Positioning Reference Signal Pattern Determination in LTE Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning methods in LTE cellular networks face challenges with high interference and the need for explicit neighbor cell lists (NCLs) for UE-assisted OTDOA, which increases complexity and overhead, and are not well-suited for positioning measurements due to their mobility-focused design.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a pre-defined mapping table between cell identities and PRS patterns, allowing UEs to autonomously determine PRS patterns for positioning measurements without relying on explicit NCLs, reducing complexity and overhead, and enhancing positioning measurement quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If explicit neighbor cell lists (NCLs) are used for UE-assisted OTDOA positioning, then positioning measurements can be performed, but system complexity and communication overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the NCL management function from the positioning system by allowing UEs to autonomously determine PRS patterns using pre-defined mappings between cell identities and PRS patterns. This removes the need for explicit NCL transmission and management, reducing complexity while maintaining positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
UEs are enabled to self-determine PRS patterns for positioning measurements by using pre-defined mappings between cell identities and PRS patterns. This self-service approach eliminates the need for network-provided NCLs, reducing communication overhead and system complexity
2Measurement precision
If explicit neighbor cell lists (NCLs) are used for positioning, then positioning measurements can be supported, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the NCL information element from communication protocols, eliminating the need to transmit, update, and manage NCLs between network and UEs. Positioning measurements are performed using autonomously determined PRS patterns based on pre-defined mappings
Solution Approach 2:
UEs autonomously determine PRS patterns without receiving NCL information from the network. This self-service mechanism eliminates communication overhead associated with NCL management while enabling positioning measurements
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobility-focused signaling methods are used, then mobility support is improved, but positioning measurement quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radio resource signaling into mobility-related functions and positioning-related functions. PRS pattern determination is separated from mobility management, allowing positioning measurements to use dedicated pre-defined mappings while mobility uses traditional signaling methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts PRS pattern selection based on positioning requirements rather than mobility requirements. UEs determine PRS patterns autonomously using pre-defined mappings that are optimized for positioning measurement quality rather than mobility support
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a device for supporting positioning with a minimum of assistance data signalling. The method in the radio device that shall perform the positioning measurements comprises determining (440) a positioning reference signal pattern, based on a cell identity and a pre-defined mapping between the cell identity and the positioning reference signal pattern, and performing (450) positioning measurements based on the determined positioning reference signal pattern.