Node B Multi-Symbol Time Report for RTT Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in WCDMA cellular networks, the psi-coverage configuration limits positioning capabilities due to reduced sector information availability, leading to increased inaccuracy in RTT positioning methods, making it difficult to meet E-911 phase 2 positioning requirements without costly and complex rearrangements of the RNC.

Innovation Solution

The method involves modifying a multi-symbol time report sequence to include auxiliary positioning information, such as antenna sector data, which is then transmitted from the Node B to a positioning node, allowing for improved positioning accuracy without altering the basic RNC functionalities or causing performance losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If psi-coverage configuration is used to reduce costs, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRNC configuration complexityVSAvoidRTT positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary encoding scheme that translates auxiliary positioning information into a format compatible with existing RNC interfaces. By encoding antenna sector information within the multi-symbol time report sequence, the system acts as a mediator between the simplified psi-coverage architecture and the positioning requirements, enabling accurate positioning without complex RNC rearrangements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter representation by modifying the multi-symbol time report sequence to include auxiliary positioning information. This parameter transformation allows the system to convey sector information through existing signaling channels, improving positioning accuracy while maintaining the simple psi-coverage configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If sector information is lost in psi-coverage configuration, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRNC configuration simplicityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The encoding of auxiliary positioning information serves as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between the simplified psi-coverage operation and the need for precise sector information. The RNC continues to operate simply while the encoded sector data is extracted at the appropriate processing stage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-symbol time report sequence is given multiple functions: it continues to convey time propagation information while simultaneously encoding auxiliary positioning information. This universal approach allows a single signaling mechanism to serve both positioning and sector identification purposes

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

3Device complexity

If auxiliary positioning information is not utilized, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRNC rearrangement complexityVSAvoidRTT positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The Node B performs self-service by encoding the auxiliary positioning information it already possesses into the time report sequence. This eliminates the need for complex inter-node rearrangements while making the information available for improved positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary positioning information is prepared and encoded in advance within the multi-symbol time report sequence before being transmitted to the RNC. This preliminary encoding ensures that the information is readily available when needed for positioning calculations, avoiding the need for subsequent complex rearrangements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2702815B1Positioning in wireless communication systems
Publication Date: 2015.07.22 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2702815B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2702815B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2702815B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for reporting positioning data from a node B in a cellular communication system comprises performing (210), in a node B, of a measurement of a time of radio signal propagation concerning signalling with a first user equipment within a coverage of the node B. The measurement gives a time value. The time value is coded (212), in the node B, as a multi-symbol time report sequence. Auxiliary positioning information data concerning the first user equipment is obtained (214) in the node B. At least one symbol of the multi-symbol time report sequence is modified (216) (218) in the node B, for representing the auxiliary positioning information data. The modified multi-symbol time report sequence is reported from the node B. A positioning method, a node B and a positioning node are also disclosed.