AI/ML Positioning Data Processing with Virtual Reference UEs

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Solution Overview

Problem

In scenarios with a limited number of Positioning Reference Units (PRUs), the data requirements for training, monitoring, and updating AI/ML models for accurate positioning cannot be met, posing a challenge in Indoor Factory Dense Hall (InF-DH) environments.

Innovation Solution

A data processing method and apparatus that utilizes network devices to send indication information to determine user equipment, receive and process signals from user equipment, and perform training, monitoring, or updating of AI/ML models to determine location-related information, leveraging channel observation results and other location-related information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If AI/ML-based positioning is implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but data requirements cannot be met when only a limited number of PRUs are available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddata quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables ordinary user equipment to serve multiple functions: acting as positioning targets for location determination, serving as reference devices for providing positioning data, and participating in model training. This multi-functionality allows the system to gather sufficient training data without requiring additional dedicated PRUs, thus resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and data availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of reference devices by designating certain user equipment as reference devices. These virtual reference devices provide positioning data similar to actual PRUs, enabling the system to generate sufficient training data through software-defined roles rather than physical hardware multiplication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Device complexity

If a limited number of PRUs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but data requirements for training and updating AI/ML models cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of PRUsVSAvoiddata insufficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables user equipment to self-organize into reference devices based on pre-configured criteria. Devices automatically determine whether they meet the conditions to serve as reference devices and provide positioning data accordingly, eliminating the need for complex centralized management of PRUs while ensuring sufficient data collection for AI/ML model training.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent shifts the system from a hardware-centric approach (relying on physical PRUs) to a software-defined approach where any user equipment can become a reference device. This dimensional shift from physical hardware to virtual functionality expands data sources without increasing physical device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If more PRUs are deployed to meet data requirements, then data sufficiency is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata quantityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic reference device selection mechanism where user equipment can transition between being a positioning target and a reference device based on real-time conditions and pre-configured criteria. This dynamic approach allows the system to adaptively utilize available devices for data collection without requiring a fixed, over-provisioned infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The network device acts as an intermediary that coordinates between positioning targets and reference devices, managing the selection and data collection process centrally without requiring direct peer-to-peer communication between all devices. This intermediary approach simplifies system management while enabling complex multi-device interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4618645A1Data processing method, and apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 DATANG MOBILE COMM EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP4618645A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4618645A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4618645A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a data processing method and apparatus and relates to the field of communication technologies. The method includes: sending, by a network device, first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to determine first user equipment (UE); receiving, by the network device, first information and/or a first signal sent by a second user equipment, wherein the first information and/or the first signal is sent by the second user equipment when the second user equipment determines that the second user equipment serves as the first user equipment; sending, by the network device, the received first information and/or first signal to a first device, or, according to the received first information and/or first signal, performing, by the network device, one or more of the following: training of a first model, performance monitoring of the first model, and updating of the first model. The first model is used to determine UE location-related information.