Mobile Station Position Determination Method for RF Environment Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite positioning systems face challenges in obtaining accurate position fixes in varying radio frequency (RF) environments, particularly when buildings or structures block satellite signals, leading to a need for adaptive position determination methods to conserve network resources and improve battery life.

Innovation Solution

A mobile station transitions between MS-based and MS-assisted position determination methods based on changes in the RF environment, using pseudorange measurements and communication with a location server, and employs throttling processes to reduce the rate of MS-assisted position fixes, thereby conserving network resources and power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If MS-based position determination is used when satellites are visible, then position fix accuracy is improved, but network resource consumption increases when transitioning to MS-assisted methods in blocked environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition fix accuracyVSAvoidnetwork resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions between MS-based and MS-assisted position determination methods based on real-time satellite visibility and RF environment conditions. When satellites are visible, the system uses MS-based determination for accurate positioning; when blocked by buildings or structures, it transitions to MS-assisted methods, optimizing the balance between position fix accuracy and network resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different position determination modes (MS-based vs. MS-assisted) based on environmental conditions. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to varying RF environments, maintaining positioning accuracy while managing network resource usage efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If MS-assisted position determination is used when satellite signals are blocked, then position fix reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition fix reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operation by monitoring satellite signal availability and transitioning between determination modes. When satellite signals are blocked, it switches to MS-assisted determination to maintain reliability, but only when necessary, thereby minimizing unnecessary power consumption associated with continuous MS-assisted operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-assessment of its RF environment and automatically determines when to switch between position determination methods. This self-service capability ensures reliable positioning when needed while avoiding excessive power consumption by not continuously operating in the more power-intensive MS-assisted mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If frequent position fixes are obtained using MS-assisted method, then position update frequency is improved, but network resource capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition update frequencyVSAvoidnetwork resource capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by using MS-assisted position determination only when satellite signals are blocked, rather than continuously. This selective approach maintains adequate position update frequency during periods of signal blockage while avoiding excessive network resource consumption that would occur with continuous MS-assisted operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system periodically attempts MS-based position determination and transitions to MS-assisted method only when needed. This periodic approach ensures position updates are obtained at appropriate intervals while conserving network resource capacity by avoiding continuous MS-assisted operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Productivity

If throttling process is applied to reduce MS-assisted position fixes, then network resource efficiency is improved, but position determination speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork resource efficiencyVSAvoidposition determination speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The throttling process applies partial action by reducing the frequency of MS-assisted position fixes only when satellite signals are available, while maintaining full position determination capability when signals are blocked. This selective throttling improves network resource efficiency without significantly impacting position determination speed when it is most needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of position fix frequency based on environmental conditions. During periods of good satellite visibility, it throttles MS-assisted fixes to improve network efficiency; during blockage periods, it maintains higher update rates, thus balancing network resource efficiency with position determination speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8019356B2Location based tracking

Publication Date: 2011.09.13 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to obtaining position fixes using a position determination method in response to a change in an RF environment.