System and method for determining location of user equipment in a communication network

Abstract

Disclosed is a system (100) and a method (500) for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) (106) in a communication network. The system (100) comprises a Location Management Function (LMF) node (244) and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node (202). The LMF node (244) receives a location request for the UE (106) from the AMF node (202) and identifies one or more measurement parameter combinations from a set of predefined measurement parameter combinations in the communication network based on the location request. Moreover, the LMF node (244) transmits one or more location responses corresponding to the one or more measurement parameter combinations to the AMF node (202).

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING LOCATION OF USER EQUIPMENT IN A COMMUNICATION NETWORK

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003]

[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of communication networks and systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and a method for determining a location of a User Equipment (UE) in a communication network.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005]

[0002] The subject matter disclosed in the background section should not be assumed or construed to be prior art merely due to its mention in the background section. Similarly, any problem statement mentioned in the background section or its association with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed or construed to have been previously recognized in the prior art.

[0006]

[0003] With the advent of technological advancement in the field of telecommunications, several wireless technologies have been developed to meet growing number of broadband subscribers for providing better applications and services. As mobile and cellular communication networks experience growing data demands, there is a strong emphasis on achieving maximum throughput for users and ensuring uninterrupted service.

[0007]

[0004] In modern communications networks, efficiency and accuracy of locationbased services are crucial for maintaining optimal network performance. To this end, for adopting network resources and services to evolving requirements, dynamic needs of location-based requests need to be addressed.

[0005] Heretofore, conventional systems and methods for determining location positioning of network elements have not been successful since the same relied on static configurations and lacked robust mechanisms for real time updates, leading to inefficiencies and potential disruptions in service. Conventional positioning techniques typically rely on single measurement parameters. However, these techniques possess inherent limitations. For instance, techniques based on a single measurement parameter may be adversely affected by multipath interference and signal attenuation, leading to reduced accuracy in densely constructed areas. Similarly, in positioning methods based on another single measurement parameter may encounter difficulties in accurately estimating distances in non-line-of-sight conditions or inaccuracies due to signal reflection and diffraction, thereby distorting angular measurements.

[0008]

[0006] The integration of these diverse measurement parameters into a cohesive system presents significant challenges and the conventional positioning techniques have failed to effectively combine these parameters, resulting in systems that either lack robustness or require excessive computational resources. Moreover, varying conditions of different environments further complicate positioning process. Urban the areas with high rise buildings can cause signal obstructions and reflections, while indoor environments may present obstacles that interfere with signal propagation. These factors contribute to the difficulty in maintaining consistent and reliable location positioning data. Based on the aforementioned challenges, there is a need for an improved approach that can adapt to varying conditions and provide enhanced positioning accuracy.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010]

[0007] The following embodiments present a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed invention. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key / critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0011]

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, disclosed herein is a method for determining a location of a User Equipment (UE) in a communication network. The method includes receiving a location request for the UE from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node by a receiving unit at a Location management Function (LMF) node. The method further includes identifying, by an identification unit at the Location management Function (LMF) node, one or more measurement parameter combinations from a set of predefined measurement parameter combinations in the communication network based on the location request. Furthermore, the method includes transmitting, by a transmission unit at the Location management Function (LMF) node, one or more location responses corresponding to the one or more measurement parameter combinations to the AMF node.

[0012]

[0009] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the method further includes transmitting, by the transmission unit, an Enhanced cell identity (ECID) measurement request to the AMF node based on the location request. Moreover, the method includes receiving, by the receiving unit, an Enhanced cell identity (ECID) measurement initiation response from the AMF node, in response to the ECID measurement initiation request.

[0013]

[0010] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the ECID measurement initiation response comprises one or more measurement parameters in the one or more measurement parameter combinations.

[0014]

[0011] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the transmission of ECID measurement initiation request and the reception of the ECID measurement initiation response is performed through an Uplink-Enhanced Cell Identity (UL- ECID) positioning technique.

[0012] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more of measurement parameters comprise Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), New Radio - Timing Advance 2 (NR-TA2), and New Radio - Angle of Arrival (NR-AoA). The set of predefined measurement parameter combinations comprises the RSRP, a first combination of the RSRP and the NR-TA2, a second combination of the RSRP, the NR-TA2, and the NR-AoA, and a third combination of the NR-TA2 and the NR- AoA.

[0015]

[0013] In some aspects of the present disclosure, each location response of the one or more location responses comprises a confidence score associated with the corresponding measurement parameter combination. The confidence score is determined based on a predefined priority algorithm. Information of the location of the user equipment in each location response is determined by the determination unit at the Location Management Function (LMF) node based on at least one parametric value for the corresponding measurement parameter combination.

[0016]

[0014] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the method further includes identifying, by the identification unit, a location response from the one or more location responses, having a highest value of the confidence score amongst the one or more location responses. Moreover, the method includes transmitting, by the transmission unit, the location response to the AMF node.

[0017]

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a system to determine a location of a user equipment (UE) in a communication network is disclosed. The system includes a receiving unit at a Location management Function (LMF) node, an identification unit at the LMF node, and a transmission unit at the LMF node, communicatively coupled to each other. The receiving unit is configured to receive a location request for the UE from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node. The identification unit is configured to identify one or more measurement parameter combinations from a set of predefined measurement parameter combinations in the communication network, based on the location request. The transmission unit is configured to transmit one or more location responses corresponding to the one or more measurement parameter combinations to the AMF node.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019]

[0016] Various embodiments disclosed herein will become better understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings constitute a part of the present disclosure and illustrate certain non-limiting embodiments of inventive concepts. Further, components and elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. For the purpose of consistency and ease of understanding, similar components and elements are annotated by reference numerals in the exemplary drawings.

[0020] FIG. l is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary communication environment of a system to determine location of a User Equipment (UE), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components of a core network of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating components of a Location Management Function (LMF) of the core network, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram that depicts a process for information exchange for determining the location of the UE, in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method for determining the location of the UE, in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

[0024] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0025] 100 - System

[0026] 102 - Core Network

[0027] 104 - Nodes

[0028] 106 - User Equipment(s)

[0029] 202 - AMF node

[0030] 204 - PCF

[0031] 206 - EIR

[0032] 208 - AUSF

[0033] 210 - UDM

[0034] 212 - SPR

[0035] 214 - SMSF

[0036] 216 - NSSF

[0037] 220 - SMF

[0038] 222 - NWDAF

[0039] 224 - CHF-PC

[0040] 226 - NEF

[0041] 228 - STP

[0042] 230 - DRA

[0043] 232 - BSF 236 - RAN

[0044] 238 - UPF

[0045] 240 - DN

[0046] 242 - GMLC

[0047] 244 - LMF Node

[0048] 246 - LCS Client

[0049] 300 - Communication Interface

[0050] 302 - Data Processing Circuitry

[0051] 304 - Memory Unit

[0052] 307 - First Communication Bus

[0053] 308 - Transmission Unit

[0054] 310 - Identification Unit

[0055] 312 - Receiving Unit

[0056] 314 - Determination Unit

[0057] 319 - Second Communication Bus

[0058] 320 - Instructions Repository

[0059] 322 - Data Repository

[0060] 400 - Process Flow

[0061] 500 - Method

[0062] 502 to 512 - Method Blocks

[0063] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Inventive concepts of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which examples of one or more embodiments of inventive concepts are shown. Inventive concepts may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Further, the one or more embodiments disclosed herein are provided to describe the inventive concept thoroughly and completely, and to fully convey the scope of each of the present inventive concepts to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, it should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are not mutually exclusive concepts. Accordingly, one or more components from one embodiment may be tacitly assumed to be present or used in any other embodiment.

[0064]

[0018] The following description presents various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein are presented as teaching examples and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified, omitted, or expanded upon without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0065]

[0019] The following description contains specific information pertaining to embodiments in the present disclosure. The detailed description uses the phrases “in some embodiments” or “some implementations” which may each refer to one or more or all of the same or different embodiments or implementations. The term “some” as used herein is defined as “one, or more than one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” In view of the same, the terms, for example, “in an embodiment” or “in an implementation” refers to one embodiment or one implementation and the term, for example, “in one or more embodiments” refers to “at least one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments .”. Further, the term, for example, “in one or more implementations” refers to “at least one implementation, or more than one implementation, or all implementations.

[0066]

[0020] The term “comprising,” when utilized, means “including, but not necessarily limited to;” it specifically indicates open-ended inclusion in the so-described one or more listed features, elements in a combination, unless otherwise stated with limiting language. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “have,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

[0067]

[0021] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features.

[0068]

[0022] The description provided herein discloses exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, the foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing any of the exemplary embodiments. Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it may be understood by one of the ordinary skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details.

[0069]

[0023] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein the description, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural forms unless the context of the invention indicates otherwise.

[0024] The terminology and structure employed herein are for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and do not limit, restrict, or reduce the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and / or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.

[0070]

[0025] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system and a method for determining a location of a User Equipment (UE) in a communication network. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the system facilitates robust and accurate location positioning of the UE by integrating results corresponding to multiple measurement parameters in the communication network. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the system provides estimation of the location of the UE through an Uplink Enhanced Cell Identity (UL-ECID) positioning technique using New Radio Positioning Protocol - A (NRPP-A). Moreover, some aspects of the present disclosure relate to identifying measurement parameters combination(s) from a set of predefined measurement parameter combinations, that are suitable for determination of the location of the UE through the UL-ECID positioning technique. Furthermore, some aspects of the present disclosure relate to determination of a confidence score for each measurement parameter combination in determination of the location of the UE.

[0071]

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, discussed below, and the one or more embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary communication environment of a system 100 to determine location of a user equipment (UE) 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system 100 includes a core network 102 coupled with a plurality of nodes including Node 104-1 through Node 104-N and configured to facilitate a secured communication among the plurality of nodes (collectively referred to as the “nodes 104”, and individually referred to as the “node 104”, hereinafter).

[0072]

[0028] In an embodiment, each of the nodes are configured to be coupled with the user equipment 106 (presented by way of user devices 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4, through 106-(N-l), 106-N, collectively referred to as the “user devices 106”, and individually referred to as the “user device 106”, hereinafter). In one aspect, the core network 102 may establish a secured communication between the user devices 106 associated with the nodes 104. In another aspect, the core network 102 may establish a secured communication between the user devices 106 associated with the same node 104.

[0073]

[0029] In an example embodiment, the core network 102 may effectively establish a secured communication between the user device 106-1 and the user device 106-2, where the user device 106-1 and the user device 106-2 both are coupled with the node 104-1. In another embodiment, the core network 102 may establish a secured communication between the user device 106-2 and the user device 106-N with equal effectiveness, where the user device 106-2 is coupled with the node 104-1 and the user device 106-N is coupled with the node 104-N.

[0074]

[0030] In an example embodiment, the core network 102 (also, referred to as ‘network 102’, herein) may be configured as an application server and may be communicably operational or may be integrated with a user device 106 via a network coupled with a server. The core network 102 may pertain to Fifth Generation (5G) service-based architecture and may be configured to interconnect distinct networks associated with the architecture. Therefore, the core network 102 may provide a path for the exchange of information between one or more of the networks, and corresponding subnetworks.

[0075]

[0031] Although FIG. 1 illustrates one example of the communication environment of the system 100, various changes may be made to FIG. 1. For example, the communication environment of the system 100 may include any number of nodes and user equipment 106 (e.g., user devices) in any suitable arrangement, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, various components in FIG. 1 may be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components may be added according to particular needs.

[0076]

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram depicting components of the core network 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the core network 102 may include the user equipment 106 (hereinafter interchangeably referred to and designated as “user device 106”) such as Outdoor Customer Premise Equipment (ODCPE), a Radio Access Network (RAN) 236 i.e., node 104 configured to communicate with an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node 202, a Unified Data Management (UDM) function 210, a Network Exposure Function (NEF) 226, and a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) 242.

[0077]

[0033] Further, the core network 102 includes a Policy Control Function (PCF) 204, an Equipment Identity Register (EIR) 206, an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 208, a Subscriber Profile Repository (SPR) 212, a Short Message Service Function (SMSF) 214, a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) 216, a Session Management Function (SMF) 220, a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) 222, Charging Function-Proxy Control (CHF -PC) 224, Signaling Transfer Point (STP) 228, a Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) 230, Binding Support Function (BSF) 232, Location Management Function (LMF) node 244, and Location Services (LCS) client 246.

[0034] The components depicted in FIG. 2 may be implemented as dedicated hardware components or as virtualized functions implemented on top of a common shared physical infrastructure using Software-Defined Networking (SDN). For example, an SDN controller may implement one or more of the components of FIG. 2 using an adapter implementing a Virtual Network Function (VNF) virtual machine, an event driven serverless architecture interface, and / or another type of SDN architecture.

[0078]

[0035] The AMF node 202 may be a network element that is capable of performing registration management, connection management, reachability management, mobility management, lawful intercepts, SMS transport between the one or more user device 106 and SMSF 214, session management messages transport between the user device 106 and the SMF 220, access authentication and authorization, location services management, functionality to support non-3GPP access networks, and / or other types of management processes.

[0079]

[0036] The PCF 204 is a network node capable of supporting policies to control network behavior, provide policy rules to control plane functions (e.g., to the SMF 220), access subscription information relevant to policy decisions, perform policy decisions, and / or perform other types of processes associated with policy enforcement.

[0080]

[0037] The EIR 206 may correspond to an independent network component that may help telecom operators in protecting the telecom networks. The EIR 206 can aid in protecting a network by providing a mechanism to restrict malicious user terminals or devices in the network. The AUSF 208 may be a network element capable of performing authentication of network service(s) and / or network component(s). The UDM 210 may be a network element that is capable of maintaining subscription information for user devices 106, manage subscriptions, generate authentication credentials, handle user identification, perform access authorization based on subscription data, perform network function registration management, maintain service and / or session continuity by maintaining assignment of the SMF 220 for ongoing sessions, support SMS delivery, support lawful intercept functionality, and / or perform other processes associated with managing user data.

[0081]

[0038] The SPR 212 corresponds to a centralized repository for storing subscriber profile information, service entitlements, and policy rules within the network. The SMSF 214 may be a network element capable of performing SMS services for the user devices 106. The NSSF 216 includes one or more devices that select network slice instances for the user devices 106. By providing network slicing, the NSSF 216 allows an operator to deploy multiple substantially independent end-to-end networks potentially with the same infrastructure.

[0082]

[0039] The SMF 220 may be a network element that is capable of performing session establishment, session modification, and / or session release, perform IP address allocation and management, perform Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) functions, perform selection and control of a user plane function (UPF) 238, configure traffic steering at the UPF 238 to guide the traffic to the correct destinations, terminate interfaces toward the PCF 204, perform lawful intercepts, charge data collection, support charging interfaces, control and coordinate of charging data collection, terminate session management parts of NAS messages, perform downlink data notification, manage roaming functionality, and / or perform other types of control plane processes for managing user plane data.

[0083]

[0040] The NWDAF 222 may be a network element capable of collecting analytics information associated with the RAN 236 and / or the core network 102. The CHF- PC 224 may be a network element capable of controlling and managing charging- related operations within the network. The CHF -PC 224 coordinates communication between a CHF, the PCF 204, and session management entities to ensure accurate and timely charging of subscriber services. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the RAN 236 may be configured to store parametric values of the measurement parameters associated with the location of the UEs 106. Specifically, the measurement parameters associated with the location of the UE 106 for the UL-ECID positioning technique may include, but are not limited to, Network Radio-Angle Of Arrival (NR-AOA), Network Radio-Timing Advance 2 (NR-TA2), and Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP).

[0084]

[0041] The NEF 226 may be a network element that is capable of exposing capabilities and events to other NFs, including third party NFs, AFs, edge computing NFs, and / or other types of NFs. The STP 228 may be a node configured to route signaling messages based a destination point code in core network 102. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the STP 228 acts a router that relays network messages between signaling end points and other signal transfer points in the core network 102.

[0085]

[0042] The DRA 230 may be a network element that provides real-time routing capabilities to ensure that messages are routed among the correct elements in a network.

[0086]

[0043] The BSF 232 may be a network element capable of managing session bindings and subscriber contexts within the core network 102. The UPF 238 may be a network element that is capable of maintaining an anchor point for intra / inter-RAT mobility, maintain an external Packet Data Unit (PDU) point of interconnect to a data network (DN) 240, perform packet routing and forwarding, perform the user plane part of policy rule enforcement, perform packet inspection, perform lawful intercept, perform traffic usage reporting, perform QoS handling in the user plane, perform uplink traffic verification, perform transport level packet marking, perform downlink packet buffering, forward an “end marker” to the RAN 236 (e.g., gNB), and / or perform other types of user plane processes.

[0087]

[0044] The GMLC 242 is configured to provide location-based services within the 5G core network. The GMLC 242 facilitates the retrieval of mobile device location information, enabling services such as emergency call routing, location-based advertising, and asset tracking. The GMLC 242 may interface with location-based service applications and network elements to provide accurate location data while ensuring user privacy and compliance with regulatory requirements.

[0088]

[0045] The LMF node 244 may be a network element capable of managing subscriber location information within the core network 102. The LMF node 244 may track the current location of mobile devices, handle location updates, and support mobility management functions such as handover and roaming. The LMF node 244 may interface with network elements such as the RAN 236, the AMF node 202, and location-based service platforms to ensure seamless mobility management and location-based service provisioning for the subscribers.

[0089]

[0046] The LCS client 246 may be a network element that is capable of enabling provisions of location-based functionalities and applications within the core network 102. The LCS client 246 may interface with application servers, service platforms, and subscriber devices to deliver personalized and context-aware location-based experiences.

[0090]

[0047] Although FIG. 2 shows exemplary components of the core network 102, in other implementations, the core network 102 may include fewer components, different components, differently arranged components, or additional components than depicted in FIG. 2. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components of the core network 102 may perform functions described as being performed by one or more other components of the core network 102.

[0091]

[0048] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating components of the LMF node 244, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The LMF node 244 may include a communication interface 300, data processing circuitry 302, and a memory unit 304, coupled to each other via a first communication bus 307.

[0049] The communication interface 300 may be configured to enable the LMF node 244 to communicate with various other entities of the system 100 via the core network 102. Examples of the communication interface 300 may include, but are not limited to, a MODEM, a network interface such as an Ethernet card, a communication port, and / or a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, an antenna, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, amplifier(s), a tuner, oscillator(s), a digital signal processor, a coderdecoder (CODEC) chipset, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, and a local buffer circuit. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the communication interface 300 may include any device and / or apparatus capable of providing wireless or wired communications between the LMF node 244 and various other entities of the system 100.

[0092]

[0050] The data processing circuitry 302 may include processor(s) (comprising data processing engines) configured with suitable logic, instructions, circuitry, interfaces, and / or codes for executing operations performed by the LMF node 244. Specifically, the operations of the LMF node 244 may correspond to receiving multiple measurement initiation response(s) from the AMF node 202, identifying measurement parameter combination(s), and generating location response(s) comprising information of the location of the UE 106 based on the measurement parameter combinations using the measurement initiation response(s). Each location response is generated based on an analysis of measurement parameter(s) (individually or in combination) in the ECID measurement initiation response. Specifically, the measurement parameter(s) may be received by the AMF node 202 from RAN 236 (gNB) based on a request to determine the location of the UE 106. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the request to determine the location of the UE 106 may be provided by a third-party UE 106 (other than the UE 106) and / or by the UE 106 itself.

[0093]

[0051] Examples of the data processing circuitry 302 may include, but are not limited to, an Application Specific Integrated Chip (ASIC) processor, a RISC processor, a CISC processor, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and the like. According to the exemplary embodiment (as presented through FIG. 3), the data processing circuitry 302 may include a receiving unit 308, an identification unit 310, a transmission unit 312, and a determination unit 314. Various components in the data processing circuitry 302 may be coupled to each other via a second communication bus 319.

[0094]

[0052] The receiving unit 308 may be configured to enable reception of data and / or instruct on(s) from the memory unit 304 to various components of the data processing circuitry 302. The receiving unit 308 may further be configured to enable the data processing circuitry 302 to receive data, request(s), signal(s), and / or instruction(s) from various components of the system 100 (e.g., entities in the core network 102 as shown in FIG. 2, user equipment 106, and / or nodes 104). Particularly, the receiving unit 308 may be configured to receive the location request for the UE 106 from the AMF node 202. In response to the location request, the receiving unit 308 may trigger the transmission unit 312 to transmit an ECID measurement initiation request (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as ‘measurement initiation request’) to the AMF node 202. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the ECID measurement initiation request may include an identifier of the UE 106 (derived through the location request). The AMF node 202 may use the identifier of the UE 106 to retrieve measurement param eter(s) corresponding to the UE 106 from the RAN 236 (gNB). In some aspects of the present disclosure, the AMF node 202 may receive the measurement parameter(s) from the RAN 236 (gNB) as ECID measurement initiation response. Preferably, the measurement initiation request and the measurement initiation response are performed through the UL-ECID positioning technique.

[0095]

[0053] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the measurement initiation response may include parametric values of the measurement parameter(s) associated with the UL-ECID positioning technique, such as RSRP, NR-TA2, and NR-AoA corresponding to the user equipment 106.

[0054] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the ECID measurement initiation response may include parametric values of the measurement parameters from multiple vendor RAN(s) 236 that are available (or active) for sharing the measurement parameters.

[0096]

[0055] The identification unit 310 may be configured to identify measurement parameter combination(s) from a set of predefined measurement parameter combinations, that are possible from the measurement parameters received in the ECID measurement initiation response. Preferably, the set of predefined measurement parameter combinations comprises the RSRP, a first combination of the RSRP and the NR-TA2, a second combination of the RSRP, the NR-TA2, and the NR-AoA, and a third combination of the NR-TA2 and the NR-AoA.

[0097]

[0056] The determination unit 314 may determine information of the location of the UE 106 by analyzing the parametric value(s) of the measurement param eter(s) in each measurement parameter combination. The determination unit 314 may further be configured to determine a confidence score for each measurement parameter combination identified from the ECID measurement initiation response. Preferably, when a location response corresponds to RSRP, the confidence score is 60%. When a location response corresponds to the first combination of RSRP and NR-TA2, the confidence score is 70%. Similarly, when a location response corresponds to the second combination of RSRP, NR-TA2, and NR-AoA, the confidence score is 75%. Moreover, the confidence score is 75% when a location response corresponds to the third combination of NR-TA2 and NR-AoA. The confidence score for each location response may represent an accuracy of the location information contained in the corresponding location response. In some aspects of the present disclosure, for the second combination (i.e., RSRP, NR-TA2, and NR-AoA), the determination unit 314 may utilizes all the measurement parameters to calculate the mean distance between UE 106 and RAN 236 (gNB) using parametric values of the RSRP and the NR-TA2 in combination with NR-AoA.

[0057] Particularly, the determination unit 314 may be configured to generate location response(s) corresponding to the measurement parameter combination(s) corresponding to the ECID measurement initiation response. Each location response may include the information of the location of the UE 106 and an associated confidence score determined for the corresponding measurement parameter combination. The transmission unit 312 may be configured to transmit the location response(s) corresponding to the measurement parameter combinations to the AMF node 202.

[0098]

[0058] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the identification unit 310 may also be configured to identify a location response from the location response(s) for the UE 106, having a highest value of the confidence score amongst the location response(s) as the most accurate location response for the UE 106. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the transmission unit 312 may be configured to transmit the most accurate location response to the AMF node 202.

[0099]

[0059] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the location request may also include details of specific selection of measurement parameter(s) and / or specific measurement parameter combination(s). Based on the contents of the location request, the determination unit 314 may generate the location response(s).

[0100]

[0060] In some aspects of the present disclosure, each location response may include information of the location of the UE 106, details of the measurement parameter(s) such as parametric value(s) of the measurement parameter(s), measurement parameter combination in the location response, and the confidence score associated with the measurement parameter combination.

[0101]

[0061] Various engines of the data processing circuitry 302 are presented to illustrate the functionality driven by the LMF node 244. It will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art that various engines in the data processing circuitry 302 are for illustrative purposes and not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and / or software.

[0102]

[0062] The memory unit 304 may be configured to store data corresponding to various components of the LMF node 244. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the memory unit 304 may be segregated into multiple repositories that may be configured to store a specific type of data. In the exemplary embodiment as presented through FIG. 3, the memory unit 304 may be configured to store the instructions for the various components of the LMF node 244 as instruction object(s) in instruction repository 320, and the data of the various components of the LMF node 244 in the form of data objects in the data repository 322. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the data repository 322 may also be configured to store the look-up table comprising the details of measurement parameter(s) associated with various vendor RAN(s) 236 in the communication network, corresponding to each UE 106 in the communication network.

[0103]

[0063] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions repository 320 is configured to store computer program instructions and / or codes for operation(s) of various components of the data processing circuitry 302. For example, the instructions repository 320 may be configured to store computer program instructions corresponding to the operation(s) performed by the data processing circuitry 320 for determining the location of the user equipment 106 in the communication network. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the instructions repository 320 may be configured as a non-transitory storage medium. Examples of the instructions repository 320 configured as the non-transitory storage medium includes hard drives, solid-state drives, flash drives, Compact Disk (CD), Digital Video Disk (DVD), and the like. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of non-transitory storage medium as the instructions repository 320, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions stored in the instructions repository 320 may be executed by one or more computer processors, including without limitation a general -purpose computer or special purpose computer, or other programmable processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the computer program instructions which execute on the computer processor(s) or other programmable processing apparatus create means for implementing the function(s) specified.

[0104]

[0064] It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the repositories in the memory unit 304 are presented based on the functionality of the LMF node 244 and are not limited to those disclosed. The memory unit 304 may have any configuration, combination and / or count of repositories without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0105]

[0065] Although FIG. 3 illustrates one example of the LMF node 244 that includes critical components of a microservice configured to manage provisioning of callflow for the CPE, various changes may be made to FIG. 3, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the LMF node 244 may include any number of components in addition to those shown in FIG.3 without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, various components in FIG. 3 may be combined, further subdivided, or omitted and additional components may be added according to particular needs.

[0106]

[0066] FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram that depicts a process 400 of information exchange for determining the location of the user equipment 106, in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

[0107]

[0067] Particularly, the AMF node 202 is communicatively coupled with the LMF node 244 (an NLo interface) within the core network 102. The LMF node 244 receives the location request for the UE 106. Upon receiving the location request, the LMF node 244 checks which positioning method to be attempted first for determining the location of the user device 106. Further, an Uplink Enhanced Cell Identifier (UL-ECID) positioning method is selected by the LMF node 244 for determining the location of the UE 106. The NLo interface processes UL-ECID positioning using the New Radio Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa).

[0108]

[0068] The LMF node 244 transmits an ECID measurement initiation request to the AMF node 202, and in response receives ECID measurement initiation response from the AMF node 202. In an implementation, the ECID measurement response include results corresponding to measurement parameters such as RSRP, NR-TA2, NR-AoA, and the like. The AMF node 202 receives the measurements responses from various vendor RAN 236 (e.g., gNB, eNB) depending on capabilities of vendor’s Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) and transmits the measurement responses to the LMF node 244. The LMF node 244 further applies the priority algorithm from various positioning procedures to combine the measurement responses by utilizing availability and validation of the measurements to process the positioning method.

[0109]

[0069] The LMF node 244 further determines, using the ECID positioning technique, the location of the UE 106 based on the results corresponding to the measurement parameters and transmits the location response to the AMF node 202, including data rendering information of the location of the UE 106 along with its confidence score.

[0110]

[0070] In one or more implementations, the LMF node 244 employs one or more positioning procedures from the plurality of positioning procedures for different combinations of measurements, with each combination having an associated confidence value. For instance, in an implementation, for the measurement responses including only the RSRP measurement parameter, a location estimation with 60% confidence value is obtained. For the measurement responses including a combination of the RSRP and the NR-TA2 measurement parameters, a location estimation with 70% confidence value is obtained. In another implementation, for the measurement responses including a combination of the RSRP, the NR-TA2 and the NR-AoA, a location estimation with 75% confidence value is obtained. In another implementation, for the measurement responses including a combination of the NR-TA2 and the NR-AoA, a location estimation with 75% confidence value is obtained. Thus, the LMF node 244 is capable of high-confidence location estimation when all three measurements i.e., the RSRP, the NR-TA2, and the NR-AoA are utilized for the determination of the location of the user device 106.

[0111]

[0071] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method 500 for determining the location of the user device 106, in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

[0112]

[0072] At block 502, the LMF node 244 may receive the location request for the UE 106 from the AMF node 202.

[0113]

[0073] At block 504, the LMF node 244 may transmit the ECID measurement initiation request to the AMF node 202. The ECID measurement initiation request may be transmitted to the AMF node 202 through the UL-ECID positioning technique. The ECID measurement initiation request may enable the AMF node 202 to receive the parametric values of the measurement parameter(s) from the RAN 236 (e.g., gNB) associated with the UL-ECID positioning technique.

[0114]

[0074] At block 506, the LMF node 244 may receive the measurement initiation response from the AMF node 202 in response to the measurement initiation request. The measurement initiation response may be received by the AMF node 202 through the UL-ECID positioning technique. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the measurement initiation response may include parametric values of measurement param eter(s) such as, but not limited to, RSRP, NR-TA2, NR-AoA, etc.

[0115]

[0075] At block 508, the LMF node 244 may identify the measurement parameter combination(s) from the set of predefined measurement parameter combinations based on the measurement parameter(s) in the measurement initiation response. The set of predefined measurement parameter combinations comprises the RSRP, the first combination of the RSRP and the NR-TA2, the second combination of the RSRP, the NR-TA2, and the NR-AoA, and the third combination of the NR-TA2 and the NR-AoA.

[0116]

[0076] At block 510, the LMF node 244 may extract the parametric value(s) of the measurement parameter(s) from each measurement parameter combination associated with the ECID measurement initiation response and analyze the measurement parameter(s) to determine the location of the UE 106. The LMF node 244 may further determine a confidence score for each measurement parameter combination using the priority algorithm.

[0117]

[0077] Preferably, for the ECID measurement response including only the RSRP measurement parameter, a location estimation with 60% confidence value is obtained. For the ECID measurement response including a combination of the RSRP and the NR-TA2 measurement parameters, a location estimation with 70% confidence value is obtained. In another implementation, for the ECID measurement response including a combination of the RSRP, the NR-TA2 and the NR-AoA, a location estimation with 75% confidence value is obtained. In another implementation, for the ECID measurement response including a combination of the NR-TA2 and the NR-AoA, a location estimation with 75% confidence value is obtained.

[0118]

[0078] At block 512, the LMF node 244 may generate the location response(s) corresponding to the measurement parameter combination(s). Each location response may include the information of the location of the UE 106 and its corresponding confidence score. The LMF node 244 may further render the location response(s) to the AMF node 202.

[0079] In some aspects of the present disclosure, each location response comprises the location information, details of the measurement parameter(s) (such as the parametric value of each measurement parameter) in the corresponding measurement parameter combination, and the corresponding confidence score.

[0119]

[0080] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the LMF node 244 may identify the location response from the location response(s) having the highest value of the confidence score amongst the location response(s) and render the location response to the AMF node 202.

[0120]

[0081] Now, referring to the technical abilities and advantageous effect of the present disclosure, the embodiments disclosed herein provides the method 500 utilizing the LMF node 244 for determination of the location of the user device 106 based on one or a combination of ECID parameters. Moreover, the method 500 facilitates robust and accurate location positioning of the UE 106 by integrating results corresponding to multiple measurement parameters that results in an accurate determination of the location of the user device 106. As the method 500 provides a robust solution to tackle dynamic configuration of a system for location-based services and provides high accuracy in determination of dynamic location of the UE 106, it enables the system 100 to provide enhanced communication throughput to users in the communication network and ensure uninterrupted communication service(s) provided to the users. Additionally, the method 500 employs a noncomplex circuitry (or architecture) specifically designed for determination of the location of the user device 106, which enables it to perform with very low latency (nearly zero), and thus makes it an ideal solution for real-time applications.

[0121]

[0082] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methodology described herein in the present disclosure may be carried out in other specific ways than those set forth herein in the above disclosed embodiments without departing from essential characteristics and features of the present invention. The above-described 1 embodiments are therefore to be construed in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0122]

[0083] The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Any combination of the above features and functionalities may be used in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0123]

[0084] In the present disclosure, each of the embodiments has been described with reference to numerous specific details which may vary from embodiment to embodiment. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments disclosed herein may reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others may, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be comprehended within the meaning of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and is not limited in scope.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A method (500) for determining a location of a user equipment (106) in a communication network, the method (500) comprising: receiving, by a receiving unit (308) at a Location Management Function (LMF) node (244), from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node (202), a location request for the user equipment (106); identifying, by an identification unit (310) at the Location management Function (LMF) node (244), one or more measurement parameter combinations from a set of predefined measurement parameter combinations in the communication network based on the location request; and transmitting, by a transmission unit (312) at the Location management Function (LMF) node (244), one or more location responses corresponding to the one or more measurement parameter combinations to the AMF node (202).

2. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: transmitting, by the transmission unit (312) at the Location Management Function (LMF) node (244), an Enhanced cell identity (ECID) measurement initiation request to the AMF node (202) based on the location request; and receiving, by the receiving unit (308) at the Location Management Function (LMF) node (244), an Enhanced cell identity (ECID) measurement initiation response from the AMF node (202), in response to the ECID measurement initiation request.

3. The method (500) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ECID measurement initiation response comprises one or more measurement parameters.

4. The method (500) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the transmission of ECID measurement initiation request and the reception of the ECID measurement initiation response is performed through an Uplink-Enhanced Cell Identity (UL- ECID) positioning technique.

5. The method (500) as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the one or more of measurement parameters comprise Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), New Radio - Timing Advance 2 (NR-TA2), and New Radio - Angle of Arrival (NR- Ao A); and the set of predefined measurement parameter combinations comprises the RSRP, a first combination of the RSRP and the NR-TA2, a second combination of the RSRP, the NR-TA2, and the NR-AoA, and a third combination of the NR-TA2 and the NR-AoA.

6. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: each location response of the one or more location responses comprises a confidence score associated with the corresponding measurement parameter combination; the confidence score is determined based on a predefined priority algorithm; and information of the location of the user equipment (106) in each location response is determined by a determination unit (314) at the Location Management Function (LMF) node based on at least one parametric value for the corresponding measurement parameter combination.

7. The method (500) as claimed in claim 6, comprising: identifying, by the identification unit (310), a location response from the one or more location responses, having a highest value of the confidence score amongst the one or more location responses; and transmitting, by the transmission unit (312), the location response to the AMF node (202).

8. A system (100) to determine a location of a user equipment (106) in a communication network, the system (100) comprising:a receiving unit (308) at a Location Management Function (LMF) node (244) configured to receive a location request for the user equipment (106) from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node (202); an identification unit (310) at the LMF node (244) configured to identify one or more measurement parameter combinations from a set of predefined measurement parameter combinations in the communication network, based on the location request; and a transmission unit (312) at the LMF node (244) configured to transmit one or more location responses corresponding to the one or more measurement parameter combinations to the AMF node (202).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein: the transmission unit (312) is further configured to transmit an Enhanced cell identity (ECID) measurement initiation request to the AMF node (202) based on the location request; and the receiving unit (308) is further configured to receive an ECID measurement initiation response from the AMF node (202), in response to the ECID measurement initiation request.

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the ECID measurement initiation response comprises one or more measurement parameters.

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the transmission of the ECID measurement initiation request and the reception of the ECID measurement initiation response is performed through an Uplink-Enhanced Cell Identity (UL- ECID) positioning technique.

12. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein: the one or more of measurement parameters comprise Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), New Radio - Timing Advance 2 (NR-TA2), and New Radio - Angle of Arrival (NR- Ao A); andthe set of predefined measurement parameter combinations comprises the RSRP, a first combination of the RSRP and the NR-TA2, a second combination of the RSRP, the NR-TA2, and the NR-AoA, and a third combination of the NR-TA2 and the NR-AoA.

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 8, further comprises a determination unit (314) at the Location Management Function (LMF) node (244), wherein: each location response of the one or more location responses comprises a confidence score associated with the corresponding measurement parameter combination; the confidence score is determined based on a predefined priority algorithm; and information of the location of the user equipment (106) in each location response is determined by the determination unit (314) based on at least one parametric value for the corresponding measurement parameter combination.

14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein: the identification unit (310) is further configured to identify location response from the one or more location responses, having a highest value of the confidence score amongst the one or more location responses; and the transmission unit (312) is further configured to transmit the location response to the AMF node (202).

15. A computer-program product for determining location of a user equipment (106) in a communication network, the computer program product comprising computer-executable instructions that are stored on a non-transitory computer- readable medium and that, when executed by at least one processor performs operations comprising: receiving, from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node (202), a location request for the user equipment (106);identifying, based on the location request, one or more measurement parameter combinations from a set of predefined measurement parameter combinations in the communication network; and transmitting one or more location responses corresponding to the one or more measurement parameter combinations to the AMF node (202).

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