Coverage Database Calibration Using GPS Measurement Reports
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing MR-based positioning method for cellular wireless communication systems faces challenges in achieving accurate positioning precision, particularly outside road areas, due to the time-consuming and costly nature of drive test calibration, which limits the technology's popularity and application.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that instruct terminals supporting GPS to include geographical position information in measurement reports, allowing for the calibration of the coverage database without the need for vehicles and professionals, enabling data collection beyond roads and improving calibration speed and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drive test calibration is used to calibrate the coverage database, then positioning precision can be improved, but calibration time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses GPS coordinates from measurement reports as a virtual copy of physical location data, replacing the need for physical drive test collection. Terminals report their GPS location and received signal strengths, which are then stored in the coverage database, eliminating time-consuming physical driving tests while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables terminals to automatically provide their own location and signal measurement data through measurement reports. The network controller collects these self-reported data from multiple terminals and uses them for automated calibration, eliminating the need for manual drive test operations and reducing calibration time.
2Measurement precision
If drive test calibration is used to calibrate the coverage database, then positioning precision can be improved, but calibration cost increases due to need for vehicles and professionals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive physical drive test equipment and professional personnel with virtual GPS coordinate data from standard terminals. The measurement reports containing GPS locations and signal strengths serve as a low-cost alternative to physical calibration expeditions, significantly reducing calibration costs while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Standard terminals automatically provide calibration data through their normal operation and measurement report functionality. The network controller collects these data without requiring specialized calibration equipment or professional operators, enabling cost-effective automated calibration using existing terminal capabilities.
3Quantity of substance
If drive test calibration is used, then calibration data can be collected, but data collection is limited to road areas only
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of collecting data by moving through physical space (drive tests), the patent inverts the approach by having stationary or mobile terminals report their GPS locations and signal measurements. This allows data collection from any location where GPS is available, including off-road areas, parks, and buildings, vastly expanding coverage beyond road networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement report mechanism, originally designed for positioning purposes, is repurposed to simultaneously collect calibration data from any terminal with GPS capability. This universal data collection method works across all terminal types and locations, providing comprehensive coverage including off-road areas that drive tests cannot reach.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and an apparatus for calibrating a coverage database. The Embodiment methods of the present invention comprises: transmitting a measurement control message to terminals in a network coverage area, wherein the measurement control message is used to instruct a terminal supporting Global Position System (GPS) to include geographical position information for current position of the terminal in a measurement report to be reported; receiving the measurement report transmitted by the terminal; storing signal strengths of signals received from respective cells by the terminal and the geographical position information for the terminal into the coverage database, if the measurement report includes the signal strengths and the geographical position information. The technical solutions may improve the positioning precision, reduce time and cost spent on calibration, and thus facilitate popularization and application of the positioning technology.