Mobile Communication System Geolocation via Incentivized RF Measurement Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in obtaining comprehensive coverage and quality of service information, particularly in areas inaccessible for drive- or walk-testing, leading to a scarcity of radio frequency measurements and limited database signatures, which hinders accurate geolocation and network performance assessment.
Innovation Solution
A method to generate reference signatures by incentivizing mobile communication unit users to enter sub-areas with low measurement density, using rewards and game-like applications to collect radio frequency measurements, which are then stored and analyzed to provide coverage and quality of service information, even in areas inaccessible for traditional testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If drive- or walk-testing methods are used to collect radio frequency measurements, then measurement data can be obtained in accessible areas, but areas inaccessible for testing cannot be covered, leading to incomplete coverage and quality of service information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables mobile communication units to automatically collect and report radio frequency measurements during normal operation without requiring manual drive- or walk-testing. The system uses existing network infrastructure and user devices to self-generate measurement data, eliminating the need for specialized testing equipment and personnel to physically access all areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes ordinary mobile communication units serve dual purposes: both as communication devices and as measurement collection instruments. By utilizing the existing functionality of mobile phones and network infrastructure, the system can gather coverage and quality of service information from any area where these devices operate, including inaccessible regions.
2Measurement precision
If GPS equipment is provided in mobile communication units for geolocation, then location information can be obtained, but users frequently switch off GPS functions, resulting in highly infrequent location data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses radio frequency measurements from network base stations as an intermediary to determine location information. Instead of relying directly on GPS functionality that users may disable, the system uses available network signal strength and quality data from multiple base stations to infer position, providing continuous location information without requiring user intervention.
3Measurement precision
If absolute power transmission levels are used for geolocation, then location estimation can be performed, but the method requires differential power levels and complex calculations to achieve accurate results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses relative power levels between multiple base stations rather than requiring precise absolute power transmission levels. By comparing signal strengths from different base stations and using triangulation methods, the system achieves accurate location estimation without needing to know or control absolute transmission power levels, simplifying the measurement requirements.
4Measurement precision
If a database of known signatures is used to locate mobile communication units, then position estimates can be derived for matching devices, but the database requires hundreds of thousands or millions of signatures that are difficult and expensive to obtain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the signature database to be automatically populated and maintained through continuous collection of radio frequency measurements from mobile communication units during normal network operation. The system self-updates the database using real-world measurement data without requiring manual drive-testing campaigns, significantly reducing the time and cost of database construction and maintenance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cellular wireless communications system and method of generating reference signatures for use in geolocation are provided. The cellular wireless communications system identifies a sub-area within the coverage area of a cellular wireless communications system, the sub-area having a density of radio frequency measurements that is below a threshold value. A user of a subscriber mobile communication unit is influenced to enter the sub-area, the subscriber mobile communication unit being a subscriber to the cellular wireless communications system. The cellular wireless communications system obtains radio frequency measurements from the subscriber mobile communication unit in the sub-area, and generates reference signatures and/or location estimates from the radio frequency measurements. The reference signatures may be used to geolocate connections made by other mobile communication units within the sub-areas.