Joint QoS Metric for Positioning Method Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting positioning methods in mobile communication networks are inflexible and unable to optimally estimate a mobile terminal's position, as they rely on rigid definitions of accuracy and response time, and fail to account for parallel performance of multiple positioning methods.
Innovation Solution
The approach involves determining a joint Quality of Service (QoS) metric that considers the combined effect of multiple positioning methods, allowing for a more intelligent selection based on actual QoS requirements, rather than a piecemeal comparison of individual parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple positioning methods are performed in parallel, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning methods (A-GNSS, TDOA, E-CID, AoA) into a unified framework where they operate in parallel. The network node coordinates these methods by assigning different positioning requests to multiple methods simultaneously, allowing them to work together to improve overall positioning accuracy while managing system complexity through centralized coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node is designed with multi-functionality to handle various positioning methods (A-GNSS, TDOA, E-CID, AoA) through a single coordinated entity. This universal approach allows the same network node to manage multiple positioning techniques, reducing the need for separate specialized systems and thereby managing complexity while maintaining high accuracy.
2Reliability
If positioning methods are selected based on rigid QoS parameter definitions, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic QoS parameter definitions that adapt to different service types. Instead of rigid thresholds, the system uses service-specific QoS parameters that can be flexibly configured. The network node dynamically selects and coordinates positioning methods based on the actual service requirements, allowing the system to adapt to various applications (emergency services, social networking, navigation) while maintaining reliability through structured QoS management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes QoS parameters based on service type and requirements. Different services have different QoS parameter definitions and weightings, allowing the same positioning infrastructure to serve multiple purposes reliably. The network node adjusts which positioning methods to use and how to coordinate them based on these parameter changes, providing both reliability and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If a piecemeal selection approach is used for positioning methods, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network node acts as an intermediary that simplifies the positioning method selection process for service providers. Instead of requiring service providers to manually evaluate and select from multiple positioning methods, the network node automatically coordinates the selection and execution of appropriate methods based on QoS requirements. This intermediary role maintains operational simplicity while achieving high positioning quality through intelligent automated coordination of multiple methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the network node continuously monitors positioning request outcomes and QoS parameter satisfaction. Based on this feedback, the network node dynamically adjusts which positioning methods to use and how to coordinate them, improving positioning quality over time while maintaining ease of operation through automated adaptive selection rather than manual piecemeal approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
Teachings herein improve selection of the positioning method(s) used to obtain positioning information responsive to a positioning request, by approaching positioning QoS holistically. Approached holistically, a joint QoS metric as taught herein takes into account the joint effect of individual QoS parameters of a positioning method, or the joint effect of multiple methods in a sequence. Processing in one or more embodiments thus includes determining a joint QoS metric for each of a plurality of candidate positioning methods or sequences, and selecting a positioning method or sequence based on those joint QoS metrics. By selecting a positioning method or sequence in this way, holistically based on joint QoS metrics rather than a piecemeal approach based on a one-by-one check of individual QoS parameters, selection proceeds flexibly according to actual QoS requirements of position-based services and/or systematically according to the joint effect of multiple positioning methods.