Wireless Device Cell Selection for Positioning Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning methods in wireless communications networks, such as OTDOA, face challenges in selecting the optimal reference cell and neighbor cells, especially for indoor devices with severe multipath issues, leading to poor position estimation due to high TOA errors and long lists of neighbor cells that cannot be measured in time.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a systematic approach for cell selection using Selection Strategy Information (SSI) that allows wireless communications devices to choose reference and neighbor cells based on observed conditions, such as minimum TOA or signal strength, to improve positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the UE measures TOA of all neighbor cells provided by the location server, then the positioning accuracy may be improved, but the measurement time increases and the UE cannot complete measurements in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the neighbor cell list into multiple groups based on TOA values. The UE is instructed to measure only cells from specific groups (e.g., groups with lower TOA values) rather than all cells. This segmentation reduces the measurement burden while maintaining positioning accuracy by focusing on the most relevant cells for RSTD calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by having the UE measure only a subset of neighbor cells (those in prioritized groups) rather than the complete list. The location server determines which groups to measure based on assistance data, performing enough measurements to achieve acceptable positioning accuracy without requiring exhaustive measurement of all cells.
2Ease of operation
If the UE selects the serving cell as reference cell, then the cell selection process is simple, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to high TOA errors in indoor environments with multipath issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the reference cell selection dynamic rather than static. Instead of always using the serving cell, the UE selects the reference cell based on observed conditions such as which cell has the minimum TOA value among the measured neighbor cells. This dynamic selection adapts to the current radio environment, improving positioning accuracy in indoor scenarios while maintaining an automated selection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the UE to autonomously determine the optimal reference cell based on its own measurements of TOA values. The UE compares TOA measurements and automatically selects the cell with the minimum TOA as the reference cell, without requiring explicit network configuration. This self-service approach improves accuracy while keeping the network's involvement minimal.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided mechanisms for positioning of a wireless communications device in a wireless communications network, where the wireless communications network comprises a serving cell and neighbour cells. A method performed by the wireless communications device comprises obtaining information related to a cell selection process for selecting a cell to be used for computing a position of the wireless communications device. The method comprises measuring a measure of a signal associated with the cell to be selected. The method comprises selecting the cell to be used for computing the position of the wireless communications device based on the information related to the cell selection process. The method comprises computing a difference of the measures based on the selected cell.