Location Estimation Using Base Station Signal Properties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in accurately estimating their location without a GNSS circuit, leading to increased battery consumption and reduced location hit rates when relying on GNSS signals, and limitations in triangulation methods using base stations from a subscribed mobile communication service provider.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device is configured with a memory, communication circuit, and processor to send base station identification information to a server, receive and store base station information, and estimate its location based on signal properties and triangulation with nearby base stations, utilizing crowdsourced data from multiple terminals for enhanced accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS circuit is used to obtain location information, then location accuracy is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location estimation function from the GNSS circuit by using base station information and signal properties (RSSI, timing advance) to calculate location without requiring GNSS signals. This allows location services to function independently of GNSS hardware, reducing battery consumption while maintaining accuracy through alternative measurement methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces base station information as an intermediary to achieve location estimation. Instead of directly using GNSS satellites, the system uses base station identifiers, signal strengths, and timing data as intermediate measurements to calculate location through triangulation and signal property analysis, thereby avoiding direct GNSS dependency.
2Measurement precision
If triangulation using subscribed base station is used, then location estimation is achieved, but location hit rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the location estimation system universal by enabling it to work with base stations from any mobile communication service provider, not just the subscribed one. The system collects base station information from multiple providers and uses signal properties to estimate location, making the device adaptable to different network operators and improving location hit rate through diverse base station data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges location estimation capabilities from multiple base stations and multiple service providers into a single unified system. By combining data from various base stations and using aggregated signal properties, the system achieves higher location accuracy and hit rate while maintaining versatility across different network operators.
3Measurement precision
If base station information is collected from multiple terminals, then location accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having each terminal automatically collect and transmit its own base station information and signal properties to a server. The server then processes this data to estimate locations, eliminating the need for complex local processing and reducing device complexity while maintaining high accuracy through distributed data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the complex data processing to another dimension by using a server-based system. Instead of processing complex multi-terminal data locally, each device simply collects and transmits raw data, while the server performs the complex triangulation and location estimation algorithms, thereby reducing device complexity while improving accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a memory, a communication circuit, and a processor configured to operatively connect with the memory and the communication circuit. The processor is configured to send identification information of a base station attached to the electronic device via the communication circuit to a server, receive first base station information about base stations included in a first area on the base station from the server, store the first base station information in the memory, and estimate a location of the electronic device based on properties of a signal received from at least one of the base stations included in the first area or the first base station information.