Location Server Network-Based Measurements for UE Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning technologies, such as SUPL, cannot utilize network-based location measurements made within the access network, leading to less accurate or unavailable location estimates, especially in environments where GNSS satellites and network base stations are not accessible.
Innovation Solution
A method where a location server acquires network-based measurements from a radio access network and transmits them to a user equipment (UE), enabling the UE to determine its location using these measurements, thereby enhancing positioning accuracy and availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If User Plane positioning solutions (SUPL) are used to provide network access and data transport independence, then adaptability to different network technologies is improved, but the ability to utilize network-based location measurements made within the access network deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the location server acts as a mediator between the radio access network and the UE. The location server acquires network-based measurements from the RAN and forwards them to the UE through SUPL messages, enabling the UE to utilize these measurements for positioning while maintaining SUPL's network independence. This resolves the contradiction by adding an intermediary entity that bridges the gap between RAN measurements and SUPL positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the positioning functionality into distinct components: the RAN performs measurements, the location server processes and manages the measurements, and the UE uses the measurements for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently with well-defined interfaces, enabling the UE to access RAN-based measurements through the location server without requiring tight integration between SUPL and RAN, thus maintaining adaptability while gaining access to measurements.
2Loss of information
If control plane location solutions are used to transfer measurements made by network elements, then measurement availability is improved, but UE-based mode operation with SUPL deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional control plane approach where measurements are kept at the network side. Instead, it enables the UE to receive and use these measurements locally through SUPL, effectively inverting the measurement flow from network-centric to UE-centric. This allows UE-based positioning mode to utilize RAN measurements that were previously only available in control plane solutions, resolving the contradiction between measurement availability and SUPL compatibility.
3Measurement precision
If network-based measurements are made at base stations and LMUs, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the positioning system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the UE to self-serve by providing it with the necessary RAN measurements and assistance data through the location server. The UE then independently performs the positioning calculation using these measurements, eliminating the need for complex network-based positioning algorithms. This self-service approach improves positioning accuracy through access to RAN measurements while reducing overall system complexity by distributing the computational burden to the UE.
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein relates in one particular implementation to a method, apparatus, and/or system for acquiring one or more network-based measurements at a location server from a radio access network serving a user equipment (UE). A first message may be transmitted to the UE from the location server, where the first message comprises at least one of the one or more network-based measurements. A location of the UE is capable of being determined by the UE-based at least in part on the one or more network-based measurements.