Mobile Device Location Estimation via Cellular Signal Triangulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mobile device location determination, such as GPS and Assisted GPS, incur charges from cellular network operators, and there is a need for an efficient and cost-effective solution to comply with E911 directives and provide location-based services.
Innovation Solution
A location approximation system coupled with a cellular network that collects information from mobile devices to approximate cell locations using signal strength measurements from directional antennae, allowing for the creation of directed cell reports and profiles, which can estimate the location of mobile devices without relying solely on GPS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or Assisted GPS is used to determine mobile device location, then location accuracy is improved, but operational costs increase due to network charges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive cellular network measurements (signal strength, cell tower triangulation) as a replacement for expensive GPS services. These cellular-based location methods provide sufficient accuracy for E911 and location-based services while avoiding continuous GPS usage and associated network charges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic system with a cellular network-based location determination system. By using cell tower signal triangulation and mobile device measurements of cellular infrastructure, the system replaces GPS functionality with an alternative mechanism that eliminates dependency on paid GPS services
2Measurement precision
If GPS is used continuously to provide accurate location, then location-based services are enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous GPS operation, the system uses periodic cellular network measurements triggered by location-based service requirements or E911 compliance needs. The mobile device periodically measures cellular signal parameters and transmits location data only when necessary, reducing energy consumption while maintaining service functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses low-power cellular radio measurements instead of continuous GPS satellite reception. Cellular measurements consume significantly less energy and provide sufficient location accuracy for the intended applications, allowing extended battery life without sacrificing location-based service capability
3Loss of time
If Assisted GPS is used to shorten location determination time, then location acquisition speed is improved, but network dependency and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device performs autonomous location determination using cellular network measurements without requiring complex assisted GPS protocols. The device independently measures signal strength from multiple cell towers, calculates its position through triangulation, and determines location without extensive network coordination, reducing both network dependency and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The location determination process is segmented into independent cellular measurements from multiple cell towers. Each cell tower provides an independent signal that can be measured and processed separately, allowing the device to quickly triangulate its position without requiring complex coordination between multiple network elements as in Assisted GPS
Data Source
AI summary
The approximate location of a directed cell of a cellular network is calculated based on locations in the vicinity of which mobile devices were able to detect the directed cell. A mobile device is able to estimate its own location from the approximate locations of one or more directed cells that it can identify. This estimated location of the mobile device may be used to seed its GPS receiver.