Mobile Station Positioning Using Non-Serving Cell Propagation Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile stations in wireless communication systems face difficulties in determining their position location due to challenges in receiving timing signals from satellite positioning systems, especially in environments like buildings or tunnels, and may not have an SPS receiver, while existing methods for using base station signals are limited by interference and the inability to communicate with multiple cells simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The method involves receiving propagation delay information from one or more non-serving cells in a cellular network and using this information, along with known position locations of these cells, to determine the mobile station's position location, potentially aided by a dedicated position location pilot signal and techniques like time and frequency reuse to improve signal detection and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mobile station uses satellite positioning system for position determination, then position location accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases and signal reception fails in indoor/tunnel environments
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile station is designed to perform position location determination using multiple methods: satellite positioning system (SPS) when available, and alternative methods using base station timing signals when SPS is unavailable. This multi-functionality ensures the device can operate accurately in both outdoor and indoor/tunnel environments without requiring complex specialized hardware for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces base station timing signals as an intermediary mechanism to enable position determination in environments where satellite signals cannot reach the mobile station. The base stations transmit timing information that the mobile station uses to calculate position via trilateration, serving as a mediator between the mobile station and the positioning function when direct satellite communication fails.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile station uses base station timing signals for position determination, then position location is achieved in indoor environments, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile station receives timing signals from multiple base stations (more than the minimum required for trilateration) and processes these signals to determine position. By using excessive action (multiple base stations) the system improves measurement precision through better geometric distribution and signal processing, overcoming the interference problem in indoor environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the mobile station processes timing information from multiple base stations, compares the signals, and adjusts its position calculation accordingly. The network entity provides feedback about signal quality and processing status, enabling the mobile station to optimize its position determination accuracy despite interference.
3Measurement precision
If mobile station communicates with multiple base stations simultaneously, then position location accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to signal processing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The base stations transmit timing signals in advance before the mobile station needs to determine its position. The timing information is pre-available in the mobile station's buffer, allowing it to process position calculations quickly without waiting for real-time signal transmission from multiple base stations, thus reducing processing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile station autonomously processes timing signals from multiple base stations using its own processing capabilities, performing trilateration calculations independently. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous network coordination and reduces time loss by enabling local, rapid position determination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables accurate position location determination for mobile stations even in challenging environments by leveraging propagation delay information from multiple non-serving cells, enhancing accuracy and reliability beyond what is possible with single-serving cell communications.
Implementation Method 1
propagation delay information may be received from one or more non-serving cells of a cellular network
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to position location in a wireless communication system, and may more particularly relate to position location for a mobile station.