D2D Positioning via Sidelink Anchor UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate positioning of mobile devices in wireless networks, particularly in indoor environments, is challenging due to high penetration loss and Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) signal propagation, leading to coarse location accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The use of device-to-device (D2D) communications to obtain additional position metrics through Sidelink channels, combining them with traditional positioning techniques, to determine the relative or absolute position of mobile devices, with anchor UEs providing precise location information to improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional positioning techniques are used in indoor environments, then positioning can be provided, but location accuracy is coarse due to high penetration loss and NLOS signal propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces device-to-device measurements as an additional dimension for positioning, complementing traditional network-based methods. By utilizing Sidelink channels between UEs, the system adds a new measurement pathway that operates independently of traditional network infrastructure limitations, thereby improving vertical positioning accuracy and overall location precision in indoor environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs anchor UEs as intermediary devices that facilitate positioning measurements between target UEs and the network. These anchor UEs, with known locations, act as mediators that relay positioning information and enable accurate location determination even when direct network-UE signaling is degraded by penetration loss or NLOS conditions.
2Measurement precision
If D2D communications are used to obtain additional position metrics, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing Sidelink communication infrastructure, which was originally designed for other purposes, to also perform positioning measurements. This multi-functional use of D2D communications allows the system to gain positioning capabilities without requiring entirely new hardware or protocols, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving improved accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If more positioning sources are used, then three-dimensional positioning accuracy is improved, but the number of required devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables UEs to serve dual purposes: they function as both positioning targets and positioning sources. Through D2D measurements, any UE can contribute its location information and measurement capabilities to assist in positioning other UEs, eliminating the need for dedicated positioning infrastructure and reducing the total number of devices required while improving 3D positioning accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
The position of User Equipment (UE) may be determined based on information communicated through direct UE-to-UE communications to obtain additional measurements of position metrics that can be used to determine relative or absolute positions of the UE. In one implementation, a UE may receive, via a direct connection with a second UE, a positioning reference signal from which timing information, relating to distance between the UE and second UE, is derivable; determine, based on the positioning reference signal, a first position metric that relates to a position of the UE with respect to the second UE; and determine, based at least on position metric, a location of the UE.