Location Server Surrogate Advance Scheduling for Low Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination methods for mobile devices in wireless communication systems suffer from high latency, which is undesirable in applications such as emergency calls and autonomous scenarios like autonomous vehicles and drones.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Location Server Surrogate (LSS) within the NG-RAN to perform location management functions, reducing latency by scheduling location determination in advance and using a 5G Core Network Location Management Function (LMF) for pre-time coordination, with the LSS handling post-time latency components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If location determination is performed using conventional methods, then location services can be provided, but latency is high which is unacceptable for emergency calls and autonomous scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by scheduling location determination procedures in advance of when the location is actually needed. The Location Server Surrogate (LSS) receives location requests ahead of time and schedules measurement and computation activities to complete before the required time threshold, thereby reducing actual execution latency while maintaining service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the location determination process into distinct phases handled by different entities: the Location Server Surrogate (LSS) in the NG-RAN handles scheduling and coordination, while the Location Management Function (LMF) handles computation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific task independently, improving overall efficiency and reducing latency.
2Loss of time
If a Location Server Surrogate is implemented within NG-RAN, then location latency is reduced through advance scheduling, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Location Server Surrogate is designed as a multi-functional entity that combines scheduling, coordination, and location determination capabilities within the NG-RAN. By making this component universal and capable of handling multiple location-related tasks, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while achieving low latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The Location Server Surrogate acts as an intermediary between external location requests and the core network Location Management Function. This mediator handles the scheduling and coordination tasks, offloading complexity from the LMF while maintaining efficient communication between components.
3Loss of time
If location procedures are scheduled in advance, then latency is reduced by coordinating before required time, but system complexity increases due to scheduling coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs scheduling and coordination actions in advance of when location determination is needed. The Location Server Surrogate receives requests ahead of time and schedules measurement and computation activities to complete before the required time threshold, thereby reducing actual execution latency while managing coordination complexity through advance planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The scheduling system dynamically adjusts coordination parameters based on real-time conditions while maintaining advance scheduling. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize coordination complexity by adapting to changing network conditions and time requirements, balancing between simplicity and efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Latency in location of a user equipment (UE) is reduced by requesting and scheduling the location of the UE in advance of the time of when it is needed. A positioning request from an external client or the UE may indicate the time that the location is to be determined or measured. A location management function (LMF) may manage and coordinate location measurements for the UE prior to the location determination time. The LMF may schedule downlink and/or uplink measurements to be performed at the desired time. Either the LMF or a location server associated with a serving base station for the UE may be assigned to receive positioning measurements and obtain the location of the UE. The location server or LMF may send the location to the UE or the external client. User plane transport may be used to further reduce latency.