GSM Radiocommunication Module Location Method Using Reference Carrier Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GSM locating techniques, such as Cell-ID, require complex and expensive servers, consume significant calculation resources and electrical power due to full scanning of the radiofrequency spectrum and decoding of multiple system information messages, and are inefficient in terms of electrical consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method that reduces the number of cell identifiers determined by the radiocommunication module by using a limited and predetermined list of reference carriers, allowing for location determination without processing by a complex server, and activates the GPS module only when the device is detected in a specific geographical zone, thereby reducing electrical consumption and calculation resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If full scanning of the radiofrequency spectrum and decoding of multiple system information messages is performed, then location accuracy is improved, but electrical consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination process into two phases: a first phase using a reduced set of carriers and system information messages for quick location estimation, and a second phase using the full set of carriers and messages for refined location accuracy. This segmentation allows the system to balance between electrical consumption and location precision by not always performing the complete resource-intensive process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing decoding of only a subset of system information messages (specifically SYS_INFO 1 and SYS_INFO 2) in the first phase, rather than decoding all eight system information messages. This partial processing reduces electrical consumption while still providing sufficient information for initial location determination, with the option to perform complete decoding in a second phase if higher precision is required.
2Measurement precision
If full scanning and decoding is performed, then location accuracy is improved, but calculation resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the calculation workload into two segments: a first calculation phase using a reduced data set (fewer carriers, fewer system information messages) for initial location estimation, and a second calculation phase using the complete data set for refined accuracy. This segmentation reduces the immediate calculation resource burden while maintaining the option to achieve high precision when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs partial decoding of system information messages (only SYS_INFO 1 and SYS_INFO 2 in the first phase) rather than complete decoding of all eight messages. This partial action significantly reduces calculation resources required for the first location determination phase, while still providing sufficient information for practical location estimation.
3Measurement precision
If complex servers are used for location processing, then location determination capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the radiocommunication module itself to perform location determination using a reduced set of carriers and system information messages, without requiring complex external servers. The module autonomously identifies its location based on the decoded information from SYS_INFO 1 and SYS_INFO 2, making the system self-sufficient for basic location services and reducing dependency on complex infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex location servers with a simpler approach that uses readily available, lightweight system information messages (SYS_INFO 1 and SYS_INFO 2) that are already transmitted by base stations. This substitution uses inexpensive, easily accessible data sources instead of requiring costly dedicated server infrastructure.
4Measurement precision
If GPS module is constantly activated, then positioning accuracy is improved, but electrical consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by activating the GPS module only at specific intervals or under specific conditions (such as when basic location information is insufficient or when higher precision is required), rather than keeping it constantly activated. This periodic activation significantly reduces electrical consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary location determination using the radiocommunication module's analysis of carriers and system information messages before activating the GPS module. This preliminary action provides sufficient location information for many applications, allowing the GPS module to remain inactive and conserve energy, activating it only when the preliminary location determination is insufficient.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for locating a radiocommunication device in a radiocommunication network comprising a plurality of distinct geographical cells. The device comprises a radiocommunication module allowing reception of radiocommunication carriers. Each carrier is associated with a cell of the network and is defined by a frequency and a cell identifier. The module performs the following steps: obtaining initialization information comprising a predetermined list of N1 reference carriers; selecting N carrier(s) from among the N1 reference carriers; for each carrier selected, determining the cell identifier, termed the current cell identifier, associated with the selected carrier, on the basis of system information messages conveyed by the carrier; and obtaining an item of information regarding the location of the radiocommunication device, on the basis of the current cell identifier or identifiers.