Local Radio Access Network Location Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location-based services face challenges in providing precise location accuracy for user equipment in indoor environments, as conventional methods rely on imprecise data from Global Positioning Systems or require specialized hardware, leading to inadequate location accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that extracts relevant data from measurement reports and configuration information within a local radio access network to generate a location stream or estimate, utilizing existing data collected during wireless protocols for improved location determination in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or NFC methods are used for location-based services, then location data can be obtained, but location accuracy is insufficient for indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The local RAN system automatically collects and processes measurement data from user equipment without requiring external specialized hardware or systems. The existing RAN infrastructure serves itself to generate location estimates, eliminating the need for separate GPS or NFC systems and achieving high indoor location accuracy through self-utilization of available resources
Solution Approach 2:
The local RAN system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains wireless connectivity for voice and data services while also collecting measurement data for location estimation. This multi-functionality allows the same infrastructure to serve both communication and location-based services without requiring additional specialized hardware
2Measurement precision
If specialized hardware like NFC is used, then location data can be obtained, but the system requires additional hardware components
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes existing measurement data collected by the local RAN for wireless protocol operations to generate location estimates, eliminating the need for specialized hardware like NFC devices. The RAN infrastructure serves itself by repurposing data already being collected for communication purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts location information from existing measurement data that is already being collected by the local RAN for wireless protocol operations. By separating location estimation functionality from the communication function and extracting it from the measurement data, the system achieves high location accuracy without requiring additional specialized hardware
3Measurement precision
If location data is extracted from measurement reports in real-time, then location accuracy improves, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The local RAN system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains wireless connectivity for voice and data services while also collecting measurement data for location estimation. This multi-functionality allows the same infrastructure to serve both communication and location-based services without requiring additional specialized hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a location engine as an intermediary component that processes measurement data from the local RAN and generates location estimates. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the complex data processing tasks and providing a standardized interface for location-based services
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing location estimates of user equipment to be used in location based services are provided. Data collected from users in a local radio access network (RAN), such as an Enterprise RAN (E-RAN), as well as configuration information of the local RAN/E-RAN is siphoned from the system and utilized in conjunction with a location engine to provide a high accuracy location estimate for users in an indoor environment. The siphoned data is provided in a real-time location stream to the location engine.