Localization Paging for Idle UE Positioning in Cellular Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular communication networks face challenges in accurately positioning User Equipments (UEs) in idle or inactive mode, leading to suboptimal resource allocation and increased power consumption due to the lack of a-priori knowledge of UE location, particularly in scenarios like 5G NR where cells and beams are smaller and narrower.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a localization-paging signal dedicated for positioning purposes, allowing UEs in idle or inactive mode to measure and report positioning measurements, which are used by the network to compute a coarse location, enabling the selection of appropriate Transmission and Reception Points (TRPs) for subsequent accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional positioning methods are used for UEs in idle or inactive mode, then the network can operate without additional signaling overhead, but positioning accuracy deteriorates and resource allocation becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a localization-paging signal that is transmitted before actual positioning is needed. This signal allows the network to obtain coarse location information of UEs in idle or inactive mode in advance, enabling better resource allocation and TRP selection for subsequent positioning operations. The paging signal carries localization information that prepares the system for future positioning needs without waiting for actual positioning requests.
2Measurement precision
If the network performs frequent positioning measurements for idle or inactive UEs, then positioning accuracy improves, but power consumption and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a two-stage positioning approach. First, a coarse location is obtained using localization-paging signals with minimal UE participation. Then, only if higher accuracy is needed, full positioning measurements are performed. This partial approach avoids the excessive energy consumption of continuous positioning while still providing sufficient location information for most network optimization tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the use of paging cycles. Instead of continuous positioning measurements, the network transmits localization-paging signals at periodic intervals defined by paging cycles. This allows the network to maintain updated location information for idle or inactive UEs without requiring constant UE participation, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining positioning capability.
3Productivity
If coarse location estimation is performed using localization-paging signals, then resource allocation for positioning is optimized, but the complexity of the positioning system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the localization-paging signal to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same paging signal structure is used for both traditional paging operations and localization purposes. This multi-functionality allows the network to obtain positioning information without creating entirely new signaling mechanisms, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining network efficiency improvements.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for a location management function, the method comprising transmitting, to a base station, a request to transmit a localization-paging signal to a user equipment, wherein the user equipment is in idle or inactive mode when the localization-paging signal is transmitted and the localization-paging signal is configured to trigger the user equipment to report positioning measurement results related to the localization-paging signal, receiving from the base station, responsive to transmitting the request, a report message of the base station, the report message of the base station comprising information about the user equipment and selecting a set of transmission and reception points for a positioning session based on said information about the user equipment.