Dual-Mode Wireless Device Location via Overlapping Coverage Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the location of wireless communication devices (WCDs) in dual-mode networks, which operate on both 3G and 4G protocols, lack accuracy in providing low precision location indications, essential for various location-based services.
Innovation Solution
A method that identifies overlapping coverage areas between 3G and 4G networks to determine a more accurate low precision location of WCDs by calculating the centroid location of the overlapping area, using data from both networks' location systems and base station almanacs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional location methods are used in dual-mode networks, then the location determination can be performed, but the accuracy of low precision location indication is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines location information from both 3G and 4G networks by identifying overlapping coverage areas between the two networks. The location indication is determined by finding the intersection of coverage areas from different access networks, merging multiple data sources to improve accuracy without significantly increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the location determination process into distinct steps: identifying coverage areas from 3G network, identifying coverage areas from 4G network, determining overlapping areas, and calculating centroid locations. This segmentation allows for systematic processing of location data from multiple networks while maintaining manageable complexity
2Measurement precision
If overlapping coverage area method is used, then location accuracy is improved, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of coverage areas from both 3G and 4G networks before determining the overlapping area. By pre-identifying the coverage areas and their characteristics, the subsequent overlap calculation and centroid determination can be performed more efficiently, reducing overall processing time
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining a location of a wireless communication device (WCD) provisioned to operate in (a) a first access network that defines a first plurality of coverage areas and (b) a second access network that defines a second plurality of coverage areas. A location system may receive a request to determine a location of the WCD. In response, the location system may identify (a) a first coverage area of the first access network in which the WCD is located and (b) a second coverage area of the second access network in which the WCD is located. Thereafter, the location system may determine an overlapping area between the first coverage area and the second coverage area. In turn, the location system may determine an indication of the overlapping area's location, which the location system may define as a low precision indication of the WCD's location.