Locally Assisted Positioning for Low Power User Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low power user devices with limited processing power and battery resources face challenges in implementing satellite positioning, and network-based positioning methods are hindered by poor coverage and high energy consumption, making it difficult for them to sustain positioning sessions or meet radio network requirements in terms of latency and periodicity.
Innovation Solution
A locally assisted positioning procedure where a target user device leverages positioning information from nearby anchor user devices by transmitting a local positioning aid request, receiving location data, and calculating its own position using this data, allowing it to acquire or inform its position even in power-impaired conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite positioning is implemented in low power user devices, then positioning capability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase beyond available resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces anchor user devices as intermediaries between the target low-power device and the positioning system. These anchor devices perform the complex positioning computations and return simplified position information to the target device, eliminating the need for the target device to have sophisticated positioning hardware or software while still achieving accurate positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is segmented into two parts: complex positioning computation performed by anchor devices with sufficient resources, and simple position information reception by the target low-power device. This segmentation allows each device to operate within its resource constraints while achieving overall system positioning capability
2Reliability
If network based positioning is used, then satellite positioning capability is not required, but energy consumption increases and positioning sessions cannot be sustained in power limited devices
Solution Approach 1:
The target device performs only partial positioning actions (receiving aid requests and position information) rather than sustaining complete positioning sessions. This partial participation dramatically reduces energy consumption while still achieving positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
Anchor user devices act as intermediaries that handle the energy-intensive positioning computations and communications with the network, allowing the power-limited target device to obtain positioning information without directly engaging in sustained network-based positioning sessions
3Measurement precision
If full uplink positioning sessions are maintained, then positioning accuracy is improved, but power limited devices cannot sustain the sessions
Solution Approach 1:
Anchor user devices pre-compute and store position information that can be quickly transmitted to target devices when needed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for sustained real-time positioning sessions, allowing target devices to obtain accurate position information with minimal energy expenditure and short interaction duration
Data Source
AI summary
Various example embodiments relate to a solution for positioning of a low power device using sidelink peers. A target user device for a locally assisted positioning procedure may receive a trigger event to initiate positioning of the target user device, the trigger event originating from a location management function in relation to the locally assisted positioning procedure. The target user device may transmit at least one local positioning aid request to one or more anchor user devices for the locally assisted positioning procedure, the at least one local positioning aid request indicating a need for the locally assisted positioning procedure for the positioning of the target user device. Devices, methods, and computer programs are disclosed.