Low Power High Accuracy Positioning in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication technologies do not optimize positioning support for user equipment (UE) in RRC_INACTIVE and RRC_IDLE states, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption and accuracy, as the Location Management Function (LMF) is not aware of the UE's state and requires state transitions for positioning, increasing power usage and limiting low power, high accuracy positioning (LPHAP) capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of techniques that allow UE to notify the network of LPHAP requirements and capabilities, enabling the LMF and next-generation Node B (gNB) to perform positioning in a power-efficient manner by maintaining UE context in RRC_IDLE state, allowing positioning without state transitions and optimizing resource configuration for LPHAP, such as larger PRS periodicity and narrower bandwidth for DL positioning methods, and larger SRS periodicity for UL positioning methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the UE transitions to RRC_CONNECTED state for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic positioning capability where the UE can perform positioning measurements in both RRC_IDLE and RRC_CONNECTED states. The network can flexibly select the appropriate RRC state based on positioning accuracy requirements and power consumption constraints, allowing the system to adapt between states rather than being fixed in one state for all positioning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces new parameters including positioning capability indicators, positioning requirement indicators, and configuration parameters for positioning in idle state. These parameters enable the network to configure and control positioning operations differently based on the UE's RRC state, allowing optimization of both accuracy and power consumption by adjusting positioning parameters according to the selected state
2Use of energy by moving object
If the LMF is made aware of UE state for optimized positioning, then power efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the UE indicate its positioning capability and current RRC state to the LMF before positioning operations begin. The LMF uses this advance information to determine the appropriate positioning method and configure positioning parameters accordingly, avoiding the need for complex real-time state monitoring and decision-making during active positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the gNB as an intermediary between the UE and LMF for positioning operations in RRC_IDLE state. The gNB receives positioning indications from the UE, determines positioning requirements, and communicates with the LMF to obtain positioning configurations, which are then provided back to the UE. This intermediary approach distributes system complexity across multiple network entities rather than concentrating it in a single component
3Device complexity
If state transitions are required for positioning, then positioning support is simplified, but power consumption increases and positioning speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic positioning framework where the UE can perform positioning measurements in both RRC_IDLE and RRC_CONNECTED states. The system can transition between these states based on positioning requirements, allowing the UE to remain in a lower-power idle state when possible while still supporting accurate positioning, thus reducing unnecessary state transitions and associated power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configuration parameters that enable positioning operations in RRC_IDLE state, including parameters for positioning measurement configurations, resource allocations, and procedure control. These parameter changes allow the positioning function to operate effectively without requiring transition to connected state, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining positioning capability
4Device complexity
If state transitions are required for positioning, then positioning support is simplified, but positioning speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the UE indicate its positioning capability and RRC state to the network before positioning operations begin. The network uses this advance information to prepare positioning configurations and resources in advance, allowing positioning measurements to start immediately without delays caused by state transitions or on-the-fly configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the gNB as an intermediary that facilitates rapid positioning by maintaining positioning context and configurations for UEs in RRC_IDLE state. The gNB can quickly provide positioning measurements and configurations to the LMF and UE without requiring full RRC connection establishment, thereby accelerating the positioning process while maintaining procedural simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments herein provide techniques for low power, high accuracy positioning (LPHAP) in a wireless cellular network. For example, the techniques may be used for a user equipment (UE) in RRC_INACTIVE and/or RRC_IDLE mode. In some embodiments, the UE may notify the network of a LPHAP requirement and/or capability. This may enable the network (e.g., location management function (LMF) and/or next generation Node B (gNB) to perform positioning in a power efficient way.