Triggered Uplink Signals for Idle-Mode Positioning Without Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trajectory tracking systems require User Equipment (UE) to frequently switch between connected and idle modes for positioning, leading to high power consumption and signaling overhead, especially in scenarios with numerous user locations.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the transmission and reception of downlink control messages and uplink signals between UE and Base Station (BS) to perform positioning without entering connected mode, using preconfigured uplink and downlink signals for UE positioning, even when in RRC_idle or RRC_inactive state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If UE switches between connected and idle modes for positioning, then positioning can be performed, but power consumption and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidUE power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures uplink signals and downlink reference signals during connected mode before the UE transitions to idle mode. These pre-configured resources enable the UE to perform positioning measurements and transmit positioning data while in idle mode without needing to switch back to connected mode, thereby reducing power consumption and signaling overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the idle mode UE to perform multiple functions including positioning measurements, transmitting positioning data, and receiving positioning requests using pre-configured uplink and downlink resources, without requiring mode switching. This multi-functional capability in idle mode eliminates the need for frequent connected-idle transitions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If all UEs return to connected mode for positioning, then accurate positioning can be obtained, but signaling overhead increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The network pre-configures uplink signaling resources and downlink reference signals for positioning while the UE is in idle mode. This preliminary configuration allows multiple UEs to perform positioning measurements and transmit data using pre-allocated resources without requiring random access procedures or connection establishment, significantly reducing signaling overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The idle mode UE autonomously performs positioning measurements using pre-configured downlink reference signals and transmits positioning data using pre-configured uplink resources without requiring network coordination or mode switching. This self-service capability eliminates the need for extensive signaling exchange that would occur if UEs returned to connected mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12356359B2Systems and methods to trigger sending uplink messages

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 ZTE CORP

AI summary

A wireless communication method includes receiving, by a wireless communication device from a wireless communication node, a downlink control message; and sending, by the wireless communication device to the wireless communication node, in response to receiving the downlink control message, an uplink signal, wherein the uplink signal is configured for the wireless communication node to position the wireless communication device.