LTE Positioning Node Reference Signal Cell ID Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing positioning methods in LTE networks, such as e-CID and OTDOA, suffer from poor accuracy when multiple base stations share the same cell ID, leading to inaccurate location determination of mobile terminals.

Innovation Solution

A positioning method that involves sending a terminal side measurement request based on a positioning node reference signal, including configuration information like positioning node identity, transmission timing, and antenna port information, to a target terminal, with the serving base station performing measurements and sending results to a location server for accurate location calculation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If e-CID positioning method is used when multiple base stations share the same cell ID, then positioning can be performed, but positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidcompatibility with cell ID sharing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cell ID into multiple components: cell identity part, positioning node identity part, and reference signal identity part. This segmentation allows the positioning system to distinguish between multiple base stations even when they share the same cell ID, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining cell ID sharing compatibility and achieving accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces additional identification dimensions beyond the traditional cell ID. By adding positioning node identity and reference signal identity as separate identification layers, the system creates a multi-dimensional identification space that enables differentiation of base stations while maintaining compatibility with existing cell ID sharing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If OTDOA positioning method is used when multiple base stations share the same cell ID, then positioning can be performed, but positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidcompatibility with cell ID sharing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reference signal structure by introducing positioning node reference signals with unique positioning node identities and reference signal identities. This segmentation allows the OTDOA method to distinguish between multiple base stations sharing the same cell ID by measuring time differences of these uniquely identified reference signals, thereby resolving the accuracy issue while maintaining compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces positioning node reference signals as an intermediary element between the base station and the terminal for positioning purposes. These reference signals carry unique positioning node identities and reference signal identities that act as mediators to enable the terminal to distinguish between multiple base stations sharing the same cell ID, thus resolving the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If traditional positioning methods are used, then existing positioning infrastructure can be utilized, but positioning accuracy deteriorates in cell ID sharing scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the positioning information into distinct fields including cell identity, positioning node identity, and reference signal identity. This segmentation allows the system to maintain compatibility with existing positioning infrastructure while adding new identification layers that enable accurate positioning in cell ID sharing scenarios without requiring complete system replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the positioning node reference signal to serve multiple functions: it carries cell identity information for legacy compatibility, positioning node identity for multi-base station differentiation, and reference signal identity for signal-specific identification. This multi-functionality allows the same signal structure to support both traditional and enhanced positioning requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3113555B1Locating method and device
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3113555B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3113555B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3113555B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a positioning method and apparatus. The positioning method includes: sending, by a serving base station, a terminal side measurement request based on a positioning node reference signal to a target terminal according to configuration information of the positioning node reference signal; performing, by the serving base station, a base station side measurement based on the positioning node reference signal, and obtaining base station side measurement information based on the positioning node reference signal; and then sending terminal side measurement information based on the positioning node reference signal and the base station side measurement information based on the positioning node reference signal to a location server, so that the location server calculates location information of the target terminal. The positioning method and apparatus provided by the embodiments can implement accurate positioning on a terminal in a scenario in which a plurality of positioning nodes shares a same cell identity.