Distributed Access Network GNSS Calibration for Terminal Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Differential GNSS positioning accuracy is reduced when the terminal is far from the reference station due to environmental factors and algorithm precision limitations, leading to varying positioning accuracy and reduced utilization.

Innovation Solution

Integrate the function of a reference station into access network devices within a mobile communications network, allowing the access network devices to measure and calculate calibration data, which is then transmitted directly to the terminal in a point-to-point or broadcast mode, reducing the distance and improving positioning accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the terminal is far from the reference station, then the coverage range is increased, but the positioning accuracy is reduced due to environmental factors and algorithm precision limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage rangeVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reference station function from the core network to multiple access network devices distributed in different locations. This allows terminals to receive calibration data from nearby access network devices, reducing the distance between terminal and reference station while maintaining wide coverage through multiple distributed segments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension by integrating reference station functionality into the access network infrastructure. Instead of a single centralized reference station, the system creates a multi-dimensional network of distributed access network devices that can all provide calibration data, expanding coverage while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a single reference station is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning accuracy varies with distance from the reference station

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference station configurationVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes access network devices universal by enabling them to perform both access network functions and reference station functions. This multi-functionality allows multiple devices to provide calibration data without requiring separate dedicated reference stations, maintaining simplicity while improving accuracy through distributed coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If calibration data is transmitted through the core network, then the network infrastructure is simplified, but the transmission realtimeness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork infrastructureVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the calibration data transmission function from the core network path and places it directly at the access network level. Access network devices send calibration data directly to terminals within their coverage areas, removing the core network transmission link and significantly reducing transmission delay

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3617748B1Positioning method, device and system
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3617748B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3617748B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3617748B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a positioning method, a device, and a system, to improve positioning accuracy of a terminal. The method includes: storing, by an access network device, first location data of the access network device, where the first location data is used to indicate an accurate location of the access network device; receiving, by the access network device, a first satellite signal from a satellite system; determining, second location data of the access network device based on the first satellite signal; determining calibration data based on the first location data and the second location data; and sending the calibration data to the terminal, where the calibration data is used by the terminal to determine an accurate location of the terminal.