Asynchronous Network Node Configuration for Location Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communications networks, particularly asynchronous networks like UMTS, accurately locating wireless terminals without relying on external GPS technology is challenging due to timing differences and the complexity introduced by relative time differences between basestations, which complicates the multilateration process and can lead to positional errors from local minima.
Innovation Solution
A method that prioritizes node combinations around a reference node in an idealized star configuration, where nodes are evenly angularly distributed and at the same distance, to stabilize the location determination process, reducing the impact of timing differences and local minima by using reports from wireless terminals to determine both node locations and relative time differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multilateration is used to locate wireless terminals in asynchronous networks, then location capability is achieved, but timing differences and relative time differences between basestations complicate the process and can lead to positional errors from local minima
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-selecting and pre-configuring basestations into specific geometric patterns (star configuration, trilateration configuration) before the location measurement process. This pre-arrangement ensures that the timing differences and relative time differences are accounted for in the design phase, simplifying the actual measurement process and reducing computational complexity while maintaining location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of basestation spatial arrangement by enforcing specific geometric configurations (star pattern with central and peripheral basestations, trilateration patterns). This parameter change transforms the general multilateration problem into a structured problem with known geometric relationships, making it easier to handle timing differences and avoid local minima in the solution space.
2Reliability
If additional timing units are deployed to manage timing differences, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but network cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the location system to automatically compensate for timing differences through the geometric relationships inherent in the selected basestation configurations. The system uses the known spatial arrangement of basestations to inherently manage timing synchronization without requiring additional dedicated timing units, thus achieving reliable synchronization while avoiding increased infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the timing synchronization function from the location measurement process by separating it into the geometric configuration design. Instead of adding timing units to the measurement process, the solution removes the need for additional timing infrastructure by embedding timing management into the spatial arrangement of existing basestations.
3Measurement precision
If GPS technology is used for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but dependency on external systems and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the communications network to independently perform location determination using its own basestations and the geometric configuration method. The network does not need to rely on external GPS satellite systems, achieving location accuracy through internal resources and eliminating dependency on external positioning infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (400, 500) of identifying nodes in a communications network is disclosed, the nodes being for use in locating wireless terminals within the network based upon reports from the wireless terminals of transmissions received from the nodes. The method (400, 500) comprises prioritising combinations of nodes in which at least three nodes are located around a reference node in a configuration satisfying similarity criteria to an idealised star configuration, wherein an idealised star configuration comprises three nodes evenly angularly distributed around, and at the same distance from, a reference node. Also disclosed is a method (100, 200) for locating a plurality of wireless terminals in a communications network, the network comprising a plurality of network nodes at known locations, wherein the nodes emit wireless transmissions in an unsynchronised manner, such that a time difference exists between the emission time of corresponding transmissions from different nodes. The method comprises receiving reports from a plurality of wireless terminals of transmissions received from the network nodes (110, 210), selecting a subset of network nodes (120, 220) and identifying a plurality of reports reporting transmissions from all of the nodes of the subset (130, 230). The method further comprises simultaneously determining the locations of the wireless terminals generating the identified reports and the time differences between emission times of transmissions from the nodes of the subset (140, 240). Also disclosed are a computer program product for carrying out the above methods and a network element (300, 700, 800) configured to carry out the above methods.