Base Station Positioning Processing for LTE and 5G Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LTE-based terminal location computation methods are not compatible with 5G mobile communication systems across a wide range of frequency bands, limiting their applicability.
Innovation Solution
A base station equipped with a reception processing unit and a positioning processing unit capable of receiving signals from terminal devices and computing their location, using techniques such as beam management and positioning reference signals, to facilitate location determination across different wireless communication systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LTE-based positioning methods (Cell ID, ECID, OTDOA, UTDOA) are used, then positioning can be achieved in LTE systems, but these methods are not compatible with 5G mobile communication systems across a wide range of frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a positioning method that functions universally across both LTE and 5G NR systems. The base station transmits positioning reference signals that can be received and processed by terminal devices in either system, enabling the same positioning methodology to work across different wireless communication generations and frequency bands.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having terminal devices transmit positioning signals upward (as in UTDOA), the patent inverts the approach by having base stations transmit positioning reference signals downward (as in OTDOA), but with modifications that enable 5G NR compatibility. This inversion allows the positioning function to be achieved through a different signal direction that works across both LTE and 5G systems.
2Measurement precision
If positioning reference signals are transmitted from multiple base stations for OTDOA positioning, then terminal location can be estimated through time difference measurement, but the terminal device must be capable of receiving and processing signals from multiple base stations simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function into distinct components: base stations transmit positioning reference signals independently, and terminal devices measure time differences from each base station separately. This segmentation allows the complex task of multi-base station positioning to be broken down into manageable individual measurements that can be processed sequentially or in parallel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces positioning reference signals as an intermediary element that facilitates positioning without requiring direct complex interaction between terminal devices and multiple base stations. These reference signals serve as a standardized medium that terminal devices can receive and measure, enabling location estimation through time difference of arrival without requiring the terminal to directly coordinate with multiple base stations.
3Productivity
If beam forming is performed using multielement antennas in 5G NR to increase communication capacity, then spectral efficiency is improved, but the complexity of signal transmission and reception increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning reference signal transmission with the beam forming capability of multielement antennas. Instead of creating separate positioning infrastructure, the positioning signals are transmitted through the existing beam-formed antenna systems, combining positioning functionality with the high-capacity communication infrastructure already in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the multielement antenna systems serve multiple functions: both high-capacity communication through beam forming and positioning signal transmission. The same antenna arrays and signal processing mechanisms used for communication are also utilized for positioning, eliminating the need for separate dedicated positioning hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A base station (10) according to the present invention includes a reception processing unit (104) that receives a signal for use in positioning transmitted from a terminal device, and a positioning processing unit (106) that computes the location of the terminal device using the signal for use in positioning.