IoT Device Positioning in Energy Saving Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional positioning methods for telecommunications devices, such as OTDOA and UTDOA, consume significant power, reducing the battery life of IoT devices due to the need for continuous connection in RRC connected mode for accurate location determination.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an energy-saving communication mode, such as RRC idle or suspended mode, during positioning operations, where devices perform measurements in discontinuous reception (DRX) and only transition to connected mode for reporting, using Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) or SRS, to reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If devices operate in RRC connected mode for positioning measurements, then location determination accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation determination accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically transitions the device between RRC connected mode and RRC idle mode based on positioning requirements. During positioning measurements, the device operates in connected mode to ensure accuracy. After measurements are complete, the device transitions to idle mode to conserve energy, thus adapting the connection state to actual operational needs rather than maintaining a static connection mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic positioning measurements at predetermined time intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The device performs measurements periodically when needed and then enters low-power idle mode, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining location accuracy at the required measurement intervals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If devices use discontinuous reception (DRX) mode for positioning, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement accuracy may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the positioning process into distinct phases: measurement phase (when device wakes from DRX to perform measurements) and reporting phase (when device transmits measurements to network). This segmentation allows the device to minimize wake-up time and duration in connected mode, reducing power consumption while ensuring accurate measurements during the brief active periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10863473B2Methods, network, integrated circuitry and apparatus for telecommunications device location

Publication Date: 2020.12.08 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

A method for use in a wireless telecommunications network comprising a core network, two or more base stations each providing wireless connectivity within a base station cell, and a terminal device configured to communicate wirelessly with the base stations by a communication mode, and the method being a positioning method for determining a position of the terminal device, comprises sending one or more positioning signals between the base stations and the terminal device during a transmission phase of the method, and using measured arrival times of the positioning signals to triangulate a position of the terminal device, wherein during the transmission phase the terminal device is in an energy saving communication mode.