Network Device Positioning Method for Non-Synchronized Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current positioning methods in NR systems face poor performance due to non-synchronization between non-serving and serving cells, affecting the terminal's ability to accurately measure Positioning Reference Signals (PRS).

Innovation Solution

A positioning method and apparatus that involve a network device obtaining target information to initiate a positioning procedure, including sending target indication information, PRS positioning assistance data, and requesting location information from a terminal to improve positioning performance by determining suitable PRS measurement conditions and methods, such as using Measurement Gap (MG) or active Bandwidth Part (BWP), based on synchronization and terminal capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal measures PRS from non-serving cells for positioning, then positioning coverage is expanded, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to non-synchronization between cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning coverageVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The network device performs preliminary synchronization adjustment before the terminal measures PRS from non-serving cells. The network sends synchronization information to the terminal and adjusts the measurement timing to coincide with synchronization moments, ensuring accurate measurements even when cells are not inherently synchronized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The network device acts as an intermediary between the terminal and non-serving cells. It receives synchronization information from the network and translates it into actionable measurement instructions for the terminal, enabling the terminal to accurately measure PRS from unsynchronized cells by compensating for timing differences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the terminal performs PRS measurement without network coordination, then measurement independence is improved, but positioning performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement independenceVSAvoidpositioning performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network device establishes a feedback loop where it receives positioning measurement results from the terminal and uses this information to adjust future measurement configurations. This feedback mechanism ensures that the terminal's independent measurements are optimized for accuracy while maintaining measurement autonomy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The network device dynamically changes measurement parameters such as measurement timing, PRS configuration, and synchronization settings based on the terminal's location and network conditions. This allows the terminal to maintain measurement independence while achieving high positioning performance through adaptive parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240284391A1Positioning method and apparatus, and related device
Publication Date: 2024.08.22 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • US20240284391A1 patent drawing
  • US20240284391A1 patent drawing
  • US20240284391A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A positioning method and apparatus, and a related device are provided. The method includes: obtaining target information by a first network device, and initiating a positioning procedure based on the target information by the first network device. The positioning procedure includes at least one of the following: sending target indication information to a second network device or a terminal, sending Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) positioning assistance data to the terminal, sending a location information request to the terminal, or performing location calculation. The target indication information is used to indicate a PRS measurement manner of the terminal. The location information request is used to request a PRS measurement result of the terminal. The location calculation is used to calculate a location of the terminal.