Radio maps for location and/or positioning services

Abstract

Inter-alia, a method is disclosed comprising: obtaining one or more first fallback objects indicative of a geographic area that is covered by one or more cells of a communication network; obtaining one or more pieces of cell information indicative of a number of positioning requests that a respective cell of the one or more cells has received; determining one or more second fallback objects out of the one or more fallback objects; determining for an area of the respective second fallback object in that the needed level of accuracy for determining a position is not achievable, one or more cells based at least partially on the one or more pieces of cell information; and outputting the determined one or more second fallback objects and/or the determined one or more cells for usage in a generation of a radio map. It is further disclosed an according apparatus, computer program and system.

Claims

1. A method, comprising: obtaining one or more radio maps, wherein the one or more radio maps further comprise at least one cell of a communication network; sending a positioning request to at least one cell in case the one or more radio maps do not comprise at least one reference position that can be utilized for determining a position in a geographic area; receiving position information based on the sent positioning request; and determining the position information indicative of the position, wherein the position information is determined based at least partially on the one or more radio maps, and a cell identifier indicative of at least one cell of the communication network in which an apparatus is currently residing.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in case the one or more radio maps comprise at least one reference position, the position information indicative of the position is determined based, at least in part, on the respective at least one reference position.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein a transceiver is turned on only in case the one or more radio maps do not comprise at least one reference position, and wherein the position information is determined further based, at least in part, on cell information that is requested prior to the determining of the position information.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one reference position is comprised by or a part of one or more first fallback objects and/or one or more second fallback objects, wherein the one or more first fallback objects are indicative of a geographic area that is covered by one or more cells of the communication network, wherein a respective first fallback object comprises at least one cell and/or an area information indicative of the geographic area to which the respective at least one cell belongs, and wherein the one or more second fallback objects are determined out of the one or more first fallback objects based at least partially on whether or not a needed level of accuracy for determining a position is achievable based on a respective second fallback object.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the respective radio map is based, at least in part, on the one or more second fallback objects and/or the one or more cells of the communication network.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the respective fallback object of the one or more first fallback objects is associated with at least one reference position within the geographic area, and wherein dependent upon the position of the reference position within the geographic area, a certain level of positioning accuracy is achievable.

7. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: obtain one or more radio maps, wherein the one or more radio maps further comprise at least one cell of a communication network; send a positioning request to at least one cell in case the one or more radio maps do not comprise at least one reference position that can be utilized for determining a position in a geographic area; receive position information based on the sent positioning request; and determine the position information indicative of the position, wherein the position information is determined based at least partially on the one or more radio maps, and a cell identifier indicative of at least one cell of the communication network in which the apparatus is currently residing.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein in case the one or more radio maps comprise at least one reference position, the position information indicative of the position is determined based, at least in part, on the respective at least one reference position.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a transceiver is turned on only in case the one or more radio maps do not comprise at least one reference position, and wherein the position information is determined further based, at least in part, on cell information that is requested prior to the determining of the position information.

10. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the at least one reference position is comprised by or a part of one or more first fallback objects and/or one or more second fallback objects, wherein the one or more first fallback objects are indicative of a geographic area that is covered by one or more cells of the communication network, wherein a respective first fallback object comprises at least one cell and/or an area information indicative of the geographic area to which the respective at least one cell belongs, and wherein the one or more second fallback objects are determined out of the one or more first fallback objects based at least partially on whether or not a needed level of accuracy for determining a position is achievable based on a respective second fallback object.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the respective radio map is based, at least in part, on the one or more second fallback objects and/or the one or more cells of the communication network.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the respective fallback object of the one or more first fallback objects is associated with at least one reference position within the geographic area, and wherein dependent upon the position of the reference position within the geographic area, a certain level of positioning accuracy is achievable.

13. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium in which computer program code is stored, the computer program code when executed by a processor causing an apparatus to: obtain one or more radio maps, wherein the one or more radio maps further comprise at least one cell of a communication network; send a positioning request to at least one cell in case the one or more radio maps do not comprise at least one reference position that can be utilized for determining a position in a geographic area; receive position information based on the sent positioning request; and determine the position information indicative of the position, wherein the position information is determined based at least partially on the one or more radio maps, and a cell identifier indicative of at least one cell of the communication network in which the apparatus is currently residing.

14. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 13, wherein in case the one or more radio maps comprise at least one reference position, the position information indicative of the position is determined based, at least in part, on the respective at least one reference position.

15. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 13, wherein a transceiver is turned on only in case the one or more radio maps do not comprise at least one reference position, and wherein the position information is determined further based, at least in part, on cell information that is requested prior to the determining of the position information.

16. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 13, wherein the at least one reference position is comprised by or a part of one or more first fallback objects and/or one or more second fallback objects, wherein the one or more first fallback objects are indicative of a geographic area that is covered by one or more cells of the communication network, wherein a respective first fallback object comprises at least one cell and/or an area information indicative of the geographic area to which the respective at least one cell belongs, and wherein the one or more second fallback objects are determined out of the one or more first fallback objects based at least partially on whether or not a needed level of accuracy for determining a position is achievable based on a respective second fallback object.

17. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 16, wherein the respective fallback object of the one or more first fallback objects is associated with at least one reference position within the geographic area, and wherein dependent upon the position of the reference position within the geographic area, a certain level of positioning accuracy is achievable.

18. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 16, wherein the respective radio map is based, at least in part, on the one or more second fallback objects and/or the one or more cells of the communication network.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the figures show:

(2) FIG. 1 a schematic block diagram of a system according to the third exemplary aspect of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 a flowchart showing an example embodiment of a first method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention, for instance performed by a server 110 of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 a flowchart showing an example embodiment of a first method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention, for instance performed by an electronic device 130 of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 an example of a flowchart showing an example embodiment of a system according to the third exemplary aspect of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 a schematic block diagram of a first apparatus configured to perform the first method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 a schematic block diagram of a second apparatus configured to perform the second method according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention; and

(8) FIG. 7a, b examples of radio maps generated before and after performing and/or controlling the method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

(9) The following description serves to deepen the understanding of the present invention and shall be understood to complement and be read together with the description as provided in the above summary section of this specification.

(10) FIG. 1 is a schematic high-level block diagram of a system 100 according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. Such a system 100 may for instance represent a positioning support system as used by one or more exemplary embodiments according to all exemplary aspects of the present invention. System 100 comprises a server 110, an optional database 120, and one or more electronic devices 130 (in FIG. 1 only a single one is shown). Further, system 100 comprises in a geographic area 160 base stations (e.g. gNBs) 140, wherein in FIG. 1 two of such base stations 140-1 and 140-2 are shown. Each of the base stations 140-1 and 140-2 has an associated coverage area 150, wherein base station 140-1 is associated with coverage area 150-1, and base station 140-2 is associated with coverage area 150-2. In case electronic device 130 is located within at least one of the coverage area 150-1, 150-2, communication services can be provided to the electronic device 130 via the respective base station 140-1, 140-2. Further, base stations 140-1, 140-2 can communicate with each other, and/or with server 110, e.g. via a communication network (e.g. cellular communication network established by the base stations 140-1, 140-2).

(11) Server 110 may alternatively be embodied as a server cloud (e.g. a plurality of servers connected, e.g. via the Internet (not shown in FIG. 1) and providing services (e.g. positioning services) at least partially jointly). Server 110 may for instance be configured to provide radio maps, e.g. to one or more electronic devices 130 so that according to a so-called terminal-based mode the one or more electronic devices 130 are enabled to determine (e.g. estimate) their positions respectively locations, e.g. within the area 160, or alternatively, at least within the coverage areas 150-1, 150-2.

(12) Database 120 is optional. Database 120 may for instance be comprised by or connectable to server 110. Database 120 may for instance comprise a memory, e.g. for storing one or more radio maps that may for instance be provided to the base stations 140-1, 140-2, and/or to the one or more electronic devices 130.

(13) Example embodiments enable system 100 to perform and/or control the method according to the first and/or second exemplary aspect of the present invention.

(14) FIG. 2 is a flowchart 200 showing an example embodiment of a method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention. This flowchart 200 may for instance be performed by server 110, or base stations 140-1, 140-2 of FIG. 1.

(15) In a first step 201, one or more (first) fallback objects indicative of a geographic area that is covered by one or more cells of a communication network are obtained, e.g. from the database 120 storing such fallback objects. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more fallback objects are obtained (e.g. received) from the respective base station(s) (e.g. base stations 140-1, 140-2 of FIG. 1).

(16) In a second step 202, one or more pieces of cell information indicative of a number of positioning requests that a respective cell of the one or more cells has received are obtained (e.g. requested), e.g. from the database 120 storing such pieces of cell information, or additionally or alternatively are obtained (e.g. received) from the respective base station(s) (e.g. base stations 140-1, 140-2 of FIG. 1).

(17) In a third step 203, one or more (second) fallback objects out of the one or more (first) fallback objects are determined. The one or more (second) fallback objects are determined based at least partially on whether or not a needed level of accuracy for determining a position is achievable based on the respective fallback object in case it/they is/are comprised by a radio map used for such position determining. The determining may for instance be performed and/or controlled by the server 110 of FIG. 1, and/or at least one of the base stations 140-1, 140-2 of FIG. 1.

(18) In a forth step 204, for an area of the respective (second) fallback object in that the needed level of accuracy for determining a position is not achievable, one or more cells based at least partially on the one or more pieces of cell information are determined. The determining may for instance be performed and/or controlled by the server 110 of FIG. 1, and/or at least one of the base stations 140-1, 140-2 of FIG. 1.

(19) In an optional fifth step 205, one or more parameters based on a comparison with one or more pre-determined or determined according to pre-defined rules reference parameters are verified. The verifying may for instance be performed and/or controlled by the server 110 of FIG. 1, and/or at least one of the base stations 140-1, 140-2 of FIG. 1.

(20) In a sixth step 206, the determined one or more (second) fallback objects and/or the determined one or more cells for usage in a generation of a radio map are output, e.g. to the server 110 of FIG. 1 that may for instance perform step 207 based at least partially on the output one or more (second) fallback objects and/or one or more cells. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more (second) fallback objects and/or one or more cells may for instance be output to an electronic device (e.g. electronic device 130 of FIG. 1) that may for instance generate a radio map (in accordance to step 207) based at least partially on the output one or more fallback objects and/or one or more cells.

(21) In an optional seventh step 207, a radio map based, at least in part, on the one or more (second) fallback objects and/or the one or more pieces of cell information is generated. The generating of the radio map may for instance be performed and/or controlled by server 110 of FIG. 1 and/or by at least one of the base stations 140-1, 140-2 of FIG. 1.

(22) FIG. 3 is a flowchart 300 showing an example embodiment of a method according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention. This flowchart 300 may for instance be performed by electronic device 130 of FIG. 1.

(23) In particular, flowchart 200 may for instance be performed and/or controlled by at least one of the base stations 140-1, 140-2 of FIG. 1 and/or server 110 of FIG. 1 in conjunction with flowchart 300 that may for instance be performed by electronic device 130 of FIG. 1. Together, flowchart 200 of FIG. 2 and flowchart 300 of FIG. 3 may for instance enable a positioning support system (e.g. system 100 of FIG. 1) that enables a terminal-based mode for positioning services (e.g. determine position respectively location and/or navigation services).

(24) In a first step 301, one or more radio maps are obtained, e.g. by receiving the one or more radio maps from at least one of the base stations 140-1, 140-2 of FIG. 1, and/or from the server 110 of FIG. 1. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more radio maps are obtained from a memory e.g. that is comprised or connectable to the electronic device 130 of FIG. 1, and that has stored the one or more radio maps in advance (prior to performing and/or controlling flowchart 300).

(25) In a second step 302, a position is determined based at least partially on the one or more radio maps, and (e.g. a cell identifier indicative of) at least one cell of the communication network in which the electronic device 130 of FIG. 1 is currently residing is determined, e.g. by the electronic device 130 of FIG. 1.

(26) FIG. 4 is a flowchart 400 showing an example embodiment of a method according to the first and/or second exemplary aspect of the present invention. This flowchart 400 may for instance be performed by the system 100 of FIG. 1.

(27) Flowchart 400 may for instance be used to improve positioning, e.g. based on existing solutions in both mobile and/or IoT segments. It may for instance be implemented in near coming future as current IoT devices are very storage space constrained and longer time between recharges is clearly one of the most important selling point in some segments.

(28) Flowchart 400 performs and/or controls, among other things, a determining of fallback object(s) and cell(s).

(29) In a first step 401, cell usage stats are build, wherein the cell usage stats may for instance be represented or comprised by one or more parameters. Such one or more parameters may for instance be determined based, at least in part, on one or more (obtained) cell information (see e.g. step 202 of FIG. 2), and/or on one or more (obtained) fallback (FB) objects (see e.g. step 201 of FIG. 2).

(30) In a second step 402, fallback objects are analyzed (e.g. determined; see step 203 of FIG. 2).

(31) In a third step 403, FB objects are selected (e.g. determined; see step 203 of FIG. 2 as well).

(32) In a forth step 404a, it is checked whether or not the selected FB object (step 403) is too large. In case it is not too large, this FB object is determined to be output (see step 206 of FIG. 2; and step 404b). In case this FB object is too large, it is continued with step 405.

(33) In a fifth step 405, cell(s) to replace the FB object of step 403 and 404a, 404b are selected to replace it, since e.g. the cell(s) may for instance be of smaller size resulting in a radio map of smaller size when the radio map is generated (see step 207 of FIG. 2).

(34) In a sixth step 406, it is checked whether or not all FB objects are processed of the obtained FB objects (see step 401 and/or step 201 of FIG. 2). In case not all of the obtained FB objects are processed, it is continued with the next FB object, indicated in flowchart 400 with the arrow pointing back to step 403. In case that all of the obtained FB objects are processed, it is continued with step 407.

(35) In a seventh step 407, request set is run, e.g. by electronic device 130 of FIG. 1, and stats are calculated (e.g. one or more parameters are verified based on a comparison with one or more pre-determined or determined according to pre-defined rules reference parameters).

(36) In an eighth step 408, it is checked whether or not the results of the processing of step 407 have led to a good result (e.g. result of the comparison of step 407 is within a threshold value). In case the result is not good, (an)other cell(s) may for instance be searched in order to guarantee a good positioning accuracy, indicated in flowchart 400 with the arrow pointing back to step 405. In case the result is sufficient, e.g. a certain positioning accuracy can be guaranteed by a radio map that is to be generated (see step 207 of FIG. 2) based at least partially on the FB object(s) and/or the cell(s), the processing of the flowchart 400 may for instance be discontinued.

(37) In this way, another source of position information is utilized by the present invention. Such sources of position information are e.g. cell technology fallback objects (FB objects), e.g. area codes the cells belong to. Such FB objects may for instance contain from one to hundreds of cells, depending on cell density. For instance, in sport and trade centers there could be tens or even hundred base stations (cell) to cover network usage peaks during competitions, exhibitions e.g. with several thousands of visitors.

(38) Also frequency how often cells are used may for instance be not uniform: some cells are used for reference position calculation very often (e.g. shopping malls, route hubs, etc.) and some are very rarely used (e.g. mountain, forest areas).

(39) Based on statistics how often cells are used in e.g. SUPL requests and/or is requested by asset trackers, which allows to build a list of most used cells globally and even seed cells using some criteria, for example, kids watch need fast fix mostly in cities but are rarely used in mountains.

(40) For offline radio maps to meet quality criteria, it will be sufficient that fast fix would be achieved in, for example 95% of reference location attempts.

(41) A method is presented to combine existing offline radio maps of different accuracy to reduce amount of space needed on device to get reference position needed for offline e.g. satellite orbits calculation. Combining fallback data with cellular data in places where fallback data does not provide needed reference position allows to achieve good availability on devices of reference position while keeping offline data sizes minimal.

(42) The method according to the present invention may for instance be based on analysis of fallback objects and history of SUPL online requests. Example embodiments may work as follows: Analyze fallback objects and remove those that are not providing sufficient level of accuracy (e.g. too large); For areas that do not have fallback objects with needed level of accuracy but have high level of SUPL requests identify cells that are mostly used in requests and add them; Verify that with selected fallback and cell objects at least 50, 60, 70, 80, 90%, or more of SUPL requests will provide sufficient reference position; Produce offline radio maps based on selected fallback and cell objects and make them available for downloaded (e.g. by a radio map provisioning server). Clients may either have them pre-installed or download e.g. based on operating area conditions.

(43) Verifying that with selected fallback and cell objects at least 50, 60, 70, 80, 90%, or more of SUPL requests will provide sufficient reference position may vary on how radio maps are used. For instance, for SUPL e.g. 68% of requests returning good position may be sufficient. It will be understood that there may be applications where higher level than the aforementioned is needed.

(44) In this way, it is enabled to allow pre-loading of global offline radio maps on devices that do not have high specs. Comparing to online method, it allows significantly reduce time when device is powered on and communicating using cellular modem, causing high power consumption.

(45) Even though having full cellular and/or Wi-Fi offline data or making online positioning requests might enable more accurate reference position, allowing wider spectrum of applications, in power consumption critical devices high accuracy is enabled but significantly reducing power consumption.

(46) FIGS. 7a and 7b show respective sets of fallback objects and cells before (FIG. 7a) and after (FIG. 7b) optimizing or generating a radio map by performing and/or controlling the method according to the first and/or second exemplary aspect of the present invention.

(47) It is shown in FIG. 7a that geographic area 760a comprises cells 750a-1 to 750a-4. Further, within the geographic area 760a, a plurality of base stations are located, wherein exemplary three different base stations 740a-1 to 740a-3 are marked in FIG. 7a. The position of the base stations 740a-1 to 740a-3 may for instance be known as a reference position that may for instance be utilized by an electronic device (e.g. electronic device 130 of FIG. 1) to determine (e.g. estimate) its (current) position respectively location. A corresponding radio map comprising all of the base stations and all of the cells 750a-1 to 750a-4 within the geographic area 760 is of relatively big size that needs to be transferred to the electronic device in case it is transmitted to the electronic device, and further, needs a relatively large amount of storage space on part of the electronic device storing the respective radio map.

(48) In contrast, the radio map shown in FIG. 7b comprises less information resulting in a smaller size compared to the radio map shown in FIG. 7a. It can be seen in FIG. 7b that only two base stations 740b-2 (corresponding to base station 740a-2 shown in FIG. 7a) and base station 740b-3 (corresponding to base station 740a-3 shown in FIG. 7a) are comprised by the radio map shown in FIG. 7b. Furthermore, only three cells 750b-1, 750b-2, and 750b-3 of the four cells 750a-1 to 750a-4 shown in FIG. 7a are comprised by the radio map shown in FIG. 7b. The cells 750b-1, 750b-2, and 750b-3 and the base stations that may for instance be represented by corresponding fallback objects are determined according to the method of the first exemplary aspect of the present invention. This method enables to determine such cells and/or fallback objects to be comprised by a generated radio map that enable a good positioning accuracy for an electronic device (e.g. electronic device 130 of FIG. 1) since one or more reference positions associated with the respective one or more fallback objects and/or one or more cells are determined in a way enabling throughout the entire geographic area 760a of FIG. 7a respectively 760b of FIG. 7b that is covered by the radio maps shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b respective positions of one or more electronic devices (e.g. configured e.g. according to electronic device 130 of FIG. 1) can be determined (e.g. estimated) by the one or more electronic devices with a good accuracy.

(49) FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 500 according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, which may for instance represent the server 110 of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the schematic block diagram of the apparatus 500 according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention may for instance represent base station 140-1 and/or 140-2.

(50) Apparatus 500 comprises a processor 510, working memory 520, program memory 530, data memory 540, communication interface(s) 550, and an optional user interface 560.

(51) Apparatus 500 may for instance be configured to perform and/or control or comprise respective means (at least one of 510 to 560) for performing and/or controlling the method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention. Apparatus 500 may as well constitute an apparatus comprising at least one processor (510) and at least one memory (520) including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause an apparatus, e.g. apparatus 500 at least to perform and/or control the method according to first exemplary aspect of the invention of the present invention.

(52) Processor 510 may for instance comprise a fallback object obtainer 511 as a functional and/or structural unit. Fallback object obtainer 511 may for instance be configured to obtain one or more fallback objects (see step 201 of FIG. 2).

(53) Processor 510 may for instance comprise a cell information obtainer 512 as a functional and/or structural unit. Cell information obtainer 512 may for instance be configured to obtain one or more pieces of cell information (see step 202 of FIG. 2).

(54) Processor 510 may for instance comprise a fallback object determiner 513 as a functional and/or structural unit. Fallback object determiner 513 may for instance be configured to determine one or more fallback objects (see step 203 of FIG. 2) out of obtained one or more fallback objects (see step 201 of FIG. 2).

(55) Processor 510 may for instance comprise a cell determiner 514 a functional and/or structural unit. Cell determiner 514 may for instance be configured to determine one or more cells (see step 204 of FIG. 2).

(56) Processor 510 may for instance comprise an optional parameter verifier 515 as a functional and/or structural unit. Parameter verifier 515 may for instance be configured to verify one or more parameters (see step 205 of FIG. 2).

(57) Processor 510 may for instance comprise an optional radio map generator 516 as a functional and/or structural unit. Radio map generator 516 may for instance be configured to generate a radio map (see step 207 of FIG. 2).

(58) Processor 510 may for instance further control the memories 520 to 540, the communication interface(s) 550, and the optional user interface 560.

(59) Processor 510 may for instance execute computer program code stored in program memory 530, which may for instance represent a computer readable storage medium comprising program code that, when executed by processor 510, causes the processor 510 to perform the method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention.

(60) Processor 510 (and also any other processor mentioned in this specification) may be a processor of any suitable type. Processor 510 may comprise but is not limited to one or more microprocessor(s), one or more processor(s) with accompanying one or more digital signal processor(s), one or more processor(s) without accompanying digital signal processor(s), one or more special-purpose computer chips, one or more field-programmable gate array(s) (FPGA(s)), one or more controller(s), one or more application-specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), or one or more computer(s). The relevant structure/hardware has been programmed in such a way to carry out the described function. Processor 510 may for instance be an application processor that runs an operating system.

(61) Program memory 530 may also be included into processor 510. This memory may for instance be fixedly connected to processor 510, or be at least partially removable from processor 510, for instance in the form of a memory card or stick. Program memory 530 may for instance be non-volatile memory. It may for instance be a FLASH memory (or a part thereof), any of a ROM, PROM, EPROM and EEPROM memory (or a part thereof) or a hard disc (or a part thereof), to name but a few examples. Program memory 530 may also comprise an operating system for processor 510. Program memory 530 may also comprise a firmware for apparatus 500.

(62) Apparatus 500 comprises a working memory 520, for instance in the form of a volatile memory. It may for instance be a Random Access Memory (RAM) or Dynamic RAM (DRAM), to give but a few non-limiting examples. It may for instance be used by processor 510 when executing an operating system and/or computer program.

(63) Data memory 540 may for instance be a non-volatile memory. It may for instance be a FLASH memory (or a part thereof), any of a ROM, PROM, EPROM and EEPROM memory (or a part thereof) or a hard disc (or a part thereof), to name but a few examples. Data memory 540 may for instance store one or more first fallback objects, one or more cell information, one or more second fallback objects that are determined based at least partially on obtained one or more fallback objects (see steps 201 and step 203 of FIG. 2), one or more cells that are determined (see step 204 of FIG. 2), one or more parameters, and/or one or more radio maps.

(64) Communication interface(s) 550 enable apparatus 500 to communicate with other entities, e.g. with electronic device 130 of FIG. 1, with server 110 of FIG. 1 in case apparatus 500 represents base station 140-1, 140-2 of FIG. 1, and/or with base station 140-1, 140-2 of FIG. 1 in case apparatus 500 represents server 110 of FIG. 1. The communication interface(s) 550 may for instance comprise a wireless interface, e.g. a cellular radio communication interface and/or a WLAN interface) and/or wire-bound interface, e.g. an IP-based interface, for instance to communicate with entities via the Internet. Communication interface(s) may enable apparatus 500 to communicate with other entities, for instance shown in FIG. 1.

(65) User interface 560 is optional and may comprise a display for displaying information to a user and/or an input device (e.g. a keyboard, keypad, touchpad, mouse, etc.) for receiving information from a user.

(66) Some or all of the components of the apparatus 500 may for instance be connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of the apparatus 500 may for instance be combined into one or more modules.

(67) FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 600 according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, which may for instance represent the electronic device 130 of FIG. 1.

(68) Apparatus 600 comprises a processor 610, working memory 620, program memory 630, data memory 640, communication interface(s) 650, an optional user interface 660 and an optional sensor(s) 670.

(69) Apparatus 600 may for instance be configured to perform and/or control or comprise respective means (at least one of 610 to 670) for performing and/or controlling the method according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention. Apparatus 600 may as well constitute an apparatus comprising at least one processor (610) and at least one memory (620) including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause an apparatus, e.g. apparatus 600 at least to perform and/or control the method according to second exemplary aspect of the invention of the present invention.

(70) Processor 610 may for instance comprise a radio map obtainer 611 as a functional and/or structural unit. Radio map obtainer 611 may for instance be configured to obtain one or more radio maps (see step 301 of FIG. 3). Alternatively, one or more radio may for instance be obtained via the communication interface(s) 650, e.g. in case the one or more radio maps are received.

(71) Processor 610 may for instance comprise position determiner 612 as a functional and/or structural unit. Position determiner 612 may for instance be configured to determine a position of the apparatus 600 based at least partially on one or more (obtained) radio maps (see step 302 of FIG. 3).

(72) Processor 610 may for instance further control the memories 620 to 640, the communication interface(s) 650, the optional user interface 660 and the optional sensor(s) 670.

(73) Processor 610 may for instance execute computer program code stored in program memory 630, which may for instance represent a computer readable storage medium comprising program code that, when executed by processor 610, causes the processor 610 to perform the method according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention.

(74) Processor 610 (and also any other processor mentioned in this specification) may be a processor of any suitable type. Processor 610 may comprise but is not limited to one or more microprocessor(s), one or more processor(s) with accompanying one or more digital signal processor(s), one or more processor(s) without accompanying digital signal processor(s), one or more special-purpose computer chips, one or more field-programmable gate array(s) (FPGA(s)), one or more controller(s), one or more application-specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), or one or more computer(s). The relevant structure/hardware has been programmed in such a way to carry out the described function. Processor 610 may for instance be an application processor that runs an operating system.

(75) Program memory 630 may also be included into processor 610. This memory may for instance be fixedly connected to processor 610, or be at least partially removable from processor 610, for instance in the form of a memory card or stick. Program memory 630 may for instance be non-volatile memory. It may for instance be a FLASH memory (or a part thereof), any of a ROM, PROM, EPROM and EEPROM memory (or a part thereof) or a hard disc (or a part thereof), to name but a few examples. Program memory 630 may also comprise an operating system for processor 610. Program memory 630 may also comprise a firmware for apparatus 600.

(76) Apparatus 600 comprises a working memory 620, for instance in the form of a volatile memory. It may for instance be a Random Access Memory (RAM) or Dynamic RAM (DRAM), to give but a few non-limiting examples. It may for instance be used by processor 610 when executing an operating system and/or computer program.

(77) Data memory 640 may for instance be a non-volatile memory. It may for instance be a FLASH memory (or a part thereof), any of a ROM, PROM, EPROM and EEPROM memory (or a part thereof) or a hard disc (or a part thereof), to name but a few examples. Data memory 640 may for instance store one or more radio maps, and/or determined position information representing the position of the apparatus 600 that is determined, e.g. by position determiner 612.

(78) Communication interface(s) 650 enable apparatus 600 to communicate with other entities, e.g. with server 110 of FIG. 1, and/or with base station 140-1, 140-2 of FIG. 1. The communication interface(s) 650 may for instance comprise a wireless interface, e.g. a cellular radio communication interface and/or a WLAN interface) and/or wire-bound interface, e.g. an IP-based interface, for instance to communicate with entities via the Internet. Communication interface(s) may enable apparatus 600 to communicate with other entities, e.g. entities shown in FIG. 1.

(79) User interface 660 is optional and may comprise a display for displaying information to a user and/or an input device (e.g. a keyboard, keypad, touchpad, mouse, etc.) for receiving information from a user.

(80) Sensor(s) 670 are optional and may for instance comprise a GNSS and/or GPS receiver.

(81) Some or all of the components of the apparatus 600 may for instance be connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of the apparatus 600 may for instance be combined into one or more modules.

(82) The following embodiments shall also be considered to be disclosed:

Embodiment 1

(83) A first apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: obtaining one or more first fallback objects indicative of a geographic area that is covered by one or more cells of a communication network, wherein a respective first fallback object comprises at least one cell and/or an area information indicative of the geographic area the respective at least one cell belongs to; obtaining one or more pieces of cell information indicative of a number of positioning requests that a respective cell of the one or more cells has received; determining one or more second fallback objects out of the one or more fallback objects, wherein the one or more second fallback objects are determined based at least partially on whether or not a needed level of accuracy for determining a position is achievable based on the respective second fallback object; determining for an area of the respective second fallback object in that the needed level of accuracy for determining a position is not achievable, one or more cells based at least partially on the one or more pieces of cell information; and outputting the determined one or more second fallback objects and/or the determined one or more cells for usage in a generation of a radio map.

Embodiment 2

(84) The apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the one or more second fallback objects are determined based, at least in part, on a comparison of the size of the respective second fallback object with a pre-determined or determined according to pre-defined rules threshold value.

Embodiment 3

(85) The apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more pieces of cell information are further indicative of a usage of a certain cell of the one or more cells of the communication network.

Embodiment 4

(86) The apparatus according to embodiment 2, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus further to perform: determining one or more cells to replace at least one of the one or more second fallback objects in case the size of the at least one second fallback object is above the threshold value.

Embodiment 5

(87) The apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus further to perform: generating a radio map based, at least in part, on the one or more second fallback objects and/or the one or more cells enabling a position to be determined based at least partially on the generated radio map.

Embodiment 6

(88) The apparatus according to embodiment 5, wherein at least one reference position that can be used by an electronic device to determine its current location is comprised by or a part of the respective first and/or second fallback object.

Embodiment 7

(89) The apparatus according to embodiment 5 or embodiment 6, wherein the generated radio map is providable to one or more electronic devices for usage in a positioning service.

Embodiment 8

(90) The apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus further to perform: determining one or more parameters based, at least in part, on the determined or output one or more second fallback objects and/or the determined or output one or more cells, wherein the one or more parameters are indicative of a performance level indicator representing an achievable positioning accuracy.

Embodiment 9

(91) The apparatus according to embodiment 8, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus further to perform: verifying the one or more parameters based on a comparison with one or more pre-determined or determined according to pre-defined rules reference parameters; and repeating the step of determining of the one or more second fallback objects and/or cells until the verifying leads to an acceptable result.

Embodiment 10

(92) The apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a respective fallback object of the one or more fallback objects is associated with at least one reference position within the geographic area, wherein dependent upon the position of the reference position within the geographic area, a certain level of positioning accuracy is achievable.

Embodiment 11

(93) The apparatus according to embodiment 10, wherein the determining of the one or more fallback objects is further based on the certain level of accuracy.

Embodiment 12

(94) A second apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: obtaining one or more radio maps, wherein at least a part of a respective radio map is or comprises at least one reference position indicative of a position in a geographic area, wherein the one or more radio maps further comprise at least one cell of a communication network; and determining a position indicative of a position, wherein the position information is determined based at least partially on the one or more radio maps, and a cell identifier indicative of at least one cell of the communication network in which the apparatus is currently residing.

Embodiment 13

(95) The apparatus according to embodiment 12, wherein the radio map is received.

Embodiment 14

(96) The apparatus according to embodiment 12 or 13, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus further to perform: sending a positioning request to at least one cell in case the one or more radio maps do not comprise at least one reference position that can be utilized for determining the position of the apparatus; and receiving a position information indicative of the position that is determined based on the sent positioning request.

Embodiment 15

(97) The apparatus according to any of the embodiments 12 to 14, wherein in case the one or more radio maps comprise at least one reference position, a position information indicative of the position is determined based, at least in part, on the respective at least one reference position.

Embodiment 16

(98) The apparatus according to any of the embodiments 12 to 15, wherein a transceiver is turned on only in case the one or more radio maps do not comprise at least one reference position, wherein the position information is determined further based, at least in part, on a cell information that is requested prior to the determining of the position information.

Embodiment 17

(99) The apparatus according to any of the embodiments 12 to 16, wherein the one or more radio maps are stored in a memory.

Embodiment 18

(100) The apparatus according to embodiment 17, wherein the memory comprises a plurality of radio maps, wherein each of the plurality of radio maps respectively is a part of a global radio map.

Embodiment 19

(101) A first computer program code, said computer program code when executed by a processor causing an apparatus to perform the steps respectively actions according to any of the embodiments 1 to 11.

Embodiment 20

(102) A second computer program code, said computer program code when executed by a processor causing an apparatus to perform the steps respectively actions according to any of the embodiments 12 to 18.

Embodiment 21

(103) A first non-transitory computer readable storage medium in which computer program code is stored, the computer program code when executed by a processor causing an apparatus to perform the steps respectively actions according to any of the embodiments 1 to 11.

Embodiment 22

(104) A second non-transitory computer readable storage medium in which computer program code is stored, the computer program code when executed by a processor causing an apparatus to perform the steps respectively actions according to any of the embodiments 12 to 18.

Embodiment 23

(105) A first apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for performing the steps respectively actions according to any of the embodiments 1 to 11.

Embodiment 24

(106) A second apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for performing the steps respectively actions according to any of the embodiments 12 to 18.

Embodiment 25

(107) A system, comprising at least one first apparatus configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 11; and at least one second apparatus configured according to any of the embodiments 12 to 18.

(108) In the present specification, any presented connection in the described embodiments is to be understood in a way that the involved components are operationally coupled. Thus, the connections can be direct or indirect with any number or combination of intervening elements, and there may be merely a functional relationship between the components.

(109) Moreover, any of the methods, processes and actions described or illustrated herein may be implemented using executable instructions in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor and stored on a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., disk, memory, or the like) to be executed by such a processor. References to a ‘computer-readable storage medium’ should be understood to encompass specialized circuits such as FPGAs, ASICs, signal processing devices, and other devices.

(110) The expression “A and/or B” is considered to comprise any one of the following three scenarios: (i) A, (ii) B, (iii) A and B. Furthermore, the article “a” is not to be understood as “one”, i.e. use of the expression “an element” does not preclude that also further elements are present. The term “comprising” is to be understood in an open sense, i.e. in a way that an object that “comprises an element A” may also comprise further elements in addition to element A.

(111) It will be understood that all presented embodiments are only exemplary, and that any feature presented for a particular example embodiment may be used with any aspect of the invention on its own or in combination with any feature presented for the same or another particular example embodiment and/or in combination with any other feature not mentioned. In particular, the example embodiments presented in this specification shall also be understood to be disclosed in all possible combinations with each other, as far as it is technically reasonable and the example embodiments are not alternatives with respect to each other. It will further be understood that any feature presented for an example embodiment in a particular category (method/apparatus/computer program/system) may also be used in a corresponding manner in an example embodiment of any other category. It should also be understood that presence of a feature in the presented example embodiments shall not necessarily mean that this feature forms an essential feature of the invention and cannot be omitted or substituted.

(112) The statement of a feature comprises at least one of the subsequently enumerated features is not mandatory in the way that the feature comprises all subsequently enumerated features, or at least one feature of the plurality of the subsequently enumerated features. Also, a selection of the enumerated features in any combination or a selection of only one of the enumerated features is possible. The specific combination of all subsequently enumerated features may as well be considered. Also, a plurality of only one of the enumerated features may be possible.

(113) The sequence of all method steps presented above is not mandatory, also alternative sequences may be possible. Nevertheless, the specific sequence of method steps exemplarily shown in the figures shall be considered as one possible sequence of method steps for the respective embodiment described by the respective figure.

(114) The invention has been described above by means of example embodiments. It should be noted that there are alternative ways and variations which are obvious to a skilled person in the art and can be implemented without deviating from the scope of the appended claims.