Central Processing Node Location Estimation in Shared Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for determining the location of a wireless device in cellular communications networks, such as GPS, are ineffective in indoor and shared cell environments due to limitations in signal availability and accuracy, particularly in small-cell settings where conventional methods like OTDOA and UTDOA struggle with weak signals and triangulation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize signal strength measurements from multiple Reception/Transmission points in a shared cell to estimate the location of a wireless device by identifying the points with the best signal strength and correlating them with known locations, using power meters to measure signal strength across time and frequency resources, and scheduling uplink transmissions to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used for location determination, then location accuracy is improved in outdoor environments, but it becomes ineffective in indoor and small-cell environments due to signal unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces signal strength measurements from multiple R/T points as an intermediary method to determine UE location when GPS is unavailable. Instead of relying directly on GPS satellites, the system uses intermediate measurements of uplink signal strengths at different reception points to triangulate the UE position, effectively mediating between the need for location data and the unavailability of direct GPS signals in indoor environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from GPS satellite signal reception to cellular uplink signal strength measurement. By measuring the strength of uplink signals received at multiple R/T points and comparing these signal strength parameters, the system can determine UE location without requiring GPS signals, thus adapting to indoor environments where GPS is blocked
2Ease of operation
If conventional location technologies like OTDOA and UTDOA are used, then location determination is possible in cellular networks, but accuracy deteriorates in small-cell indoor environments due to weak signals and triangulation limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by having multiple R/T points measure and report signal strength to a central processing node, rather than having the UE measure downlink signals from multiple base stations. This inversion allows the network to actively collect measurement data from multiple points and compute location, overcoming the weak signal and triangulation limitations that plague conventional methods in small-cell environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of multiple reception points with known locations to the location determination process. By collecting signal strength measurements from multiple R/T points distributed throughout the cell and using their known geographic positions, the system creates a multi-dimensional measurement space that enables accurate triangulation and location estimation even in challenging small-cell indoor environments
3Measurement precision
If signal strength measurements are made at multiple R/T points, then location accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases due to coordination and interference management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the central processing node schedule and coordinate the measurements in advance. The node determines which R/T points should perform measurements and when, preparing the measurement campaign before it begins. This preliminary coordination reduces interference and simplifies the actual measurement process, as R/T points already know their measurement timing and targets before signals are transmitted
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where R/T points report their signal strength measurements back to the central processing node, which then uses this feedback to refine location estimates. The central node processes the feedback from multiple R/T points, manages interference based on reported signal conditions, and adjusts subsequent measurements if needed, creating a closed-loop system that manages complexity through intelligent feedback processing
Data Source
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AI summary
Method, apparatuses and system for determining a location of a wireless device (18) are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of operation of a central processing node (16) for a shared cell (12) of a cellular communications network (10) includes obtaining signal strength measurements for a signal received from a wireless device (18) at multiple Reception/Transmission (R/T) points (14) in the shared cell (12). The signal strength measurements are simultaneous signal strength measurements made on signal discrimination space resources in an uplink of the shared cell (12). Further, the signal discrimination space resources are matched to capabilities of power meters (22) utilized to generate the signal strength measurements. The method further includes identifying one or more of the R/T points (14) having the best signal strength measurements and estimating a location of the wireless device (18) based on known locations of the identified R/T point(s) (14).