Two-Phase Location Method Reducing Latency in Telecommunication Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for geographical location of terminals in telecommunications networks, such as GPS and cell identification, suffer from high latency and imprecision, especially in rural areas, leading to user dissatisfaction and potential perception that the location system is not functioning.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two-phase location determination: first, obtaining a coarse precision geographical position quickly, followed by refining it to a fine precision using assistance data, allowing for immediate user feedback and reducing latency by providing an initial location estimate before precise calculations are completed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If A-GPS technology is used to obtain precise geographical position, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by obtaining and sending assistance data to the terminal before the actual position calculation is needed. The assistance data includes satellite ephemeris, clock corrections, and other information that the terminal needs to quickly compute its position. This pre-prepared data allows the terminal to rapidly determine its position when requested, rather than having to collect and process all necessary information from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the position determination process into two distinct phases: first, the network side prepares and sends assistance data to the terminal; second, the terminal uses this assistance data to calculate its position. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently - the network can pre-compute assistance data while the terminal can focus on rapid position calculation using the provided data.
2Measurement precision
If A-GPS technology is used to obtain precise geographical position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the assistance data - that mediates between the complex satellite positioning system and the terminal. Instead of requiring the terminal to directly access and process raw satellite signals and compute complex orbital mechanics, the network side prepares pre-processed assistance data that simplifies the terminal's calculation task. This intermediary data structure reduces the computational burden and complexity at the terminal while maintaining high position accuracy.
3Reliability
If fallback method is used after precise location failure, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the terminal continuously monitor the reception of assistance data and the status of position calculation in the background, even before a position request is made. If the terminal detects that assistance data cannot be received or position calculation fails, it can immediately switch to a fallback method such as cell ID-based positioning, rather than waiting for an error to occur and then reacting. This proactive approach ensures continuous location availability with minimal interruption.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the geographic location of a terminal, that comprises: the step (D10, E10) of receiving a request (R) for an addressee (1, 140) to receive a fine precision geographic location (PG2) of said terminal (10, 110); the step (D12, E16) of obtaining a coarse-precision geographic location (PG1) of said terminal from information (CI d) on said terminal (10, 110); the step (D16, E20) of determining said fine-precision geographic location (PG2) using said coarse-precision geographic location (PG1); the step (D18, E22) of sending said fine-precision geographic location (PG2) to said addressee (1, 140) in response to said request (R); wherein the method is characterised in that, before the sending step (D18, E22), it comprises the step (D14, E18) of sending to the addressee (1, 140) a first message (M1) that includes said coarse-precision geographic location (PG1).