Patent Description:
IoT (Internet-of-Things), loT-wearable devices (e.g. kids watches, sport activity watches, to name but a few non-limiting examples), and/or asset trackers nowadays often have GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) devices respectively capabilities but are limited in storage and often do not allow connection to the internet or trying to limit it e.g. to save battery power.

Further, it is known to provide estimates of A-GNSS (Assisted GNSS) for e.g. <NUM> or more days based on previous A-GNSS data provided current location is known. Reference location can be received by making an online request or can be calculated locally using pre-loaded data. Precision of reference location does not need to be very precise i.e. accuracy of <NUM> to <NUM> is sufficient.

Cell information (e.g. cell radio maps) is a further source of positioning information, but data files are taking a lot of space on devices. For example, only for Geran (GSM) cell information size may be over <NUM> MB, and for LTE it may be even over <NUM> MB, to name but a few non-limiting examples.

<CIT> discloses an apparatus that comprises a processor configured to determine a first result of estimating a position based at least in part on a first partial radio map, wherein the processor is further configured to perform a first comparison of the first result to a reference position, and a memory configured to store a second result based upon the comparison.

<NPL> investigates the performance of Wi-Fi-based fingerprinting location estimation in an unmodified factory environments of Hon-Hai Precision Industry. The positioning system contains four components: temporal filter, dynamic clustering, access point selection, and pattern-matching. The performance using realistic Wi-Fi power measurements is evaluated. Results show that, although reasonable accuracy is achieved (around <NUM>-percentil error is smaller than <NUM> meter), there always exist much large errors (e.g., over <NUM> meter). It is argued that for a large factory environment, sufficient number of the-samefloor APs is required for many indoor location-based applications such as labor tracking.

<CIT> discloses a wireless terminal device that includes a storage unit and a processor. The processor is configured to acquire identification information of a base station and acquire first and second location information indicating first and second locations of the wireless terminal device, respectively. The processor is configured to store the first and second location information acquired in a communication area of the captured base station during a preset period of time in the storage unit in association with the identification information of the captured base station. The processor is configured to acquire first identification information of a currently captured base station when a location request is detected. The processor is configured to output the first location information or the second location information stored in the storage unit in association with the first identification information.

<CIT> discloses a location information determining method and system for providing a variety of services based on a location. The location information determining method includes receiving cell information; and determining location information that matches the cell information as location information of a mobile terminal from a location information database that stores location information that matches a plurality of pieces of cell information, respectively.

<CIT> relates to systems and methods for determining locations of mobile devices. In particular, a set of regions is defined based upon the relative strength of signals received from one or more base stations within the region. Each region has associated location information (e.g., latitude and longitude). The location of a mobile device can be determined by analyzing the strength of received signals, identifying base stations and generating an ordered list of base stations based upon signal strength. The ordered list can be compared to the set of regions to determine the region in which the mobile device is located. The location information for the retrieved region can be used to estimate the location of the mobile device.

If data is pre-installed on such devices, radio map covering larger (geographical) area(s) may need more disk space. Further, for downloaded radio maps, reducing data size improves download time and allows such devices to spend more time in low power mode. Also charges for transmitted data applying may be reduced.

Online requests could be made to get reference position, but in particular with IoT devices, transmitting of needed data may consume significant amount of energy stored in a battery and further shorten time between recharging battery.

It is thus, inter alia, the technical object to avoid such disadvantages and in particular reduce an amount of storage space needed (e.g. on electronic devices) for offline radio maps.

According to a first exemplary aspect of the present invention, a method is disclosed, the method comprising:.

This method may for instance be performed and/or controlled by an apparatus, for instance a server and/or a base station of the communication network. Alternatively, this method may be performed and/or controlled by more than one apparatus, for instance a server cloud comprising at least two servers.

The method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention may for instance be used for determining (e.g. estimating) a position of an electronic device, e.g. based at least partially on A-GNSS services.

According to a further exemplary aspect of the present invention, a computer program is disclosed, the computer program when executed by a processor causing an apparatus, for instance a server and/or a base station, to perform and/or control the steps of the method according to the first exemplary aspect.

The computer program may be stored on computer-readable storage medium, in particular a tangible and/or non-transitory medium. The computer readable storage medium could for example be a disk or a memory or the like. The computer program could be stored in the computer readable storage medium in the form of instructions encoding the computer-readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium may be intended for taking part in the operation of a device, like an internal or external memory, for instance a Read-Only Memory (ROM) or hard disk of a computer, or be intended for distribution of the program, like an optical disc.

According to a further exemplary aspect of the invention, an apparatus is disclosed, configured to perform and/or control or comprising respective means for performing and/or controlling the method according to the first exemplary aspect.

The means of the apparatus can be implemented in hardware and/or software. They may comprise for instance at least one processor for executing computer program code for performing the required functions, at least one memory storing the program code, or both. Alternatively, they could comprise for instance circuitry that is designed to implement the required functions, for instance implemented in a chipset or a chip, like an integrated circuit. In general, the means may comprise for instance one or more processing means or processors.

According to a further exemplary aspect of the invention, an apparatus is disclosed, 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 an apparatus, for instance the apparatus, at least to perform and/or to control the method according to the first exemplary aspect.

The above-disclosed apparatus according to any aspect of the invention may be a module or a component for a device, for example a chip. Alternatively, the disclosed apparatus according to any aspect of the invention may be a device, for instance a server or server cloud. The disclosed apparatus according to any aspect of the invention may comprise only the disclosed components, for instance means, processor, memory, or may further comprise one or more additional components.

According to a second exemplary aspect that is not part of the scope of the invention, a method is disclosed, the method comprising:.

This method may for instance be performed and/or controlled by an apparatus, for instance an electronic device, e.g. a (mobile) terminal. For instance, the method may be performed and/or controlled by using at least one processor of the electronic device.

The method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention may for instance be used for determining (e.g. estimating) a position of the electronic device based at least partially on A-GNSS services.

According to a further exemplary aspect of the disclosure, which is also not part of the scope of the invention, a computer program is disclosed, the computer program when executed by a processor causing an apparatus, for instance the electronic device, to perform and/or control the steps of the method according to the second exemplary aspect.

The computer program may be stored on computer-readable storage medium, in particular a tangible and/or non-transitory medium. The computer readable storage medium could for example be a disk or a memory or the like. The computer program could be stored in the computer readable storage medium in the form of instructions encoding the computer-readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium may be intended for taking part in the operation of a device, like an internal or external memory, for instance a Read-Only Memory (ROM) or hard disk of a computer, or be intended for distribution of the program, like an optical disc. According to a further exemplary aspect of the invention, an apparatus is disclosed, configured to perform and/or control or comprising respective means for performing and/or controlling the method according to the second exemplary aspect.

According to a further exemplary aspect of the invention, an apparatus is disclosed, 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 an apparatus, for instance the apparatus, at least to perform and/or to control the method according to the second exemplary aspect.

The above-disclosed apparatus according to any aspect of the invention may be a module or a component for a device, for example a chip. The disclosed apparatus according to any aspect of the invention may comprise only the disclosed components, for instance means, processor, memory, or may further comprise one or more additional components.

According to a third exemplary aspect of the invention, a system is disclosed, comprising:
at least one first apparatus (e.g. server, server cloud, or a base station) according to any aspect of the invention as disclosed above, and at least one second apparatus (e.g. electronic device), wherein the at least one second apparatus is configured to perform and/or control or comprising respective means for performing and/or controlling:.

In the following, exemplary features and exemplary embodiments of all aspects of the present invention will be described in further detail.

The method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention may for instance be performed by a base station (e.g. a gNB (Next Generation NodeB)) of the communication network. The communication network may for instance be a wireless communication network, e.g. a cellular communication network according to e.g. LTE communication standard and/or NR (New Radio) communication technologies (also referred to as future radio technologies). Further, the communication network may for instance be according to GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), and/or GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) communication standard. The gNB may for instance be comprised by or be a part of a CRAN (Centralized RAN (Radio Access Network)) architecture of the wireless communication network.

Such one or more base stations of the communication network may for instance enable the determining (e.g. estimating) of a position of an electronic device.

For instance, two types of positioning services may for instance be supported: i) so-called terminal-based type, wherein an electronic device may for instance receive data from the communication network, and then may for instance determine its location, and ii) so-called terminal-assisted type, wherein an electronic device may for instance receive data from the communication network, and further is configured to perform position related measurements (e.g. satellite pseudoranges, and/or fingerprints to name but one non-limiting example), and provide those measurements back to the communication network that then determines the position of the electronic device.

Further, determining of a position of an electronic device may for instance be based, at least partially, on SUPL (Secure User Plane Location). This can improve the performance of position respectively location estimates.

SUPL is an encrypted IP technology that was developed to support Location-Based Services (LBS) for wireless communications. SUPL may for instance enable the determining of a position of an electronic device: i) Network Initiated (NI), wherein the communication network may for instance determine the electronic device location, and ii) SET (SUPL Enabled Terminal) Initiated (SI), wherein the electronic device may for instance determine its location (itself). To be able to establish a NI determining of the position, a trigger may for instance be sent to the electronic device (e.g. a SET) enabling the device to get into a connected state and to contact a specific IP address and port. This may for instance correspond to the abovementioned terminal-assisted mode.

SI within the meaning of the present invention is understood as a SUPL request that is utilized according to example embodiments of the present invention. For instance, such SUPL requests may for instance be utilized by an electronic device that may for instance require its position for a particular service (e.g. navigation, applications, or location-based services, to name but a few non-limiting examples) to be determined. SI may for instance correspond to the abovementioned terminal-based mode.

So-called cell technology fallback objects (short: fallback objects) within the meaning of the present invention may for instance be area codes. Such area codes may for instance be indicative of an (geographic) area the respective cell(s) of the one or more cells belong to. Such one or more fallback objects may for instance contain area codes from one to hundreds of cells of the one or more cells, e.g. depending on cell density in the (geographic) area. For instance, in sport and trade centers there could be tens or even hundred base stations (e.g. representing a respective cell of the one or more cells) to cover network usage peaks during competitions, exhibitions e.g. with several thousands of visitors.

A respective fallback object of the one or more fallback objects may for instance comprise or represent at least one (area) identifier, e.g. an area code. Such an area code may for instance represent the (geographic) area that is covered by a respective cell of the one or more cells of the communication network. Further, a respective fallback object may comprise or be associated with a reference location that may for instance be utilized in determining a position, e.g. by an electronic device. Thus, a respective fallback object may for instance comprise or represent a plurality (e.g. at least two) of such identifiers, wherein each identifier of the plurality of identifiers may for instance be indicative of an (geographic area) the respective cell of the one or more cells (e.g. that is associated with the respective identifier) belongs to. Such a determined cell may for instance also be referred to as cell object.

The needed level of accuracy for determining a position may for instance represent an accuracy an electronic device can achieve when determining (e.g. estimating) its position based, at least partially, on the (determined) one or more second fallback objects and/or cells.

Further, one or more fallback objects out of the one or more obtained first fallback objects may for instance be rejected, e.g. in case a size of a respective second fallback object of the one or more fallback objects is too large, and/or is above the threshold value.

Then, the determined one or more second fallback objects and/or the determined one or more cells are output for usage in a generation of a radio map. Then, such a generated radio map may for instance be provided to one or more electronic devices that may for instance determine (e.g. estimate) their respective position based, at least partially, on the radio map.

This method enables to reduce the size of offline radio maps that may be used for determining an electronic device's position. Such an offline radio map comprises at least one reference position that can be used for determining the position of the electronic device (offline). In order to keep the size of such offline radio maps small, one or more second fallback objects can be combined with cells in places and/or areas where the second fallback object may for instance not provide the reference position that may be utilized for determining the position of an electronic device (e.g. the second apparatus performing and/or controlling the method according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention).

A respective piece of cell information of the one or more pieces of cell information is indicative of an amount (respectively number) of positioning requests a respective cell of the one or more cells of the communication network has received, e.g. in the past. Such a positioning request may for instance be an abovementioned SUPL request, to name but one non-limiting example.

Further, there may for instance be one or more pieces of cell information that do not comprise or represent such information indicative of a respective amount (number) of positioning requests (e.g. SUPL requests) of one or more cells of the communication network. Such cells may not be comprised by a radio map to be generated according to the method of the first exemplary aspect of the present invention, since such cells may for instance be used very rarely for position determining.

The determined one or more cells - in contrast - may for instance comprise or be represented by a cell identifier enabling the respective cell of the one or more cells to be identified. Further, the determined one or more cells may for instance comprise or be represented by (at least one or a single) reference position that can be used for determining a position based at least partially on a radio map that is to be generated based at least partially on the determined one or more cells. Then, such a radio map is provided to be used for determining a position based at least partially on the provided radio map.

The one or more second fallback objects and/or the one or more pieces of cell information and/or the one or more cells may for instance be stored in a memory, e.g. a database that is comprised by or a part of the communication network, and/or the apparatus configured to perform and/or control the method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention.

The steps of determining of the one or more second fallback objects and/or of determining of the one or more cells may for instance be performed and/or controlled iteratively until all of the obtained one or more first fallback objects and/or all of the obtained one or more pieces of cell information are processed.

In an exemplary embodiment according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention, 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.

A respective first and/or second fallback object of the one or more first and/or second fallback objects may for instance be associated with a certain sub-area within the geographic area, and dependent upon the size of the sub-area that is associated with the certain first and/or second fallback object, a certain level of accuracy is achievable.

For instance, the larger the size of the sub-area is that is associated with the respective fallback object, the lower is the level of accuracy that may be achievable by an electronic device located within this sub-area and determining (e.g. estimating) its (e.g. current) location.

Further, some second fallback objects of the one or more second fallback objects may for instance not be determined out of the one or more obtained first fallback objects, since they may for instance be within a respective cell. Then, it may for instance be better to determine the respective cell, e.g. to provide a reference position for usage in a generation of a radio map, since the respective cell may for instance cover (nearly) the same (geographic) area than the respective fallback object, but may for instance be (significantly) smaller in its size.

The size of the respective first and/or second fallback objects may for instance refer to the size of the geographical area that is associated with the respective first and/or second fallback object, e.g. as represented by its identifier (e.g. area code). The size of the respective first and/or second fallback object may for instance refer to the size that is needed for storing the respective first and/or second fallback object (also referred to as data size of the respective first and/or second fallback object), e.g. in the memory. For instance, a respective second fallback object may be determined if the size (e.g. of the geographical area and/or the data size of the respective second fallback object) is within a limit, e.g. set out by a threshold value, or alternatively, in case the respective fallback object exceeds the limit set out by the threshold value. Such a threshold value may for instance be indicative of a maximum size a respective second fallback object can have so that it is taken into account when generating a radio map based at least partially on the respective second fallback object.

In an exemplary embodiment according to all aspects of the present invention, 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.

The usage may for instance be a historical number of positioning requests. The usage may for instance be determined based, at least partially, on the one or more cell information. For instance, the one or more pieces of cell information may for instance be analyzed to derive from those one or more pieces of cell information the number of positioning requests that the respective cell has received (in the past, e.g. day, week, months, year, or longer, to name but a few non-limiting examples). For instance, the number of positioning requests may for instance be represented by a number of SUPL requests and/or requests by asset trackers that have occurred in the respective cell of the one or more cells in the past.

In an exemplary embodiment according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises:.

For instance, the one or more cells to replace at least one of the one or more second fallback objects are determined in case the respective cell is likely smaller in its size with respect to the size needed for storing a radio map that is to be generated based at least partially on the output one or more second fallback objects and/or the one or more cells.

In an exemplary embodiment according to all aspects of the present invention, the method further comprises:.

The radio map may for instance be a partial radio map or a global radio map that can be provided e.g. to an electronic device requesting positioning services, e.g. by a corresponding positioning request. A partial radio map may for instance comprise only a part of an area that is comprised by the global radio map.

The radio map may for instance be a coverage area model of the radio positioning support system that may be provided, e.g. to at least one electronic device that requests its position respectively location to be determined. The radio map may for instance represent (e.g. fixed) installation positions of (the) one or more base stations, e.g. represented by one or more corresponding reference position, e.g. in the form of corrdinates (e.g. x-, y-coordinates, and/or latitude-, longitude-coordinates, to name but a few non-limiting examples). Further, the radio map may for instance represent (e.g. expected) coverage areas associated with the respective base stations. The radio map may for instance represent a radio coverage model of the expected radio coverage associated with the respective base station. The electronic device may for instance determine (e.g. estimate) its (e.g. current) location based at least partially on the radio map.

The radio map is generated based, at least in part, on one or more determined second fallback objects and/or the one or more determined cells so that the generated radio map comprises a combination of second fallback objects with cells comprising e.g. cell information in the geographic area. The geographic area may for instance be a sub-area and/or one or more places that are located within the geographic area.

In this way, it is enabled to achieve on one or more electronic devices that are provided with the generated radio map good availability of reference position while keeping the size of the radio map that is provided to the one or more electronic device small (in particular minimal).

In an exemplary embodiment according to all aspects of the present invention, 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.

For instance, the radio map may for instance comprise or represent at least one (or a plurality of) such reference positions after it is generated.

The radio map may thus have an optimized (e.g. reduced number of fallback objects and/or cells in comparison to the number of obtained first fallback objects and/or cells, e.g. represented by the obtained pieces of cell information). Further, the radio map may for instance provide such at least one reference positions that are located respectively positioned at at least one certain location within the geographic area that is covered by the radio map so that a respective electronic device, e.g. the apparatus configured to perform and/or control the method according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention can estimate its position within the geographic area based at least partially on the radio map. Before the respective electronic device may for instance determine its position based at least partially on the radio map, the radio map may be provided (e.g. output) to the respective electronic device. Then, the respective electronic device may for instance store the radio map in a memory of the electronic device so that it can be obtained to be used for determining a position.

In an exemplary embodiment according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention, the generated radio map is providable to one or more electronic devices for usage in a positioning service.

For instance, the generated radio map is providable to one or more electronic devices by outputting (e.g. transmitting) the generated radio map, e.g. from the apparatus that is configured to perform and/or control the method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention to one or more electronic devices, e.g. one or more apparatuses that are configured to perform and/or control the method according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention.

For instance, based on such a providable radio map, a respective electronic device may for instance determine (e.g. estimate) its position.

Further, the method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention may for instance utilize a frequency of how often the one or more cells of the communication network are used. This may for instance be not uniform: some cells of the one or more cells may for instance be used e.g. for reference position calculation very often (e.g. cells covering shopping malls, route hubs, etc.), and some other cells of the one or more cells may for instance be very rarely used (e.g. cells covering (an) geographic area located in the mountains, or in forest areas, to name but a few non-limiting examples).

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

Thus, for offline radio maps to meet quality criteria, it will be sufficient that fast fix would be achieved in, for example <NUM>% of reference location attempts.

The one or more pre-determined or determined according to pre-defined rules reference parameters may for instance comprise or represent a threshold value. Such reference parameters may for instance set out one or more quality criteria that need to be achievable by one or more electronic devices that determine their respective position based, at least in part, on a radio map that is to be generated on the one or more second fallback objects and/or the one or more cells.

For instance, such a threshold value may be indicative of or represent a positioning accuracy, e.g. in a unit of length like yards or meters, that is achievable with a radio map generated based at least partially on the one or more fallback objects and/or the one or more cells.

Further, the reference parameters may for instance comprise or represent one or more TTFF (time to first fix) delay times. Such a TTFF delay times may for instance enable effective initial position determination (e.g. estimation) of a respective electronic device that is provided with a generated radio map according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

It will be understood that one or more determined (second) fallback objects and/or one or more determined cells that did not lead to a suffice result during the verifying may for instance not be used in a next repetition of the method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention. In order to achieve an enhanced (e.g. optimized) result, the method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention may for instance be repeated iteratively, e.g. several (more than one) times.

In an embodiment according to all aspects of the present invention, a respective second fallback object 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.

In case the reference position is (e.g. almost) equidistant to e.g. borders of the geographic area, a level of positioning accuracy is achievable throughout this area. In contrast, in case the position of the reference position is e.g. close to a border of the geographic area, only determining of a position of an electronic device by one or more positioning requests performed within the vicinity of the reference position achieve a high-level of positioning accuracy, wherein e.g. a determining of a position, wherein the electronic device is located e.g. within the vicinity of a border opposite to the one of the reference position of the geographic area, may for instance lead to a poor positioning accuracy. Throughout the (entire) geographic area, compared to the first example, wherein in the latter example a lower positioning accuracy is achievable.

In an exemplary embodiment according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention, the determining of the one or more fallback objects is further based on the certain level of accuracy.

For instance, by comparing the certain level of accuracy to a pre-determined or determined according to pre-defined rules threshold value, the one or more fallback objects are determined. In this way, a certain level of minimal accuracy is guaranteed by the solution according to the present invention, since the needed level of accuracy for determining a position can be achieved, e.g. due to a verifying prior to providing the generated radio map to the one or more electronic devices.

The one or more radio maps may for instance be obtained by the second apparatus (e.g. a respective electronic device of the one or more electronic devices, e.g. as utilized by the method according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention) configured to perform and/or control the method according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention. The one or more radio maps may for instance be obtained from the first apparatus of the method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention.

The position of the second apparatus may for instance be determined (e.g. estimated) based at least partially on the one or more obtained radio maps. Such one or more radio maps may for instance be generated by the method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention, as disclosed above.

The at least one electronic device may for instance be a mobile device, e.g. a smartphone, tablet, wearable, IoT (Internet-of-Things)-device, and/or asset tracker to name but a few non-limiting examples. The electronic device may for instance be portable (e.g. weigh less than <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>, or less than <NUM>). The electronic device may for instance comprise or be connectable to a display, e.g. for displaying information, e.g. a map or navigation information such as a route that is guide respectively navigated to a user. The electronic device may for instance comprise or be connectable to means for outputting sound, e.g. in form of spoken commands or information. The electronic device may for instance comprise or be connectable to one or more sensors for determining the devices position, such as for instance a GNSS receiver, e.g. in the form of a GPS receiver. The mobile device may for instance comprise or be connectable to a receiver and/or transmitter (e.g. a transceiver) for receiving and/or sending information, e.g. one or more radio maps. The electronic device may for instance be suitable for outdoor and/or indoor navigation respectively positioning.

In an exemplary embodiment according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention, the radio map is received, e.g. from the apparatus according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention.

In an exemplary embodiment according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises:.

The positioning request may for instance be sent to the at least one cell by sending the positioning request to a base station of the respective cell.

The at least one reference position may for instance be comprised by a respective fallback object and/or cell of a respective radio map of the obtained one or more radio maps.

In response to the sent positioning request, the position information is received, e.g. from the at least one cell respectively the base station of the respective cell.

In an exemplary embodiment according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention, in case the one or more radio maps comprise at least one reference position, a position information indicative of the (apparatus') position is determined (e.g. estimated) based, at least in part, on the respective at least one reference position (e.g. comprised by a respective fallback object and/or cell of the radio map).

In an exemplary embodiment according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention, a transceiver (of the apparatus) is turned on only in case the obtained 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.

The transceiver (of the apparatus) is turned on only in case the obtained one or more radio maps do not comprise at least one reference position enabling the apparatus to determine (e.g. estimating) its position based at least partially on the one or more radio maps. In this case, the position may for instance be determined based on a positioning request that is sent to a cell of the communication network to that the apparatus may for instance establish a communication connection, e.g. to a respective base station of the cell.

This may for instance also be the case when the apparatus according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention is located within the area of a radio map in that a reference position is not available but the apparatus is still located within the geographic area covered by the one or more radio maps.

In an exemplary embodiment according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention, the (obtained) one or more radio maps are stored in a memory.

The memory may for instance be a database that is comprised by or a part of the apparatus configured to perform and/or control the method according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention. Alternatively, this apparatus may for instance be connectable to such a database, e.g. via the communication network.

In an exemplary embodiment according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention, the memory (e.g. database) comprises a plurality (e.g. at least two) of radio maps, wherein each of the plurality of radio maps respectively is a part of a global radio map.

As disclosed above, a respective radio map of the plurality of radio maps may for instance be a partial radio map, wherein the plurality of radio maps may for instance form global radio map. Such a partial radio map may for instance comprise only a part of an area that is comprised by the global radio map.

Those one or more radio maps may for instance be provided e.g. to the apparatus that is configured to perform and/or control the method according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention (e.g. an electronic device), wherein this apparatus may for instance request at least one positioning service, e.g. by sending (e.g. transmitting) a corresponding positioning request.

The features and example embodiments of the invention described above may equally pertain to the different aspects according to the present invention.

Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not drawn to scale and that they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.

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.

<FIG> is a schematic high-level block diagram of a system <NUM> according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. Such a system <NUM> 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 <NUM> comprises a server <NUM>, an optional database <NUM>, and one or more electronic devices <NUM> (in <FIG> only a single one is shown). Further, system <NUM> comprises in a geographic area <NUM> base stations (e.g. gNBs) <NUM>, wherein in <FIG> two of such base stations <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are shown. Each of the base stations <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> has an associated coverage area <NUM>, wherein base station <NUM>-<NUM> is associated with coverage area <NUM>-<NUM>, and base station <NUM>-<NUM> is associated with coverage area <NUM>-<NUM>. In case electronic device <NUM> is located within at least one of the coverage area <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, communication services can be provided to the electronic device <NUM> via the respective base station <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. Further, base stations <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> can communicate with each other, and/or with server <NUM>, e.g. via a communication network (e.g. cellular communication network established by the base stations <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>).

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

Database <NUM> is optional. Database <NUM> may for instance be comprised by or connectable to server <NUM>. Database <NUM> 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 <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and/or to the one or more electronic devices <NUM>.

Example embodiments enable system <NUM> to perform and/or control the method according to the first and/or second exemplary aspect of the present invention.

<FIG> is a flowchart <NUM> showing an example embodiment of a method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention. This flowchart <NUM> may for instance be performed by server <NUM>, or base stations <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>.

In a first step <NUM>, 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>).

In a second step <NUM>, 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>).

In a third step <NUM>, 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 <NUM> of <FIG>, and/or at least one of the base stations <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>.

In a forth step <NUM>, 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 <NUM> of <FIG>, and/or at least one of the base stations <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>.

In an optional fifth step <NUM>, 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 <NUM> of <FIG>, and/or at least one of the base stations <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>.

In a sixth step <NUM>, 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 <NUM> of <FIG> that may for instance perform step <NUM> 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 <NUM> of <FIG>) that may for instance generate a radio map (in accordance to step <NUM>) based at least partially on the output one or more fallback objects and/or one or more cells.

In an optional seventh step <NUM>, 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 <NUM> of <FIG> and/or by at least one of the base stations <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart <NUM> showing an example embodiment of a method according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention. This flowchart <NUM> may for instance be performed by electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>.

In particular, flowchart <NUM> may for instance be performed and/or controlled by at least one of the base stations <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> and/or server <NUM> of <FIG> in conjunction with flowchart <NUM> that may for instance be performed by electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>. Together, flowchart <NUM> of <FIG> and flowchart <NUM> of <FIG> may for instance enable a positioning support system (e.g. system <NUM> of <FIG>) that enables a terminal-based mode for positioning services (e.g. determine position respectively location and/or navigation services).

In a first step <NUM>, 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 <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, and/or from the server <NUM> of <FIG>. 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 <NUM> of <FIG>, and that has stored the one or more radio maps in advance (prior to performing and/or controlling flowchart <NUM>).

In a second step <NUM>, 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 <NUM> of <FIG> is currently residing is determined, e.g. by the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart <NUM> showing an example embodiment of a method according to the first and/or second exemplary aspect of the present invention. This flowchart <NUM> may for instance be performed by the system <NUM> of <FIG>.

Flowchart <NUM> 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.

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

In a first step <NUM>, 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 <NUM> of <FIG>), and/or on one or more (obtained) fallback (FB) objects (see e.g. step <NUM> of <FIG>).

In a second step <NUM>, fallback objects are analyzed (e.g. determined; see step <NUM> of <FIG>).

In a third step <NUM>, FB objects are selected (e.g. determined; see step <NUM> of <FIG> as well).

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

In a fifth step <NUM>, cell(s) to replace the FB object of step <NUM> 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 <NUM> of <FIG>).

In a sixth step <NUM>, it is checked whether or not all FB objects are processed of the obtained FB objects (see step <NUM> and/or step <NUM> of <FIG>). In case not all of the obtained FB objects are processed, it is continued with the next FB object, indicated in flowchart <NUM> with the arrow pointing back to step <NUM>. In case that all of the obtained FB objects are processed, it is continued with step <NUM>.

In a seventh step <NUM>, request set is run, e.g. by electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, 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).

In an eighth step <NUM>, it is checked whether or not the results of the processing of step <NUM> have led to a good result (e.g. result of the comparison of step <NUM> 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 <NUM> with the arrow pointing back to step <NUM>. 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 <NUM> of <FIG>) based at least partially on the FB object(s) and/or the cell(s), the processing of the flowchart <NUM> may for instance be discontinued.

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.

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).

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.

For offline radio maps to meet quality criteria, it will be sufficient that fast fix would be achieved in, for example <NUM>% of reference location attempts.

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.

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:.

Verifying that with selected fallback and cell objects at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> %, or more of SUPL requests will provide sufficient reference position may vary on how radio maps are used. For instance, for SUPL e.g. <NUM> % 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.

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.

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.

<FIG> show respective sets of fallback objects and cells before (<FIG>) and after (<FIG>) 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.

It is shown in <FIG> that geographic area 760a comprises cells 750a-<NUM> to 750a-<NUM>. Further, within the geographic area 760a, a plurality of base stations are located, wherein exemplary three different base stations 740a-<NUM> to 740a-<NUM> are marked in <FIG>. The position of the base stations 740a-<NUM> to 740a-<NUM> may for instance be known as a reference position that may for instance be utilized by an electronic device (e.g. electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) 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-<NUM> to 750a-<NUM> within the geographic area <NUM> 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.

In contrast, the radio map shown in <FIG> comprises less information resulting in a smaller size compared to the radio map shown in <FIG>. It can be seen in <FIG> that only two base stations 740b-<NUM> (corresponding to base station 740a-<NUM> shown in <FIG>) and base station 740b-<NUM> (corresponding to base station 740a-<NUM> shown in <FIG>) are comprised by the radio map shown in <FIG>. Furthermore, only three cells 750b-<NUM>, 750b-<NUM>, and 750b-<NUM> of the four cells 750a-<NUM> to 750a-<NUM> shown in <FIG> are comprised by the radio map shown in <FIG>. The cells 750b-<NUM>, 750b-<NUM>, and 750b-<NUM> 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 <NUM> of <FIG>) 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> respectively 760b of <FIG> that is covered by the radio maps shown in <FIG> respective positions of one or more electronic devices (e.g. configured e.g. according to electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) can be determined (e.g. estimated) by the one or more electronic devices with a good accuracy.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus <NUM> according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, which may for instance represent the server <NUM> of <FIG>. Alternatively, the schematic block diagram of the apparatus <NUM> according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention may for instance represent base station <NUM>-<NUM> and/or <NUM>-<NUM>.

Apparatus <NUM> comprises a processor <NUM>, working memory <NUM>, program memory <NUM>, data memory <NUM>, communication interface(s) <NUM>, and an optional user interface <NUM>.

Apparatus <NUM> may for instance be configured to perform and/or control or comprise respective means (at least one of <NUM> to <NUM>) for performing and/or controlling the method according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention. Apparatus <NUM> may as well constitute an apparatus comprising at least one processor (<NUM>) and at least one memory (<NUM>) 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 <NUM> at least to perform and/or control the method according to first exemplary aspect of the invention of the present invention.

Processor <NUM> may for instance comprise a fallback object obtainer <NUM> as a functional and/or structural unit. Fallback object obtainer <NUM> may for instance be configured to obtain one or more fallback objects (see step <NUM> of <FIG>).

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

Processor <NUM> may for instance comprise a fallback object determiner <NUM> as a functional and/or structural unit. Fallback object determiner <NUM> may for instance be configured to determine one or more fallback objects (see step <NUM> of <FIG>) out of obtained one or more fallback objects (see step <NUM> of <FIG>).

Processor <NUM> may for instance comprise a cell determiner <NUM> a functional and/or structural unit. Cell determiner <NUM> may for instance be configured to determine one or more cells (see step <NUM> of <FIG>).

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

Processor <NUM> may for instance comprise an optional radio map generator <NUM> as a functional and/or structural unit. Radio map generator <NUM> may for instance be configured to generate a radio map (see step <NUM> of <FIG>).

Processor <NUM> may for instance further control the memories <NUM> to <NUM>, the communication interface(s) <NUM>, and the optional user interface <NUM>.

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

Processor <NUM> (and also any other processor mentioned in this specification) may be a processor of any suitable type. Processor <NUM> 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 <NUM> may for instance be an application processor that runs an operating system.

Program memory <NUM> may also be included into processor <NUM>. This memory may for instance be fixedly connected to processor <NUM>, or be at least partially removable from processor <NUM>, for instance in the form of a memory card or stick. Program memory <NUM> 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 <NUM> may also comprise an operating system for processor <NUM>. Program memory <NUM> may also comprise a firmware for apparatus <NUM>.

Apparatus <NUM> comprises a working memory <NUM>, 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 <NUM> when executing an operating system and/or computer program.

Data memory <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> and step <NUM> of <FIG>), one or more cells that are determined (see step <NUM> of <FIG>), one or more parameters, and/or one or more radio maps.

Communication interface(s) <NUM> enable apparatus <NUM> to communicate with other entities, e.g. with electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, with server <NUM> of <FIG> in case apparatus <NUM> represents base station <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, and/or with base station <NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> in case apparatus <NUM> represents server <NUM> of <FIG>. The communication interface(s) <NUM> 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 <NUM> to communicate with other entities, for instance shown in <FIG>.

User interface <NUM> 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.

Some or all of the components of the apparatus <NUM> may for instance be connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of the apparatus <NUM> may for instance be combined into one or more modules.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus <NUM> according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, which may for instance represent the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>.

Apparatus <NUM> comprises a processor <NUM>, working memory <NUM>, program memory <NUM>, data memory <NUM>, communication interface(s) <NUM>, an optional user interface <NUM> and an optional sensor(s) <NUM>.

Apparatus <NUM> may for instance be configured to perform and/or control or comprise respective means (at least one of <NUM> to <NUM>) for performing and/or controlling the method according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention. Apparatus <NUM> may as well constitute an apparatus comprising at least one processor (<NUM>) and at least one memory (<NUM>) 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 <NUM> at least to perform and/or control the method according to second exemplary aspect of the invention of the present invention.

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

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

Processor <NUM> may for instance further control the memories <NUM> to <NUM>, the communication interface(s) <NUM>, the optional user interface <NUM> and the optional sensor(s) <NUM>.

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

Data memory <NUM> 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 <NUM> may for instance store one or more radio maps, and/or determined position information representing the position of the apparatus <NUM> that is determined, e.g. by position determiner <NUM>.

Communication interface(s) <NUM> enable apparatus <NUM> to communicate with other entities, e.g. with server <NUM> of <FIG>, and/or with base station <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. The communication interface(s) <NUM> 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 <NUM> to communicate with other entities, e.g. entities shown in <FIG>.

Sensor(s) <NUM> are optional and may for instance comprise a GNSS and/or GPS receiver.

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.

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.

Claim 1:
A method, comprising:
- obtaining (<NUM>) one or more first fallback objects indicative of a geographic area (<NUM>) that is covered by one or more cells of a communication network, wherein a respective first fallback object comprises at least an area information indicative of the geographic area (<NUM>) the respective one or more cells belongs to; the method being characterised by the following steps:
- obtaining (<NUM>) 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 (<NUM>) one or more second fallback objects out of the one or more first fallback objects, wherein the one or more second fallback objects are determined based at least partially on a needed level of accuracy for determining a position being achievable based on the respective second fallback object, wherein a respective second fallback object is associated with at least one reference position within the geographic area (<NUM>);
- determining (<NUM>) for an area of the respective first 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, wherein the determined one or more cells are associated with one or more reference positions that can be used for determining a position of the electronic device based at least partially on an offline radio map to be generated based at least partially on the determined one or more cells; and
- outputting (<NUM>) the determined one or more second fallback objects and the determined one or more cells for usage in a generation of the offline radio map comprising at least one reference position to be used by the electronic device for determining its position.