Positioning Support Table Using 3D Map Grid Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

In communication systems, the positioning performance of user equipment (UE) is degraded due to obstacles causing multipath signals, which affect the accuracy of distance estimation between the UE and base stations.

Innovation Solution

A positioning support table is generated using a 3D map of a predetermined area, with grid points set to determine physical parameters of signals from base stations, allowing for improved positioning by correcting pseudo ranges and angles of arrival, thereby enhancing positioning accuracy without frequent updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the positioning support table is updated frequently to maintain high positioning performance, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the cost and complexity of updates increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidupdate complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-calculates and stores correction values in a positioning support table during an offline phase, before actual positioning operations. The table contains pre-computed corrections for various grid points based on 3D map data and signal propagation models. During runtime, the UE simply queries the pre-prepared table rather than performing complex real-time calculations, thereby maintaining high positioning accuracy without requiring frequent expensive updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual 3D map model that replicates the physical environment's geometric features. This digital copy includes building structures, terrain, and other obstacles that affect signal propagation. By working with this simplified digital replica rather than the complex real-world environment, the system can pre-compute positioning corrections efficiently and store them in the support table, reducing both computational complexity and update costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If the positioning support table is updated frequently to reflect environmental changes, then positioning performance is maintained, but the update cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning performanceVSAvoidupdate cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs comprehensive positioning table updates in advance during offline periods when computational resources are abundant and environmental changes are minimal. The pre-computed table remains valid for extended periods, reducing the frequency of updates needed. When updates do occur, they can be scheduled during low-traffic periods, minimizing impact on operational energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the service area into multiple grid points and only updates correction values for specific local regions when environmental changes occur in those areas. Rather than performing full-table updates globally, the system can selectively refresh only the affected local portions of the positioning support table, significantly reducing the energy and computational cost of updates while maintaining positioning performance where it matters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional positioning methods are used without correction values, then the system is simpler to implement, but positioning accuracy is degraded due to multipath effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem implementation simplicityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a positioning support table as an intermediary component between the UE and the base stations. This table acts as a lookup reference that translates raw signal measurements into corrected position estimates. The UE queries the pre-computed correction values from the table based on its measured signal parameters, then applies these corrections to achieve high accuracy without implementing complex real-time signal processing algorithms for multipath mitigation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11363414B2Method for creating positioning support table and positioning using the positioning support table
Publication Date: 2022.06.14 LOCAILA INC
  • US11363414B2 patent drawing
  • US11363414B2 patent drawing
  • US11363414B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a positioning support table generation method performed by a computing apparatus, the method including generating a three-dimensional (3D) map based on geographic and building information about a predetermined area; setting a plurality of grid points on the 3D map; determining a first base station corresponding to a grid point with respect to each of the plurality of grid points set on the 3D map; calculating at least one physical parameter about a first signal that arrives at the grid point from the first base station and at least one physical parameter about a second signal that arrives at the gird point from a second base station that is one of base stations adjacent to the first base station; and generating a positioning support table based on the at least one physical parameter about the first signal and the at least one physical parameter about the second signal.