Local Network Access Using Dynamic WTRU Location Determination

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication technologies face challenges in accurately determining the location of wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs) indoors and outdoors, particularly with methods like A-GPS and OTDOA, which have limited accuracy and require satellite or cell-based positioning, and face issues with Wifi-based and IP address-based positioning due to range limitations and network obstructions.

Innovation Solution

A WTRU processor determines its location and availability of applications based on its determined location, enabling access to application services without relying solely on satellite or cell-based positioning, and allowing for device-to-device communication through peer-to-peer or client-server applications, which can bypass the control network for user data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If satellite assisted positioning (A-GPS) or cell-based positioning is used, then positioning coverage is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates indoors and in urban canyons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning coverage areaVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple positioning methods (satellite-based A-GPS, cell-based OTDOA, and WiFi-based positioning) into a unified positioning framework. The system selectively activates different positioning methods based on the WTRU's environment and availability, merging their strengths to achieve both wide coverage and high accuracy across diverse scenarios including indoor and urban canyon environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic positioning method selection where the system adapts the positioning approach based on real-time conditions. The WTRU determines its location using satellite methods when available, transitions to cell-based methods when satellites are unavailable, and further adapts to WiFi-based methods in dense urban or indoor environments, creating a dynamic positioning strategy that optimizes accuracy for each specific scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If WiFi-based positioning is used, then indoor positioning accuracy is improved, but range limitation and network obstruction issues worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindoor positioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning range and network compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic positioning method selection where the system adapts the positioning approach based on real-time conditions. The WTRU determines its location using satellite methods when available, transitions to cell-based methods when satellites are unavailable, and further adapts to WiFi-based methods in dense urban or indoor environments, creating a dynamic positioning strategy that optimizes accuracy for each specific scenario while maintaining versatility across different ranges and network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary positioning framework that sits between the WTRU and various positioning methods. This framework includes a positioning server that coordinates between different positioning technologies, selecting and managing the appropriate method based on environmental conditions, thereby enabling WiFi-based positioning to achieve high indoor accuracy while the overall system maintains adaptability across diverse ranges and network scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traditional positioning methods (A-GPS, OTDOA) are used, then positioning service reliability is improved, but battery consumption and signaling latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning service reliabilityVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic positioning method selection where the system adapts the positioning approach based on real-time conditions. The WTRU determines its location using satellite methods when available, transitions to cell-based methods when satellites are unavailable, and further adapts to WiFi-based methods in dense urban or indoor environments, creating a dynamic positioning strategy that optimizes accuracy for each specific scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the WTRU to autonomously determine its location using available positioning information without requiring continuous network assistance for every positioning fix. The device can use stored cell location data, previously acquired WiFi hotspot information, and cached positioning data to self-determine its location, reducing signaling overhead and battery consumption while maintaining reliable positioning service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260067655A1Accessing local networks in a communications network

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) may send, to a cellular network, a registration message that includes a request for local services including a network related name. The WTRU may receive, from a cellular network based on the registration message and location information of the WTRU, a higher layer signal with information including availability of a local service in a local area of the cellular network and a tracking area. The WTRU may determine, based on the information, when the WTRU is in the local area.