Multi-UE Positioning Signalling Reduction via Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE positioning systems face inefficiencies in handling multi-UE positioning due to increased signalling load as they are limited to single UE operations, leading to scalability issues when requesting or reporting information for multiple UEs or UEs within a specific subarea of a cell.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method involves initiating a collection and compilation of position-related UE information for multiple UEs within a defined area, allowing for the formation of measurement replies that include location information for multiple UEs, thereby reducing the signalling load by introducing new information entities and modifying existing signalling protocols to support multi-UE positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If single UE positioning procedures are used for each UE individually, then positioning accuracy for each UE is maintained, but signalling load increases linearly with the number of connected UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple single-UE positioning procedures into a single multi-UE positioning procedure. The E-SMLC sends one measurement initiation request that includes measurement configurations for multiple UEs, and receives one measurement report containing position information for all requested UEs. This merging approach maintains positioning accuracy for each UE while reducing the total number of signalling messages exchanged between network elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement initiation request and measurement report messages are enhanced to serve multiple UEs simultaneously. The measurement initiation request can include measurement configurations for multiple UEs with different measurement types (e.g., E-CID, OTDOA, UTDOA, GNSS), while the measurement report returns position information for all UEs in a single structured response. This multi-functionality allows the same signalling path to handle positioning for multiple UEs without sacrificing individual UE positioning accuracy.
2Loss of information
If individual positioning requests are sent for each UE, then complete position information is obtained for each UE, but the system complexity and processing overhead increase with the number of UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the processing of multiple individual positioning requests into a single unified procedure. The E-SMLC maintains a measurement configuration that can accommodate multiple UEs with different positioning requirements, and processes their measurement reports in a consolidated manner. This approach ensures complete position information is obtained for each UE while reducing system complexity by eliminating the need to manage numerous separate positioning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement report is segmented to contain position information for multiple UEs in a structured format, with each UE's position data clearly identified and organized. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple UEs efficiently by processing their information in parallel within a single message framework, rather than requiring sequential processing of individual UE data.
3Measurement precision
If positioning is performed for UEs in a specific subarea using individual procedures, then accurate location data is obtained, but the time required for collecting position information from multiple UEs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines positioning requests for multiple UEs in a specific subarea into a single measurement initiation request. The E-SMLC can filter and select UEs within a defined geographic area using location criteria in the measurement configuration, and simultaneously initiate positioning procedures for all matching UEs. This approach maintains accurate location data collection while reducing the total time required compared to sequential individual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The E-SMLC performs preliminary filtering of UEs based on location criteria before initiating measurement procedures. By pre-identifying which UEs are within the target subarea using existing location information, the system可以避免 initiating positioning procedures for UEs that do not meet the area criteria, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining accurate location data for relevant UEs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for assisting in positioning of UEs in a telecommunication system comprises initiating (S20), in a network node, preferably an eNode B (20), a collection of position-related UE information of a plurality of UEs as a response on an obtained measurement initiation request. The measurement initiation request comprises requests for the position-related UE information associated with a defined area, of which at least a part is situated within a coverage area of the network node. The position-related UE information comprises at least a location of the UE. A forming of a measurement reply to the measurement initiation request is initiated (S40) in the network node. The measurement reply comprises a compilation of at least a part of the position-related UE information for the plurality of UEs. Methods in a MME (60), GMLC (70) and E-SMLC (80) are also disclosed, as well as devices therefore.