Ellipsoid Point Approximation for 3D Positioning Data Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning systems in wireless communication networks lack standardized formats for reporting altitude information, which is essential for accurate positioning, especially in urban areas with tall buildings, and require non-standard compliant updates, making it expensive and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method that approximates a polygon with altitude information using an ellipsoid point and uncertainty ellipsoid, allowing standard compliant reporting through a communication network interface, where only the reporting node needs updating, and the receiving side remains unaffected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If non-standard compliant means are used to report altitude information of polygon corners, then altitude information can be reported, but both expensive and time-consuming updates are required on both sending and receiving sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process that transforms polygon-based positioning data with altitude information into ellipsoid point representation with uncertainty ellipsoid. This intermediary format serves as a bridge between the existing 3GPP standard (which only supports 2D positioning) and the need for 3D positioning with altitude, allowing altitude information to be conveyed without requiring updates to receiving side equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation from polygon corner coordinates with altitude to ellipsoid point parameters (center point, semi-major axis, semi-minor axis, orientation angle) with uncertainty ellipsoid. This parameter transformation allows the same information to be expressed in a format compatible with existing 3GPP standards while preserving altitude information.
2Measurement precision
If polygon format with altitude information is used, then 3D positioning accuracy is improved, but no standardized format exists for handling such information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the altitude dimension to the traditional 2D polygon positioning format by representing the polygon with altitude information as a 3D ellipsoid point with uncertainty ellipsoid. This dimensional transformation allows 3D positioning data to be expressed using a format that fits within existing 2D-oriented communication standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the parameter set from polygon vertex coordinates with altitude values to ellipsoid geometric parameters (center latitude, longitude, altitude, semi-major axis, semi-minor axis, orientation angle) with uncertainty measurements. This parameter change enables standard compliant reporting while maintaining 3D positioning precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all nodes in the communication network are updated with non-standard solutions, then altitude reporting capability is achieved, but the procedure is both expensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the format conversion as an intermediary function that can be implemented at selective points in the positioning data chain (e.g., at the positioning server or reporting node) rather than requiring universal implementation across all network nodes. This intermediary approach allows altitude reporting capability to be introduced without forcing updates on the entire network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the ellipsoid point representation with uncertainty ellipsoid a universal format that can serve multiple purposes: it conveys 3D positioning information, maintains compatibility with existing 2D positioning infrastructure, and provides a standardized structure that can be processed by current 3GPP-compliant equipment without modification.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reporting of positioning data in a communication network comprises obtaining (202) of positioning data comprising a definition of a polygon in a lateral plane with information of altitude associated to each polygon corner. The method further comprises approximating (204) the polygon with an ellipsoid point having altitude and uncertainty ellipsoid and reporting (206) of the ellipsoid point having altitude and uncertainty ellipsoid over an interface of the communication network as a representation of the positioning data. A node in a communication network comprises a report converter arranged for obtaining positioning data and approximating a polygon with an ellipsoid point having altitude and uncertainty ellipsoid.