Carrier Phase Positioning Method Selection for Ambiguity Resolution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The ambiguity resolution process in carrier phase positioning is unclear, as it is not specified which positioning method should be used for ambiguity resolution in existing systems.

Innovation Solution

A terminal and base station are equipped with a reception unit to receive configuration information for carrier phase positioning and a control unit to determine the appropriate positioning method based on assistance data or requests for assistance data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an existing positioning method is used for ambiguity resolution in carrier phase positioning, then the positioning process can be initiated, but it is unclear which positioning method should be used, leading to uncertainty and potential inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclarity of positioning method selectionVSAvoidtime for ambiguity resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the base station pre-determine and notify the terminal of the positioning method to be used for ambiguity resolution before the actual carrier phase positioning occurs. This is achieved through configuration information or assistance data that specifies the positioning method (e.g., DL-TDOA, UL-TDOA, Multi-RTT) in advance, eliminating the uncertainty and decision-making time during the actual positioning process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses configuration information and assistance data as intermediaries to transmit the positioning method selection from the base station to the terminal. These intermediaries carry the necessary information about which positioning method should be used, acting as a bridge that resolves the uncertainty without requiring real-time negotiation or complex terminal-side decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the positioning method for ambiguity resolution is not specified, then the system maintains flexibility in method selection, but the terminal and base station lack clarity on which method to use, reducing operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of ambiguity resolutionVSAvoidinformation on positioning method selection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the positioning method selection information from the general positioning configuration and separates it into specific indication information within the configuration information or assistance data. This extracted information explicitly specifies which positioning method (DL-TDOA, UL-TDOA, Multi-RTT, etc.) should be used for ambiguity resolution, making it readily available to both terminal and base station without losing the overall flexibility of the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by having the base station notify the terminal of the positioning method selection through configuration information or assistance data. This feedback loop ensures both parties have consistent understanding of which method to use, preventing information loss and improving coordination efficiency in the ambiguity resolution process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4694422A1Terminal, base station, and communication method
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP4694422A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4694422A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4694422A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A terminal includes: a reception unit configured to receive configuration information for carrier phase positioning from a network; and a control unit configured to determine, in carrier phase positioning, a positioning method to be used for wave number determination based on assistance data or a request for assistance data.