Cellular-WLAN Positioning Measurement for Lower Power and Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing positioning measurement methods using cellular networks consume high power and interfere with normal communication due to the use of large bandwidth and high transmission power signals, while methods using WLAN networks reduce power consumption but are limited in range and coverage.

Innovation Solution

A combined positioning measurement method using both cellular network and WLAN network nodes, where the terminal performs measurements based on configuration information from both types of nodes, reducing power consumption and interference by leveraging the strengths of both networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cellular network positioning measurement is performed using large bandwidth and high transmission power signals, then positioning coverage and signal strength are improved, but power consumption increases and interference with normal communication occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning coverageVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning measurement process is segmented into two distinct phases: a first phase using cellular network positioning reference signals for initial positioning, and a second phase using WLAN positioning signals for fine positioning or alternative positioning scenarios. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different positioning methods based on requirements, avoiding continuous use of high-power cellular positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic switching between cellular and WLAN positioning measurements based on configured conditions. The terminal can alternately perform positioning measurements using cellular signals and WLAN signals according to timing configurations, reducing the need for continuous high-power cellular transmission while maintaining positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning coverageVSAvoidinterference with normal communication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the limitation of WLAN (shorter coverage) into a benefit by using it for fine positioning in specific scenarios, while cellular positioning provides broad coverage. This complementary use transforms what could be seen as a disadvantage (needing multiple systems) into an advantage (reduced overall interference by using lower-power WLAN when appropriate).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Use of energy by moving object

If WLAN network positioning measurement is performed, then power consumption is reduced, but positioning range and coverage are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpositioning coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges cellular positioning and WLAN positioning into a unified positioning framework. The terminal is configured to perform both types of positioning measurements and can combine results or switch between them based on conditions such as signal quality, availability, and power management requirements, achieving both wide coverage and low power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Use of energy by moving object

If combined cellular and WLAN positioning measurement is performed, then power consumption is reduced and communication performance is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpositioning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal is designed with multi-functionality to support both cellular positioning measurements and WLAN positioning measurements using the same basic measurement framework. The positioning measurement unit can operate with different positioning reference signals (cellular PRS or WLAN positioning signals) according to configuration, reducing the need for separate dedicated hardware or processing paths for each positioning type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages complexity by changing parameters such as the type of positioning reference signal, measurement timing, and reporting configuration based on the current positioning scenario. The network can configure the terminal to use cellular or WLAN positioning by adjusting these parameters, allowing flexible adaptation without requiring complex decision logic in the terminal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12382421B2Positioning measurement method, positioning measurement apparatus and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD

AI summary

A positioning measurement method is performed by a terminal, and includes: obtaining first configuration information and second configuration information, where the first configuration information is configured to indicate the terminal to perform positioning measurement based on a first positioning signal transmitted between the terminal and a first type positioning node, and the second configuration information is configured to indicate the terminal to perform positioning measurement based on a second positioning signal transmitted between the terminal and a second type positioning node; and performing positioning measurement based on the first configuration information and the second configuration information.