Indoor Positioning Using Satellite Error Averaging and Assistance Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inaccurate position estimation of wireless communication devices in indoor environments due to large measurement errors caused by obstructions, leading to incorrect location determination during emergency services like E911 sessions.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines a device's location within an indoor environment by calculating an updated horizontal uncertainty based on the average measurement errors of signals from multiple satellite vehicles and utilizing external positioning assistance data with a reliability threshold, ensuring accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite signals are used for positioning indoors, then positioning capability is maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by combining satellite positioning data with cellular network-based positioning assistance data. The system uses the cellular network as a mediator to provide supplemental positioning information that compensates for the degradation in satellite signal accuracy caused by indoor obstructions. This intermediary data source enables the system to maintain positioning capability while mitigating the harmful effects of signal blockage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple positioning data sources (satellite vehicles and cellular network assistance data) into a unified positioning solution. By combining the horizontal uncertainty from satellite signals with external positioning assistance data from the cellular network, the system achieves improved positioning accuracy indoors. This merging of data sources allows the system to leverage the strengths of each source while compensating for their individual weaknesses.
2Reliability
If multiple satellite vehicles are used for positioning, then positioning reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the positioning system to operate effectively in both outdoor and indoor environments using the same fundamental architecture. The system can utilize satellite vehicles when available (outdoor) and automatically switch to or supplement with cellular network assistance data when indoors, providing universal positioning capability across different environmental conditions without requiring separate systems for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter approach by dynamically adjusting which positioning data sources are used based on environmental conditions. The system monitors the availability and quality of satellite signals and adjusts the positioning methodology accordingly, switching between satellite-only mode and combined satellite-cellular mode. This parameter change strategy maintains reliability while managing complexity by activating additional data sources only when necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for wireless positioning. For example, a computing device can determine, based on a device being within the indoor environment, an updated horizontal uncertainty for the device is equal to an average of measurement errors of signals from satellite vehicles (SVs). The computing device can determine external positioning assistance data for the device has a reliability greater than one of a first reliability threshold or a second reliability threshold. The computing device can determine a number of the SVs of the SVs is greater than or equal to a first threshold number of SVs. The computing device can determine, based on the number of SVs being greater than or equal to the first threshold number of SVs, position(s) for the device based on the updated horizontal uncertainty for the device and a horizontal uncertainty for the device from the external positioning assistance data for the device.