Core Network Node Positioning Mode Grant for 5G UE Resource Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communications networks, particularly in 5G NR (New Radio) frequency range 2 (FR2), the high-frequency signal propagation challenges lead to significant path loss and penetration loss, making efficient positioning procedures costly in terms of resource usage and accuracy, especially when broadcasting beam coordinates to User Equipment (UE) for positioning tasks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a control mechanism that allows the core network node to grant specific positioning modes to User Equipment (UE) for determined durations, enabling efficient beam selection and resource allocation, thereby optimizing network resources and reducing unnecessary transmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If beam coordinates are broadcast to UE for positioning tasks in 5G NR FR2, then positioning accuracy is improved, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing positioning assistance data selectively to specific UEs based on their location and positioning needs, rather than broadcasting to all UEs. The core network node determines which UEs require positioning assistance and provides targeted assistance data containing beam coordinates only to those UEs, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy for needed users while reducing overall resource consumption in the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If positioning assistance data is provided continuously to UE, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but network overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidnetwork overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by providing positioning assistance data to UEs in periodic intervals rather than continuously. The core network node monitors UE positioning needs and provides assistance data containing beam coordinates periodically or event-triggered, maintaining positioning accuracy when needed while significantly reducing network overhead during periods when positioning is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple positioning modes are supported simultaneously, then system adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning mode flexibilityVSAvoidUE positioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the UE to dynamically switch between different positioning modes (GNSS-based positioning and network-based positioning with beam coordinates) based on current conditions. The core network node grants specific positioning modes to UEs for determined durations, allowing the system to adapt to varying network conditions and UE capabilities without requiring complex simultaneous support for all modes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4055921B1User equipment, core network node, radio network node and methods in a wireless communications network
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4055921B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4055921B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4055921B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method performed by a User Equipment (UE) for handling positioning of the UE in a wireless communications network is provided. The UE is capable of working in a number of positioning modes for performing measurements for positioning of the UE. The UE receives (503) from a radio network node operating in the wireless communications 5network, a configuration to operate in a specific positioning mode out of the number of positioning modes, for a certain duration. The UE then performs (504) positioning of the UE according to the configuration based on positioning assistance data from any one out of: the radio network node, and a core network node operating in the wireless communications network.