Hybrid UWB and Cellular Positioning via Network Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP standards lack a framework for integrating non-cellular ranging technologies like UWB with cellular and GNSS positioning techniques, leading to issues with positioning accuracy and interference management in wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method where network nodes and user equipment (UE) exchange assistance data to facilitate measurements from non-cellular ranging devices and cellular transmitters, enabling hybrid positioning techniques that combine UWB and cellular RAT signals for improved accuracy and scalability, while managing interference through intelligent scheduling of transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If non-cellular ranging devices transmit ranging signals continuously to maintain positioning capability, then positioning accuracy is improved, but interference with cellular RAT signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of non-cellular ranging signals instead of continuous transmission. The network node schedules ranging signal transmissions at specific time intervals, allowing positioning measurements to be performed periodically rather than continuously. This reduces the overall transmission load and minimizes interference with cellular RAT signals while maintaining positioning capability through accumulated periodic measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary scheduling of ranging signal transmissions before actual positioning measurements are needed. The network node proactively allocates time slots and schedules transmission opportunities for non-cellular ranging devices, ensuring that ranging signals are transmitted at optimal times that minimize interference with cellular signals. This preliminary coordination allows the system to achieve positioning accuracy without causing harmful interference.
2Measurement precision
If multiple non-cellular ranging devices operate simultaneously in the wireless network, then positioning coverage and accuracy are improved, but device complexity and interference management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the network node as an intermediary coordinator between multiple non-cellular ranging devices and the positioning system. The network node receives capability information from ranging devices, maintains a schedule of transmission opportunities, and coordinates transmissions to avoid mutual interference. This intermediary role simplifies the complexity of managing multiple devices by centralizing the scheduling and coordination function, allowing accurate positioning to be achieved without requiring complex peer-to-peer interference management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic scheduling of ranging signal transmissions based on network conditions and device capabilities. The network node can adaptively adjust transmission time slots, frequencies, and power levels for different ranging devices operating simultaneously. This dynamic coordination allows multiple devices to operate in the same network environment without causing harmful interference, while maintaining positioning accuracy through coordinated measurements from all devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include methods for a network node or function (NNF) configured to facilitate positioning of a user equipment (UE) based on measurements of cellular radio access technology (RAT) signals and of non-cellular ranging (e.g., UWB) signals. Such methods include sending the following information to the UE: first assistance data that identifies one or more non-cellular ranging devices associated with a wireless network, and second assistance data that identifies one or more cellular RAT transmitters of the wireless network. Such methods include receiving the following information from the UE: first measurements of non-cellular ranging signals transmitted by the one or more non-cellular ranging devices identified by the first assistance data, and second measurements of cellular signals transmitted by the one or more cellular RAT transmitters identified by the second assistance data. Other embodiments include complementary methods for a UE and for a non-cellular ranging device.