DRX Configuration for OTDOA Power Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
OTDOA positioning techniques face challenges in power optimization and measurement gaps, leading to increased time for position fixes and potential network underutilization, especially in devices with limited hardware capabilities like IoT devices.
Innovation Solution
Exploiting Discontinuous Reception (DRx) parameters by synchronizing OTDOA assistance data with the OFF state of the DRx/CDRx configuration to reduce or eliminate measurement gaps, allowing for power conservation during OTDOA sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are introduced to perform inter-frequency OTDOA measurements, then positioning accuracy is improved, but network throughput is reduced and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the periodic nature of DRx OFF durations to schedule PRS measurements. The network configures OTDOA assistance data with PRS occasions that align with the periodic OFF states of the DRx cycle, allowing measurements to occur periodically without requiring dedicated measurement gaps during active communication phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adapts the OTDOA measurement scheduling to match the UE's DRx configuration. The network server receives DRx configuration information and uses it to dynamically determine appropriate PRS occasions for inter-frequency measurements, making the measurement schedule flexible rather than fixed.
2Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are introduced to perform inter-frequency OTDOA measurements, then positioning accuracy is improved, but time for position fix increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration by having the UE provide DRx configuration information to the network server in advance. The network server then pre-calculates and provides OTDOA assistance data with PRS occasions that are predetermined to align with upcoming DRx OFF durations, eliminating the need for ad-hoc measurement gap scheduling.
3Measurement precision
If the UE remains in continuous reception mode to perform OTDOA measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the UE to perform measurements during its own DRx OFF durations without requiring continuous reception mode. The UE naturally transitions to low-power state during OFF durations, and the network configures PRS occasions to coincide with these self-determined low-power periods, allowing measurements without sacrificing battery life.
4Use of energy by moving object
If DRx OFF duration is extended to allow PRS measurements, then power consumption is reduced, but network resource utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by scheduling PRS transmissions specifically during DRx OFF durations at particular time-frequency resources, rather than requiring general reduction of network activity. The network maintains normal operation during DRx ON durations while creating localized measurement opportunities during OFF durations.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed aspects and embodiments pertain to conserving power usage during an Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) measurement session. For example, a server or other network entity may receive information related to a Discontinuous Reception (DRx) or Connected Mode DRx (CDRx) configuration associated with a user equipment (UE) and provide, to the UE, information related to one or more base stations having Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) occasions that coincide with an OFF state associated with the DRx/CDRx configuration. Alternatively and/or additionally, the UE may receive OTDOA assistance information indicating when certain PRS occasions occur and a serving base station or other network entity may provide the UE with a DRx/CDRx configuration having an OFF state that coincides with the PRS occasions. As such, the DRx/CDRx parameters may be exploited to substantially reduce or eliminate measurement gaps and conserve power usage during an OTDOA session.