Positioning Error Discrimination Using WLAN Triangulation and pCell Grids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning technologies face challenges in accurately determining and managing positioning errors, which affect the accuracy of location-based services (LBS) provided by mobile communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize WLAN signals to determine positioning errors by comparing triangulation coordinate values based on AP position estimation information with grid cell coordinate values, allowing for the identification of positioning errors and improving accuracy through a database-based approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If triangulation method is used for positioning, then positioning coverage can be extended, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to error accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning system into two independent parts: a triangulation positioning system for providing broad coverage and a pCell positioning system for providing high accuracy reference points. By segmenting the positioning functions, the system can extend coverage through triangulation while maintaining accuracy through distributed pCell measurements, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage area and positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If error measurement is performed manually in the field, then positioning errors can be detected, but time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the positioning system to automatically detect and correct its own errors by utilizing pCell measurements from multiple base stations. The system self-calibrates by comparing triangulation results with pCell-based positioning results, eliminating the need for manual field measurements. This self-service mechanism maintains high reliability for error detection while dramatically reducing time consumption and operational costs.
3Ease of operation
If triangulation coordinate values are used directly, then positioning can be performed, but positioning errors remain undetected and unmanaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where pCell positioning results serve as reference values to evaluate and correct triangulation positioning errors. The system continuously compares the two positioning methods, detects discrepancies, and uses the more reliable pCell results to correct triangulation errors. This feedback loop maintains operational simplicity while significantly improving error detection and management capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for determining a positioning error includes: database for storing grid cells separated by each pCell ID and WLAN environment information matched to grid cells; information receiving unit for receiving terminal WLAN environment information from mobile communication terminal; identification information checking unit for checking AP identification information included in terminal WLAN environment information; triangulating unit for calculating triangulation coordinate value by performing triangulation with AP position estimation information corresponding to AP identification information; grid cell positioning unit for selecting one or more grid cells corresponding to AP identification information and calculating grid cell coordinate value based on coordinate value corresponding to grid cell selected; and error determining unit for comparing triangulation coordinate value and grid cell coordinate value and determining whether there is positioning error in any one of triangulation coordinate value and grid cell coordinate value.