Base Station Locating Message Construction for LTE Terminal Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing terminal locating methods in LTE and LTE-A networks, such as CELL-ID, CELL-ID+ RTT, and OTDOA, suffer from low precision and high terminal power consumption, especially in urban areas where precise location information is needed for coverage and mobility optimizations.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a base station to construct and send a locating message containing RTT, global cell identifiers, signal information from neighbor cells, and path loss data to a locating judgment center for precise terminal location determination, reducing terminal power consumption and improving user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional locating methods like CELL-ID or OTDOA are used, then the locating process can be implemented, but the location precision is insufficient especially in urban areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation precisionVSAvoidlocating process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the locating process into two distinct phases: terminal-based measurements (OTDOA) and base station-based measurements (RTT, path loss). This segmentation allows each method to contribute its strengths - OTDOA provides terminal position estimates while base station measurements provide additional spatial constraints, together achieving higher precision without requiring the terminal to perform complex calculations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces base station measurements as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between terminal-based locating methods and network-based optimization. By having base stations independently measure RTT and path loss to the terminal, the system obtains additional location constraints without burdening the terminal with complex processing, thus improving precision while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If terminal performs locating measurements using OTDOA method, then location information can be obtained, but terminal power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation precisionVSAvoidterminal power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges terminal-based OTDOA measurements with base station-based RTT and path loss measurements into a unified locating framework. The base station measurements are performed independently during normal operation and do not require terminal power for measurement execution, thereby supplementing the location solution without increasing terminal power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs base station measurements (RTT, path loss) in advance during normal uplink reception, before any locating request is made. This preliminary action allows the base station to accumulate location-related measurements continuously, so when locating is needed, the terminal can rely on pre-collected base station data, reducing the need for terminal to perform additional power-consuming measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If base station measurements are utilized for terminal locating, then terminal power consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal power consumptionVSAvoidbase station processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by having base stations perform only specific measurements (RTT, path loss) that are most useful for locating, rather than implementing a complete locating solution at the base station. The terminal still performs OTDOA measurements and the network combines results, distributing complexity appropriately while keeping base station functionality focused and manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2464181B1Method and device for locating terminal by using base station
Publication Date: 2015.09.16 ZTE CORP
  • EP2464181B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2464181B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2464181B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention provides a method for locating a terminal by using a base station, and the method includes steps as follows: constructing a locating message by expanding a location report message or via an independent message; sending the locating message to a locating judgment center; and locating the terminal by using the locating message. The present invention is helpful to reduce the power consumption of the User Equipment (UE).