E-SMLC Positioning Assistance Data Configuration for UE-Based Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a method for updating and configuring assistance data for the OTDOA location mode based on the UE location mode, leading to limited network capacity and real-time performance in LTE and 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
A positioning assistance data configuration method that allows the E-SMLC to acquire and transmit positioning assistance data to the UE, enabling the UE to select a reference cell and sort a neighbor list, reducing network intervention and latency, and improving location accuracy by combining priori information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network based location mode is used, then the network side can perform position calculation, but the location terminal capacity is limited by reporting RSRP requirement and real-time performance is limited by information interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional network-based location mode by enabling the UE to perform position calculation autonomously using assistance data from the network. Instead of the network calculating position based on UE measurements, the UE calculates its own position using OTDOA measurements combined with assistance data (reference cell info, neighbor cell list, timing advance) received from the E-SMLC. This inversion eliminates the need for RSRP reporting and reduces information interaction overhead, thereby improving network capacity and real-time performance while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Productivity
If the UE based location mode is used, then the network capacity and real-time performance are improved, but there is no record or explanation on how to update and configure assistance data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the E-SMLC pre-configure and update assistance data (including reference cell information, neighbor cell list, and timing advance values) before the UE performs positioning measurements. The network proactively manages the assistance data configuration based on UE location estimates and network conditions, so that when the UE needs to perform OTDOA measurements, the assistance data is already optimized and ready. This eliminates the complexity of real-time configuration during positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports measurement results (RTT, TOA) back to the E-SMLC, which then uses this feedback to update and refine the assistance data configuration. The E-SMLC adjusts the neighbor cell list, reference cell selection, and timing advance values based on the feedback from multiple positioning sessions, creating a continuous optimization loop that simplifies the configuration process over time while improving positioning accuracy.
3Reliability
If the network side performs position calculation, then position information can be obtained, but information interaction process increases latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position calculation function from the network side and relocates it to the UE. The E-SMLC only provides assistance data (cell information, timing parameters, frequency configurations) without performing the actual position calculation. The UE independently calculates its position using OTDOA measurements of reference signal timestamps from reference and neighbor cells, combined with the assistance data. This extraction eliminates multiple rounds of information interaction for position calculation, reducing latency while maintaining accuracy through the use of precise timing advance values provided in the assistance data.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a positioning assistance data configuration method, apparatus, device, system, and storage medium, the method includes positioning assistance data of observed time difference of arrival, OTDOA, is acquired by an evolved serving mobile location center, E-SMLC, from a base station; and the positioning assistance data is transmitted by the E-SMLC to target UE.