3D Geolocation Using Mobile Network Signal Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geolocation methods, including those using GPS and mobile network signaling, face challenges in accurately determining the vertical dimension in complex environments like modern cities, due to limited cell site measurements and high error rates, making traditional 3D geolocation impractical for telecom networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and electronic device that utilize measurement reports from user equipment in telecom networks to perform 3D geolocation by sorting samples based on signal strength, quality, and cell site data, combined with geographic information to determine accurate vertical altitudes, even with limited cell site measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional GPS positioning method is applied to telecom mobile network, then geolocation can be provided, but vertical dimension accuracy deteriorates to hundreds of meters error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from GPS satellite signals to mobile network cell site measurement reports. It utilizes signal strength, timing advance, and cell ID data from multiple cell sites to calculate 3D position, transforming the underlying measurement parameters to achieve better vertical accuracy in telecom networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that collects measurement reports from user equipment, correlates them with cell site geographic information, and performs 3D geolocation calculations. This intermediary layer transforms raw measurement data into accurate 3D position information, bridging the gap between limited measurements and reliable positioning
2Quantity of substance
If user equipment measures limited cell sites (less than 5% of calls measure 4 or more sites), then measurement data is scarce, but 3D geolocation requires sufficient samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-collecting and storing geographic information of cell sites, including their 3D coordinates and characteristics. When measurement reports arrive, the system quickly correlates them with pre-stored cell site data to perform 3D geolocation, making the most of limited measurements through efficient data utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D geolocation to 3D geolocation by incorporating vertical dimension calculations. It uses timing advance and signal strength variations across multiple cell sites to estimate altitude, adding the vertical dimension to position estimation even with limited cell site measurements
3Loss of information
If traditional 2D geolocation methods are used, then latitude and longitude can be determined, but vertical dimension information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the geolocation process into distinct stages: collecting measurement reports, correlating with cell site data, performing 2D geolocation, and then calculating vertical dimension. This segmentation allows the system to build upon existing 2D methods while adding 3D capabilities in a structured manner
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional geolocation system that can operate in both 2D and 3D modes. The same infrastructure and measurement reports serve dual purposes: providing traditional 2D location when sufficient vertical data is unavailable, and enabling 3D positioning when conditions permit, making the system universally applicable
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, a recording medium and an electronic device of 3D geolocation are provided. The method includes the following steps: distributing a plurality of samples that are already 2D-geolocated into a plurality of geographic areas according to 2D locations of the samples, wherein each sample includes a measurement report provided by a user equipment attached to a mobile network; generating a relative sequence of altitudes of the samples in each geographic area according to altitude-related data obtained from the samples in the geographic area; and determining the altitudes of the samples in each geographic area according to the relative sequence of the geographic area.