular Tower Location Estimation via Bounding Circles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining cellular tower locations are laborious and costly, making it difficult to accurately estimate locations for non-GPS enabled devices or when GPS signal reception is poor.
Innovation Solution
A method that collects and analyzes cellular identification numbers at various geographic locations to calculate minimum bounding circles, determining if the tower is omni-directional or multi-sector, and using this information to estimate the cellular tower location, either at the center of the circle or where intersecting lines form equal angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surveying methods are used to determine cellular tower locations, then location accuracy is improved, but cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model of cellular tower locations by collecting and analyzing mobile device location data and corresponding cellular tower identification data. Instead of physically surveying each tower location, the system copies spatial information from numerous mobile device reports to reconstruct tower positions, achieving accurate location determination without time-consuming field surveys
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surveying methods with an automated computational system. Mobile devices automatically report their locations and detected cellular tower IDs, and a server systematically processes this data using algorithms to determine tower locations, eliminating the need for manual surveying equipment and human field work
2Measurement precision
If traditional surveying methods are used to determine cellular tower locations, then location accuracy is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system copies location and identification data from existing mobile devices already in use throughout the service area. By repurposing data from routine mobile device operations, the system avoids the expensive costs of deploying specialized surveying equipment and personnel, achieving accurate tower location determination at minimal cost
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile devices in the network independently perform the data collection function by automatically reporting their locations and detected cellular tower IDs. The system leverages the mobile devices' own capabilities (GPS, cellular radio, processors) to gather the necessary data, eliminating the need for external surveying services and reducing costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If cellular tower location data is not available, then GPS functionality works independently, but location estimation for non-GPS devices and poor GPS conditions is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal location determination system that serves multiple functions: it provides location estimation for non-GPS devices, improves GPS fix time for GPS-enabled devices, and works in areas with poor GPS signal reception. By building a database of cellular tower locations, the system becomes a multi-functional location service that adapts to various device types and signal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cellular tower locations as an intermediary reference framework for location determination. Instead of relying directly on GPS satellites or device-specific sensors, the system uses the known positions of cellular towers as intermediate reference points to triangulate and estimate device locations, providing a reliable fallback when direct GPS measurement is unavailable or unreliable
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for collecting and analyzing cellular identification (ID) numbers at various geographic locations to estimate cellular tower locations. The method may include collecting cellular ID numbers obtained by collection mobile devices at a plurality of geographic locations then calculating minimum bounding circles encompassing a set of geographic location points with the same cellular identification numbers. If the cellular ID number of a set of location points indicates that the cellular tower is omni-directional, a center of the minimum bounding circle is an estimated cellular tower location. If the cellular ID number indicates that the cellular tower is multi-sector, the apparatus may calculate the estimated cellular tower location as the location at which lines that extend from the centers of a plurality of related minimum bounding circles intersect with each other to form equal angles.