Hybrid Passive Location Estimation Using Timing Advance and GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passive location estimation methods in wireless communications networks are inadequate for accurate user equipment device localization, leading to poor radio network coverage and capacity optimization, as they fail to scale effectively and provide insufficient accuracy for service issue resolution.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid approach using cellular uplink timing advance and GPS measurements for passive user equipment device localization, which involves collecting and analyzing timing advance values, RSRP/RSRQ measurements, and GPS data to estimate device location with minimal impact on user equipment devices and networks, employing weighted Euclidean distance and handover-based methods for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If passive location estimation methods are used in wireless communications networks, then device location can be determined without active user equipment involvement, but the accuracy and scalability are insufficient for effective service issue resolution and network optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple passive measurement techniques (timing advance values, RSRP measurements, RSRQ measurements) with active GPS measurements to create a hybrid location estimation system. This merging of different measurement types enables high accuracy location determination while maintaining scalability, as the system can selectively use available measurements without requiring all types to be present.
Solution Approach 2:
The location estimation system is designed to work universally across different network conditions and device types. It can estimate locations using various combinations of available measurements (timing advance, RSRP, RSRQ, GPS) and adapts to different scenarios such as indoor vs. outdoor locations, making the system both accurate and scalable across diverse wireless network environments.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement types are collected for location estimation, then accuracy improves, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial action by collecting multiple types of measurements (timing advance, RSRP, RSRQ, GPS) but only processing what is necessary based on availability and reliability. The patent uses weighted Euclidean distance calculations that can accommodate varying numbers of measurements, allowing accurate location estimation without requiring all possible measurement types to be present, thus managing complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters dynamically by adjusting the weights assigned to different measurement types based on their reliability and availability. The patent modifies the location estimation algorithm to incorporate varying confidence levels for different measurement sources, enabling accurate location determination while adapting to changing system conditions without increasing fundamental complexity.
3Ease of operation
If passive information is collected during active sessions, then minimal impact on user equipment is achieved, but the timing synchronization and data collection challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting timing advance values, RSRP measurements, and RSRQ measurements that are already being generated during normal active sessions. These measurements are captured in advance of any location estimation request, allowing the system to quickly determine device locations without interrupting ongoing communications or requiring additional user equipment processing during critical sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by collecting location measurements continuously during active sessions without interruption. The system utilizes ongoing signaling exchanges to gather timing advance and signal quality measurements, ensuring that location information is always available when needed while maintaining uninterrupted service and minimizing impact on user equipment performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Passive location estimation of mobile devices within a wireless network is provided. The passive location estimation is determined based on one or more measurements that are received from the mobile device and/or from one or more network elements. At least a portion of the passive information can be received in user plane data associated with an application executing on the mobile device. A measurement set for the mobile device can be defined and can be used to build fingerprints of geographical cellular measurements.