Location Estimation Using Dynamic Transmission Point Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination systems for external electronic devices, such as GPS, face challenges in indoor or urban environments due to obstacles and limited signal reception, and inaccuracies arise when assuming a single transmission point for multiple base station antennas, leading to reduced accuracy in location estimation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device that collects transmission end information and location data from external devices, generates a coverage map, and estimates the location of transmission ends by considering the number and locations of multiple transmission points, using methods like Timing Advance (TA) and Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) measurements to improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS-based location determination is used, then location can be measured globally, but reception is limited in indoor or urban environments with obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces base stations as intermediary objects to enable location determination in environments where GPS signals are blocked. Instead of relying solely on satellite signals, the system uses terrestrial base stations to transmit reference signals that mobile devices can receive and use for location estimation through techniques like OTDOA (Observed Time Difference of Arrival).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic signal system with a terrestrial base station signal system for location determination in obstructed environments. This substitution allows location services to function indoors or in urban canyons where GPS signals cannot penetrate or are blocked by buildings.
2Device complexity
If location is estimated based on signal strength from a single transmission point, then the process is simple, but accuracy deteriorates when one base station has multiple transmission points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the base station system into multiple identifiable transmission points (antennas or sectors) rather than treating each base station as a single point. This segmentation allows the system to account for the spatial distribution of transmission points and select the most appropriate one for location calculation, thereby improving accuracy without requiring complex multi-point analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by selecting specific transmission points (with optimal signal characteristics) from among multiple transmission points within a base station for location estimation. Instead of uniformly processing all transmission points, the system identifies and uses the locally optimal transmission point that provides the best signal quality for accurate location determination.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple transmission points are used to expand coverage, then coverage area increases, but signal strength varies and location accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of transmission points based on real-time signal conditions. The system continuously monitors signal strength and quality from multiple transmission points and dynamically selects the optimal one for location estimation, adapting to changing environmental conditions and maintaining accuracy across expanded coverage areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter selection criteria for transmission points based on signal characteristics. Instead of using a fixed transmission point, the system adjusts which transmission point is used for location calculation based on parameters like signal strength, signal quality, and geometric relationship to the mobile device, thereby maintaining precision across varying coverage conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic device including a memory that stores grid information corresponding to a plurality of grids corresponding to a cell. The electronic device also includes a processor configured to acquire location information of an external electronic device and cell information related to a cell of the external electronic device corresponding to the location information, to calculate at least one active grid corresponding to the location information of the electronic device among the plurality of grids at least based on the location information, to acquire dominant values corresponding to the at least one active grid based on the cell information, to designate the at least one active grid as at least one dominant grid when the dominant values meet a predetermined condition, and to update the cell information when a number of at least one dominant grid meets a predetermined condition. Various embodiments are possible.