Terminal Positioning via Initial Access Direction Information

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current positioning methods for terminal devices require entering an RRC connected state to obtain direction information, such as AOA, leading to increased complexity and delay.

Innovation Solution

Acquire first information associated with direction information of the terminal device relative to a base station during the initial access process, before transitioning to the RRC connected state, using methods like AOA measurement indicated through preamble indices or scrambling in random-access messages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the terminal device enters RRC connected state to obtain direction information, then positioning accuracy is improved, but positioning delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing AOA measurement and obtaining direction information during the initial access process, before the terminal device enters RRC connected state. This allows positioning data to be collected in advance, eliminating the need to wait for RRC connection establishment, thereby reducing positioning delay while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables skipping the RRC connected state requirement for positioning by implementing AOA measurement during initial access. The terminal device can complete positioning operations directly in idle state by utilizing random access messages, effectively rushing through the traditional multi-step process and reducing time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

2Measurement precision

If the terminal device enters RRC connected state for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the positioning function with the initial access process by integrating AOA measurement into random access messages. Instead of separating positioning as an independent operation requiring RRC connection, the positioning data is combined with access signaling, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing procedural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes random access messages serve multiple functions: both establishing connection and carrying positioning information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning procedures, reducing system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy through AOA measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12501235B2Positioning method, terminal device, and network device

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 QUECTEL WIRELESS SOLUTIONS CO LTD

AI summary

This present disclosure provides a positioning method, a terminal device, and a network device. One example method includes: acquiring, by a terminal device, first information in an initial access process, where the first information is used to position the terminal device, and the first information is associated with direction information of the terminal device relative to a base station.