Benchmarking Wireless Location Accuracy via Mobile Device Self-Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drive test systems for evaluating location determination capabilities in wireless communications are geographically and temporally limited, requiring costly personnel and equipment, and are often restricted to major markets and roads.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize mobile communications devices to passively collect reference location data and trigger network calculations using alternative techniques like assisted GPS or Time Difference Of Arrival, allowing for real-time data collection over various locations and usage scenarios, and comparing the accuracy of computed locations with reference locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drive test systems use personnel and expensive equipment to measure location determination capabilities, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but costs and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device performs self-testing by automatically determining its own location using network-based techniques and comparing it with GPS reference locations. The device itself generates and processes test data without requiring external testing equipment or personnel, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while eliminating complex testing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mobile device's existing location determination capabilities and GPS receiver as a reference copy to benchmark network-based location techniques. By copying the testing function into the device itself rather than using external equipment, the system achieves accurate measurements without complex external apparatus.
2Adaptability or versatility
If drive test systems require personnel to manually operate equipment and collect data, then flexible measurement can be performed, but labor costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device automatically performs location measurements and data collection without requiring manual operation. The device's processor executes testing algorithms, collects location data from multiple sources, and generates test results autonomously, eliminating the need for trained personnel while maintaining measurement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accelerates the data collection process by having the device continuously perform location determinations at variable intervals rather than requiring manual measurement setup. This automated acceleration of the testing process maintains versatility while eliminating operational complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If drive test systems are conducted from permanent locations, then infrastructure costs are reduced, but geographic coverage and temporal variety of measurements are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static permanent test locations to dynamic mobile testing. The mobile device moves freely through the network coverage area, automatically performing location determinations at different geographic locations and times. This dynamic approach maintains low infrastructure costs while dramatically expanding measurement coverage and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it is both the test subject and the testing instrument. The device uses its existing GPS receiver and location determination capabilities to benchmark network-based location techniques, eliminating the need for separate permanent test infrastructure while achieving comprehensive geographic coverage.
4Measurement precision
If drive test systems use specialized equipment and vehicles, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but cost and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device uses its own built-in GPS receiver and location determination capabilities to perform measurements without requiring external specialized equipment. The device self-tests its location accuracy by comparing network-based location data with GPS reference data, maintaining measurement precision while eliminating the need for bulky external equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device's existing hardware components serve dual purposes: the GPS receiver provides both normal navigation functionality and reference location data for benchmarking. The cellular modem provides both communication and network-based location determination. This multi-functionality achieves accurate measurements without adding specialized equipment weight.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and software are described for benchmarking the location determination capabilities of a wireless communications network. A mobile communications device is configured to receive data identifying a reference location for the device. A communications network, communicatively coupled with the mobile communications device, calculates a computed location for the device using an alternative location determination technique. The reference location and computed location may be determined for any number of additional devices, as well. The accuracy and reliability of a system may then be assessed by comparing one or more computed locations with associated reference locations. The latency attributable to the calculation of one or more computed locations may also be determined.