Inter-RAT Positioning Measurement Gap Configuration in 5G NR

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current positioning methods in New Radio (NR) systems, particularly for fifth-generation (5G) wireless communications, face limitations as Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) measurements are only available on E-UTRAN eNBs, and LTE positioning protocol signaling cannot decode measurements for inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) OTDOA, restricting accurate UE positioning across different radio access technologies.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves mechanisms for requesting measurement gaps to facilitate inter-RAT OTDOA measurements, allowing User Equipment (UE) to perform positioning measurements across different radio access technologies by configuring measurement gaps and utilizing Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) for accurate location determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If OTDOA measurements are performed only on E-UTRAN eNBs using LTE positioning protocol, then positioning measurements can be performed within a single radio access technology, but inter-RAT positioning measurements are restricted and cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinter-RAT positioning capabilityVSAvoidpositioning measurement availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends OTDOA positioning functionality to support multiple radio access technologies (E-UTRA and NR) by enabling the UE to perform positioning measurements on both LTE and NR TPs. The positioning method is made universal across different RATs, allowing the same OTDOA principle to be applied regardless of whether measurements are taken on E-UTRAN or NR networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the UE receives assistance data from the LMF that includes configuration for both E-UTRA and NR TPs. This intermediary positioning framework enables the UE to seamlessly perform measurements across different RATs by providing unified assistance information that spans multiple radio access technologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If measurement gaps are not configured for inter-RAT measurements, then the UE can continuously communicate with the serving gNB, but the UE cannot perform positioning measurements on other radio access technologies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning measurement efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by configuring measurement gaps in advance before inter-RAT positioning measurements are performed. The serving gNB is notified of the upcoming measurements, and measurement gaps are pre-configured to ensure the UE can switch to other RATs without disrupting ongoing communications. This advance preparation minimizes communication interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic measurement gap configuration where the serving gNB can adjust gap patterns based on current communication needs and positioning requirements. The measurement gap configuration is flexible and can be modified in real-time to balance positioning measurement opportunities with ongoing data communication, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11523365B2Inter-radio access technology positioning measurements in new radio systems

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe signaling of positioning measurement indications or measurement gap requests. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.