A method for performing a positioning procedure on a receiving device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for performing a positioning procedure on a receiving device (10), comprising: - Receiving (402) from another device (20) a communication signal comprising data, - Decoding (403) the received communication signal to obtain at least one decoded data symbol, - Performing (404) a positioning procedure with respect to the other device (20) based on the use of the at least one decoded data symbol as a positioning reference symbol.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for performing a positioning procedure on a receiving device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program, a device, and a storage medium for this purpose. State of the art

[0002] Sidelink positioning in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, which effectively utilizes 5G technology, demonstrates significant potential for improving intelligent transportation systems (ITS). It enables the precise and reliable localization of vehicles and infrastructure elements, thus optimizing road safety and operational efficiency.

[0003] Comparative analysis shows superior accuracy for Sidelink positioning compared to established technologies such as GNSS, which achieve localization precision within one meter. This high level of accuracy is of paramount importance for critical V2X applications, including collision avoidance and lane-level navigation. Furthermore, Sidelink positioning demonstrates improved reliability even in challenging environments characterized by urban canyons or tunnels, where GPS signals may be attenuated or absent.

[0004] Latency minimization is another crucial advantage of sidelink positioning. The dissemination of real-time location information is essential for time-sensitive V2X applications such as emergency vehicle dispatch and traffic congestion management. Facilitating fast and efficient communication between vehicles and infrastructure through sidelink positioning reduces accident risks and optimizes traffic flow dynamics.

[0005] Sidelink positioning, however, still faces technical challenges that require further investigation. In radio-based positioning systems, dedicated positioning pilots / signals (PRS) are integrated into the communication framework with data transmission, either time- or frequency-division multiplexed. Furthermore, the use of advanced technologies remains necessary to enable the application of sidelink positioning. Therefore, current technology lacks a solution that effectively utilizes existing infrastructure.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome, at least in part, the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to avoid the use of dedicated pilots while effectively utilizing ongoing communications to perform a positioning procedure. Disclosure of the invention

[0007] According to aspects of the invention, a method with the features of claim 1, a computer with the features of claim 8, a data processing device with the features of claim 9, and a computer-readable storage medium with the features of claim 10 are provided. Further features and details of the invention are disclosed in the respective dependent claims, in the description, and in the drawings. Features and details described in the context of the method according to the invention also correspond to the computer program, the data processing device, and the computer-readable storage medium according to the invention, and vice versa in each case.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for performing a positioning procedure on a receiving device of a wireless communication network, comprising: - Receiving, from another device of the wireless communication network, a communication signal that includes data, - Decoding the received communication signal to obtain at least one decoded data symbol, - Performing a positioning procedure with respect to the other device based on the use of the at least one decoded data symbol as a positioning reference symbol.

[0009] Here, the data contained in the communication signal is preferably communication payload. In particular, the communication signal may differ from a dedicated positioning reference signal, which is transmitted specifically for a positioning procedure and does not contain communication payload. More precisely, the communication signal may differ from a positioning reference signal (PRS), as introduced in 3GPP Release 16 and later, in particular by including communication payload.

[0010] It is possible for the receiving device to utilize existing data communication channels to determine its position relative to another device. This has the advantage of eliminating the need for dedicated positioning signals and hardware, thus advantageously reducing costs and complexity. By decoding data symbols from received communication signals and using them to obtain distance estimates based on propagation time, the receiver can calculate distances to other devices. Furthermore, the invention advantageously integrates a triggering mechanism for synchronizing communication between devices, enabling accurate distance calculations even in scenarios with asynchronous data transmission.This allows for the effective use of existing infrastructure and minimizes resource consumption, while achieving comparable accuracy to traditional sidelink methods.

[0011] It is possible that the procedure may also include: - Receiving, from the other device, a message to send specific data to the other device, which allows a calculation of a round-trip time of the specific data at the other device, - Sending the specific data to the other device, - Receiving the calculated orbital period, which enables the positioning procedure to be carried out with respect to the other device.

[0012] It is possible to determine a round-trip time (RTT) by exchanging messages and specific data packets. This RTT measurement contributes to accurate positioning calculations by refining the distance estimation between devices. The relaxation of the synchronization requirement achieved through this message exchange reduces the dependence on strict timing requirements, thus improving robustness and adaptability in dynamic environments.

[0013] It is also possible that the procedure may further include: - Receiving, from the other device and from at least one further device of a wireless communication network, at least two communication signals, each of the at least two communication signals comprising the same data, - Performing a calculation of the arrival time difference for the received communication signals, - Providing positioning information for the other device based on the calculation of the Time Difference of Arrival.

[0014] It is possible to achieve a more precise positioning procedure by effectively utilizing time-based differences between received signals. The receiver or receiving device can determine the relative distances to multiple transmitting vehicles by calculating the time difference of arrival (TDOA) for signals originating from these sources. This improved information enables a more refined and accurate positioning procedure solution compared to relying on a single signal source.

[0015] It is also possible that a respective clock of the other device and of at least one other device are synchronized to ensure a correct interpretation of the received communication signals.

[0016] Synchronizing the clocks of both devices may enable precise time correlation for received data symbols. This accurate time synchronization allows for reliable calculation of distances between the devices, as timing information directly affects positioning accuracy. Furthermore, synchronized clocks facilitate the implementation of TDOA calculations by allowing the receiver to accurately determine the time differences between signals received from multiple transmitters.

[0017] It is possible that the procedure may also include: - Improving the execution of the positioning procedure based on the use of calculating the time difference of arrival and based on evaluating each of the received communication signals.

[0018] It is possible to improve positioning accuracy by incorporating time difference of arrival (TDOA) calculations using synchronized signals from multiple transmission devices. Furthermore, the invention advantageously assesses the suitability of individual received communication signals for positioning purposes. This assessment enables the refinement of distance estimates based on the reliability and quality of the received data.

[0019] It is also possible that the procedure may further include: - Assessing the suitability of one or more received communication signals for carrying out the positioning procedure, - Determining an accuracy metric based on the one or more received communication signals.

[0020] It is possible to assess the quality of received data signals for positioning purposes. This assessment can involve analyzing factors such as signal strength, noise level, and bit error rates. Based on this assessment, the system can advantageously determine the reliability of the received data for an accurate positioning procedure. Furthermore, an accuracy metric, such as a standard deviation estimate, can be calculated to quantify the precision of the determined distance estimate. This metric provides valuable information about the uncertainty associated with the positioning results and allows for refinement of the distance estimate based on the series of received signals.

[0021] It is possible that the procedure may also include: - Storing the received communication signal to perform the positioning procedure.

[0022] This allows for a more accurate positioning procedure. This has the advantage of enabling the comparison of multiple signals and the potential application of techniques such as TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival) calculations, thus refining the position estimation. Furthermore, storing the signals facilitates the assessment of signal quality and the generation of an accuracy metric, leading to a more reliable positioning procedure solution.

[0023] In another aspect of the invention, a computer program, in particular a computer program product, may be provided, comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the at least one computer to execute the method according to the invention. Thus, the computer program according to the invention may have the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention.

[0024] In another aspect of the invention, a data processing device may be provided that is designed to execute the method according to the invention. For example, the device may be at least one computer that executes the computer program according to the invention. The at least one computer may include at least one processor that can be used to execute the computer program. Furthermore, a non-volatile data storage device may be provided in which the computer program can be stored and from which the computer program can be read by the processor for execution.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, a computer-readable storage medium can be provided, comprising the computer program according to the invention and / or instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method according to the invention. The storage medium can be configured as a data storage device such as a hard disk and / or non-volatile memory and / or a memory card and / or a solid-state drive. The storage medium can, for example, be integrated into the at least one computer.

[0026] Furthermore, the method according to the invention can be implemented as a computer-implemented method. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the disclosed method steps can be computer-implemented and / or automated.

[0027] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this context, the features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The drawings show: Fig. 1: A method, a computer program, a storage medium and a device according to embodiments of the invention, Fig. 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary process according to embodiments of the invention, Fig. 3 A schematic diagram of a further exemplary process according to embodiments of the invention, Fig. 4 A schematic diagram of another exemplary process according to embodiments of the invention.

[0028] In the following figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even for different embodiments.

[0029] Currently, radio-based positioning uses dedicated positioning pilots / signals, either in time or frequency, along with data.

[0030] The core of the invention is based on the use of known data that can be used for a positioning procedure, instead of dedicated positioning pilots. Therefore, the advantage over the prior art lies in the use of currently deployed infrastructure (no additional hardware required) and the use of pre-planned data. This eliminates the need for additional resources for the positioning service.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a method, a computer program, a storage medium, and a device according to embodiments of the invention. In particular, Figure 1 shows a method, a computer program, a storage medium, and a device according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 1 a method 100 for performing a positioning procedure on a receiving device 10, comprising: In step 101, a communication signal containing data is received from another device 20. In step 102, the received communication signal is decoded to obtain at least one decoded data symbol. In step 103, a positioning procedure is performed with respect to the other device 20 based on the use of the at least one decoded data symbol as a positioning reference symbol.

[0032] Furthermore, it Fig. 1. A device 10 for data processing. The device 10 comprises a computer-readable storage medium 15. The medium 15 comprises a computer program 50.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 represents a schematic diagram of an exemplary process according to embodiments of the invention.

[0034] Another device 20, or a transmission device 20, sends 201 a data signal to a receiver 10. The receiver 10 receives the transmitted data signal and stores 202 it, for example, for further processing. Then, 203 the receiver 10 decodes the received signal and uses the decoded symbols as a positioning pilot. If the decoded symbols are considered a positioning reference signal (PRS), the receiver 10 can calculate or derive a distance estimate, as used in classical sidelink positioning procedures.

[0035] As a prerequisite, the transmission and receiving devices 10, 20 must be synchronized.

[0036] In another embodiment, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the receiving device 10 can receive a trigger from the transmitting device 20 or the transmitter 20, wherein the trigger can indicate or signal to the receiver 10 to return or send back one or more tagged packets or data. Based on this one or more tagged packets or data, the transmitting device 20 can then calculate a round-trip time, which advantageously relaxes the aforementioned synchronization requirement between the transmitter 20 and the receiver 10. Based on the received information regarding the round-trip time and based on the decoded data signal, the receiving device 10 is enabled to calculate the relative position of the transmitting device 20.

[0037] In another embodiment, as in Fig.As shown in Figure 4, multiple transmitters 20, 21, 22, 23 can send the same signal to the receiver 10 in a synchronized manner. 402 This is initiated by a coordinating message from a first transmitter 20 to the multiple transmitters 21, 22, 23. 401 Optionally, the coordinating device 20 can also send its initiation message to at least one or a subset of the multiple transmitters 21, 22, 23. The receiver 10 can then perform a time difference of arrival (TDOA) calculation. Following this TDOA calculation, the receiver 10 can provide positioning information of the first transmitter 20 to the transmitters 20, 21, 22, 23 based on the calculated time difference of arrival. 404

[0038] In another embodiment (not shown), the receiver 10 can assess the suitability of the received signal from the one or more transmitters 20, 21, 22, 23 for performing a positioning procedure. In other words, the receiver 10 evaluates how suitable the received signal is for positioning. The receiving device 10 can then derive an accuracy metric, such as an estimate of the standard deviation.

[0039] In another embodiment (not shown), the receiver 10 can use a series of received signals as well as an associated accuracy estimate to refine the distance estimate.

[0040] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention in the context of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided that this is technically feasible without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Method (100) for performing a positioning procedure on a receiving device (10) of a wireless communication network, comprising: - Receiving (101, 201, 301, 402) from another device (20) of the wireless communication network, a communication signal comprising data, - Decoding (102, 203, 303, 403) the received communication signal to obtain at least one decoded data symbol, - Performing (103, 204, 404) a positioning procedure with respect to the other device (20) based on the use of the at least one decoded data symbol as a positioning reference symbol. [2] Method (100) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the procedure (100) further includes: - Receiving, from the other device (20), a message to send specific data to the other device (20), which enables a calculation of a round-trip time of the specific data at the other device (20), - Sending the specific data to the other device (20), - Receiving the calculated orbital period, which enables the positioning procedure to be carried out with respect to the other device (20). [3] Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the procedure (100) further includes: - Receiving, from the other device (20) and from at least one further device (21, 22, 23) of the wireless communication network, at least two communication signals, each of the at least two communication signals comprising the same data, - Performing a calculation of the arrival time difference for the received communication signals, - Providing positioning information of the other device (20) based on the calculation of the time difference of arrival. [4] Method (100) according to claim 3, characterized by , that a respective clock of the other device (20) and of the at least one other device (21, 22, 23) are synchronized to ensure a correct interpretation of the received communication signals. [5] Method (100) according to claim 3 and claim 4, characterized by , that the procedure (100) further includes: - Improving the execution of the positioning procedure based on the use of calculating the time difference of arrival and based on evaluating each of the received communication signals. [6] Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the procedure (100) further includes: - Assessing one or more received (101, 201, 301, 402) communication signals with regard to their suitability for carrying out (103, 204, 404) the positioning procedure, - Determining an accuracy metric based on the one or more received communication signals. [7] Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the procedure (100) further includes: - Storing one or more received communication signals to perform (103, 204, 404) the positioning procedure. [8] Computer program (50) comprising instructions which, when the computer program (50) is executed by a computer (10), cause the computer (10) to execute the method (100) according to any of the preceding claims. [9] Data processing device (10) comprising means for carrying out the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [10] Computer-readable storage medium (15) comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer (10), cause the computer (10) to perform the steps of the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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