Coverage Hole Detection via Access Point Coordinates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current GPS-based position detection methods are ineffective in coverage holes, such as indoors or tunnels, where GPS signals are unavailable, leading to unreliable position information and the need for additional technologies like WiFi or GPS for position management.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize access point (AP) coordinates and signal status to detect coverage holes in wireless networks, employing the Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) to determine subscriber user equipment (UE) location and manage coverage hole information through a coverage hole management server (CHMS), without relying on GPS information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS-based position detection is used, then position information can be obtained in open areas, but position detection becomes unreliable in coverage holes where GPS signals are unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidposition information reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces access points (APs) as intermediary objects to detect coverage holes. Instead of directly using GPS signals, the system uses AP signal status and coordinates as intermediate indicators to infer coverage hole locations, thereby maintaining reliability in areas where GPS is unavailable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the GPS-based position detection system with an AP-based detection system. By substituting the GPS satellite signal mechanism with local AP signal measurement, the system achieves reliable coverage hole detection in indoor and tunnel environments where GPS signals cannot penetrate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If additional position detection technologies like WiFi or GPS are required for coverage holes, then position information can be obtained, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition information availabilityVSAvoidposition detection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes access points serve multiple functions: they provide wireless network access and simultaneously function as position detection references for coverage hole detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated detection systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the coverage hole detection function with the existing wireless network infrastructure. By combining AP-based network access with AP-based position detection into a single integrated system, the patent avoids the complexity of deploying separate GPS receivers or WiFi positioning systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9198067B2Method and system for detecting coverage hole in wireless network

Publication Date: 2015.11.24 KOREA ADVANCED INST OF SCI & TECH

AI summary

A method and system for detecting a coverage hole in a wireless network are disclosed. As a method for detecting a coverage hole realized by a computer, provided herein is a method for detecting a coverage hole comprising a step of obtaining multiple coordinates estimated from position information and signal status of an access point (AP), the AP being accessible by a subscriber user equipment, and a step of detecting a coverage hole of the subscriber user equipment by using the multiple position coordinates.