Hybrid Position Determination System for Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately determining the geographic position of mobile stations, especially in multipath environments and areas with limited satellite signal availability, where network-based and satellite-based solutions often provide insufficient or inaccurate position data.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that select between network-based and satellite-based position solutions based on predetermined criteria, such as relative horizontal position error, to combine data from both sources, creating a hybrid solution that improves position determination accuracy by leveraging available network and satellite information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network-based position solution is used, then position determination can be performed in areas with limited satellite signal availability, but position accuracy deteriorates in multipath environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between network-based and satellite-based position solutions based on real-time environmental conditions and signal availability. The selection mechanism adapts to changing conditions such as multipath environments or satellite signal blockage, switching to the most appropriate solution type to maintain both availability and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by switching between different position determination methodologies (network-based vs. satellite-based) depending on the measured quality indicators. When satellite signals are blocked or multipath conditions are detected, the system transitions to network-based solutions, and vice versa, optimizing performance across different scenarios.
2Measurement precision
If satellite-based position solution is used, then position accuracy is improved, but position determination fails in areas with limited satellite signal availability
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic selection between satellite-based and network-based position solutions based on real-time assessment of signal availability and quality. When satellite signals are blocked (e.g., in urban canyons or indoor environments), the system automatically transitions to network-based solutions to maintain position determination availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching position determination methodologies based on measured quality indicators. When satellite signal availability falls below thresholds or quality deteriorates, the system transitions to network-based solutions, ensuring continuous operation across diverse environments.
3Device complexity
If a single position solution approach is used, then system complexity is reduced, but position determination accuracy deteriorates in diverse environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the position determination function into distinct components: satellite-based position solution, network-based position solution, and a selection mechanism. Each component is optimized for specific environmental conditions, and the selection mechanism chooses the most appropriate segment based on real-time assessments of signal quality and availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The position determination system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both satellite-based and network-based solutions within a single unified framework. The selection mechanism enables the system to perform optimally across diverse environments (urban, rural, indoor, outdoor) by choosing the most appropriate solution type for each scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
Different types of position solutions may be used to determine the position of a mobile station (104) in a wireless communication system (101). The position solutions include terrestrial, or network (102, 103), based techniques and non-network, such as satellite (160), based techniques. An apparatus and method whereby different position solutions are selected based on a figure of merit of the different solutions in determining a position of a mobile remote unit (104).