Radio Map Data Update via Transmitter Identifier Association

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing indoor positioning technologies face challenges due to gaps in radio coverage caused by broken radio transmitters, leading to poor positioning performance and the need for time-consuming and costly re-surveying of areas, especially in inaccessible locations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for updating radio map data by associating the characteristics of a new radio transmitter with the identifier of a broken one, allowing for immediate and cost-effective restoration of radio coverage without re-surveying the entire area, using user input and database updates to facilitate seamless transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If re-surveying is performed to restore radio coverage after a transmitter fails, then positioning reliability is improved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the copying principle by creating a virtual replica of the failed transmitter's radio map data and associating it with the new transmitter's identifier. Instead of performing time-consuming re-surveying to collect new measurement data, the system copies the radio characteristics, signal parameters, and spatial distribution information from the original transmitter's database records and assigns them to the replacement transmitter, thereby restoring coverage rapidly without physical re-measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-collecting and storing comprehensive radio map data, measurement results, and transmitter characteristics in a database during normal operation. When a transmitter fails, this pre-stored information is immediately retrieved and associated with the new transmitter identifier, eliminating the need for urgent re-surveying and enabling instant restoration of positioning functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If re-surveying is performed to restore radio coverage after a transmitter fails, then positioning reliability is improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the copying principle by creating a virtual replica of the failed transmitter's radio map data and associating it with the new transmitter's identifier. Instead of performing time-consuming re-surveying to collect new measurement data, the system copies the radio characteristics, signal parameters, and spatial distribution information from the original transmitter's database records and assigns them to the replacement transmitter, thereby restoring coverage rapidly without physical re-measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically retrieving stored radio map data from its own database and associating it with the new transmitter identifier through automated processing. The server system independently completes the data association without requiring external surveying teams, equipment, or manual field measurements, thereby eliminating the costs associated with re-surveying operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If traditional radio map updating is performed manually, then data accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidupdate speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the copying principle by creating a virtual replica of the failed transmitter's radio map data and associating it with the new transmitter's identifier. Instead of performing time-consuming re-surveying to collect new measurement data, the system copies the radio characteristics, signal parameters, and spatial distribution information from the original transmitter's database records and assigns them to the replacement transmitter, thereby restoring coverage rapidly without physical re-measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual field surveying with an automated information processing system. Instead of physically measuring radio signals in the field with surveying equipment, the system uses automated database queries, data retrieval, and algorithmic association to update radio map information, substituting electronic data processing for mechanical measurement operations and dramatically increasing update productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10306399B2Supporting an update of radio map data

Publication Date: 2019.05.28 HERE GLOBAL BV

AI summary

A system receives user input based information that allows deriving an identifier of a first radio transmitter, wherein a database stores, associated with the identifier of the first radio transmitter, information that allows deriving expected characteristics of radio signals of the first radio transmitter at different locations of a site. The system moreover receives a user input based indication of a replacement of the first radio transmitter at the site. The system receives user input based information that allows deriving an identifier of a second radio transmitter replacing the first radio transmitter at the site. The system updates the database by associating the information that allows deriving expected characteristics of radio signals of the first radio transmitter at different locations of the site with the identifier of the second radio transmitter.