DAS Coverage Area Estimation for Accurate Geolocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for geolocating mobile devices in wireless telecommunications systems using distributed antenna systems (DAS) or repeater systems suffer from significant accuracy losses due to distorted coverage areas and extended propagation delays, leading to inaccurate device location estimates.
Innovation Solution
A method that identifies DAS or repeater systems by analyzing propagation delays and signal strengths from multiple mobile devices, constructs a neighbors list, calculates a centroid of coverage, and applies cluster analysis to estimate the coverage area, allowing for more accurate geolocation of mobile devices without relying on GPS or incorrect configuration data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional geolocation methods are used in DAS or repeater systems, then device location can be estimated, but accuracy is significantly reduced due to distorted coverage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by collecting neighbor cell measurement data from multiple mobile devices and constructing a neighbors list before attempting geolocation. This preliminary data collection and analysis establishes a foundation for accurate coverage area estimation, allowing the system to account for DAS-specific distortions before location calculation occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by using measured neighbor cell signal strengths and propagation delays to continuously refine coverage area estimates. The system analyzes measurement data from multiple devices and uses this feedback to adjust and improve geolocation accuracy, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to actual DAS performance
2Area of stationary object
If multiple antennas are deployed in a DAS, then coverage area is extended, but the shape of the coverage area becomes distorted making geolocation challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overall coverage area analysis into individual neighbor cell measurements. By analyzing the coverage characteristics of each neighboring cell separately and constructing a neighbors list, the system can account for local variations in coverage shape caused by distributed antennas, then combine these segmented measurements to determine accurate device location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from assuming a standard circular or sector-shaped coverage area to using empirically measured parameters from actual mobile device reports. By measuring propagation delays and signal strengths to neighbor cells, the system adapts its coverage model to match the actual distorted shape created by DAS deployment, improving geolocation accuracy
3Measurement precision
If propagation delay measurements are used for geolocation, then location can be determined, but extended propagation delays in repeater systems reduce accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses neighbor cell measurements as an intermediary to indirect geolocation. Rather than directly measuring propagation delay from the serving cell (which is distorted by repeaters), the system measures signal characteristics to neighboring cells that provide reference points. These intermediary measurements allow the system to calculate device location while compensating for repeater-induced propagation delays
Data Source
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Figure 4A
AI summary
Techniques for estimating a coverage area for a distributed antenna system (DAS) or a repeater system are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a system for estimating a coverage area for a distributed antenna system (DAS) or a repeater system. The system may comprise one or more processors communicatively coupled to a mobile communications network. The one or more processors may be configured to identify a sector as being a base station sector that deploys a distributed antenna system (DAS) or a repeater system. The one or more processors may also be configured to determine an approximate location for one or more antennas deployed by the distributed antenna system (DAS) or the repeater system. The one or more processors may further be configured to construct an estimated coverage area for the base station sector that deploys the distributed antenna system (DAS) or the repeater system.