Low-Power UE Positioning via RRC Inactive and SDT Reporting

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved methods and apparatuses to perform positioning for low-power user equipment (UE) in wireless communication systems, particularly in next-generation wireless access technologies like New Radio (NR), which support enhanced Mobile Broadband Communications (eMBB), massive Machine Type Communications (MTC), and Ultra Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC).

Innovation Solution

The method involves a UE receiving a location request message and determining if a first configuration, including positioning-related and small data transmission (SDT)-related information, is the same as a second configuration received through a radio resource control (RRC) release message. Based on the match, the UE transitions to an RRC INACTIVE state, performs a positioning procedure, and transmits a location information report using the SDT-related information. If configurations differ, a second RRC release message is received for transitioning to the RRC INACTIVE state, and the positioning procedure is performed based on the new configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the UE transitions to RRC INACTIVE state for positioning, then power consumption is reduced, but positioning accuracy and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpositioning reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network pre-configures positioning parameters and SDT resources in the RRC Release message before the UE transitions to RRC INACTIVE state. This preliminary configuration enables the UE to perform positioning operations autonomously without needing to transition to connected state, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining positioning reliability through pre-planned resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The UE performs positioning procedures autonomously in RRC INACTIVE state using pre-configured parameters and SDT resources. The UE independently measures positioning reference signals, calculates position information, and transmits results via SDT without network intervention, enabling self-service positioning that conserves battery power while maintaining acceptable accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of time

If the UE performs positioning in RRC INACTIVE state, then latency is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning latencyVSAvoidUE complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network provides pre-configured positioning parameters, measurement configurations, and SDT resource allocations in advance through RRC Release messaging. This preliminary setup reduces positioning latency by eliminating the need for real-time configuration exchanges, while the standardized configuration structures help manage UE complexity through predictable processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If configuration matching is performed, then positioning efficiency is improved, but processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The UE compares the received positioning configuration against a previously stored configuration from a prior RRC Release message. This copying and comparison approach enables rapid configuration validation without full re-processing, improving positioning efficiency by quickly determining whether to reuse existing configurations or apply new ones, thereby managing processing overhead effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4648503A1Method for performing positioning for low-power terminals in wireless communication system, and apparatus therefor
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4648503A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4648503A1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~4
  • EP4648503A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method for performing sidelink positioning by a user equipment 9UE) in a wireless communication system. Specifically, the method includes receiving a location request message, and determining whether a first configuration is the same as a second configuration or not, wherein the first configuration includes positioning-related information and small data transmission (SDT)-related information and is received through a first radio resource control (RRC) release message. Based on the first configuration being the same as the second configuration, the method further includes transitioning to an RRC INACTIVE state, performing a positioning procedure based on the positioning-related information, and transmitting a location information report based on the SDT-related information.