Mobile Device Location via Macronetwork to Micronetwork Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location-based services face challenges in achieving accurate and precise mobile device location determination, especially during emergencies, as different techniques provide varying levels of accuracy and may not be readily available in all situations.
Innovation Solution
A facility that determines mobile device location by switching from macronetwork-based to micronetwork-based techniques, enabling a micronetwork interface, communicating with nearby micronetworks, and using micronetwork identifiers to facilitate location determination, ensuring accurate location reporting even when macronetwork methods are unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If macronetwork-based location determination techniques are used, then coverage area is large, but location accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the location determination system into two segments: macronetwork for broad coverage and micronetwork for precise localization. The mobile device first connects to macronetwork for general coverage, then switches to micronetwork for accurate location determination, combining the advantages of both network types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces micronetwork as an intermediary system between the mobile device and the location determination process. The micronetwork acts as a mediator that provides high-precision location data when macronetwork-based methods are insufficient, enabling accurate location reporting without sacrificing coverage.
2Measurement precision
If micronetwork-based location determination techniques are used, then location accuracy is improved, but network availability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic network switching mechanism that adapts to available networks. The mobile device dynamically selects between macronetwork and micronetwork based on availability and accuracy requirements, ensuring continuous operation regardless of network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the location determination system universal by supporting multiple network types. The system can operate with macronetwork alone, micronetwork alone, or both in combination, providing versatile location determination capabilities across different network availability scenarios.
3Measurement precision
If multiple location determination techniques are maintained, then accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the mobile device perform complex calculations with multiple techniques simultaneously, the patent inverts the approach by having the network infrastructure provide pre-processed location data. The mobile device simply receives and reports location information from whichever network (macro or micro) provides the most accurate determination.
Data Source
AI summary
A facility for determining the location of a mobile device when a location determination of a desired accuracy is desired. If available, the facility determines the location of the mobile device using a device-based technique or using a location determination technique that is accessible over a macronetwork. Macronetworks are networks that are designed to cover relatively large areas. If a location determination technique of desired accuracy is not available on the device or over a macronetwork, the facility attempts to use a location determination technique that is accessible over a micronetwork to determine the location of the mobile device. Micronetworks are networks that are designed to cover smaller areas. By forcing a switch from a macronetwork-based location determination technique to a micronetwork-based location determination technique, the facility ensures that a location determination is made for the mobile device of a desired accuracy, time to fix (TTF), and/or yield.