Network Server Outlier Detection for Location Service Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Location determination processes in wireless communication networks can be unreliable due to calibration errors in base station signal timing, leading to skewed location-based services.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that receive multiple location fixes for a mobile station from different location determination processes, identify outliers, and exclude location fixes from unreliable processes to ensure accurate location-based services by using a network server to group and analyze location fixes based on mobile station identifiers and timestamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple location determination processes are used to provide location-based services, then the availability and coverage of location services is improved, but the reliability and accuracy of location information deteriorates due to calibration errors and outlier results
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by analyzing multiple location fixes from different determination processes and using statistical methods to identify outliers. The network server compares location fixes against expected accuracy thresholds and feedback from the identification process to determine whether to exclude certain location determination processes, thereby continuously improving reliability based on observed performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by dynamically adjusting which location determination processes are excluded based on identified outliers. When a location fix is identified as an outlier beyond a threshold, the system modifies the operational parameters by excluding the associated location determination process from future location-based services, thereby adapting the system to maintain accuracy
2Productivity
If all location fixes from different determination processes are used, then more location-based services can be provided, but erroneous location fixes from unreliable processes pollute the location information
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies extraction by removing erroneous location fixes from the set of available location information. The network server identifies outlier location fixes using statistical analysis and extracts only the reliable location determination processes, excluding the erroneous ones from being used in location-based services
Solution Approach 2:
The network server acts as an intermediary between multiple location determination processes and location-based services. It mediates by analyzing location fixes, identifying outliers, and determining which location determination processes should be excluded, thereby protecting the location information quality before it reaches the services
3Measurement precision
If location fixes are excluded based on outlier identification, then the accuracy of location-based services is improved, but the complexity of the location management process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by implementing automated outlier identification and exclusion processes. The network server automatically analyzes location fixes, identifies outliers using statistical methods, and excludes unreliable location determination processes without requiring manual intervention, thereby managing the increased complexity through automation
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus to help detect that a particular location determination process is unreliable and to help exclude location fixes established with that location determination process from being used as a basis to provide a location-based service. In accordance with the disclosure, a server may receive at least three location fixes for a mobile station, all corresponding with each other in time and each established with a different location determination process, and the server may determine that one of the location fixes is relatively far away from the other location fixes and therefore that the location determination process used to establish that location fix is unreliable. In response to determining that the location determination process is unreliable, the server or another entity may then exclude location fixes established with that location determination process from being used as a basis to provide a location-based service.