NR-IoT Positioning Support for Idle-Mode Geofencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geofencing technologies for low-cost IoT devices, such as those without GPS capabilities, face inefficiencies and high power consumption due to the need for frequent RRC connected mode transitions and excessive signaling for OTDOA positioning, making them impractical for indoor use and increasing battery drain.
Innovation Solution
Implementing measurement configurations and reporting criteria for groups of cells, allowing IoT devices to perform positioning measurements only on cells with sufficient signal strength and trigger reports based on specific events, such as entering or leaving a geofenced area, without requiring continuous RRC connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequent RRC connected mode transitions are used for positioning measurements, then positioning accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles where the UE performs positioning measurements periodically at specific occasions (POs) within idle mode, rather than continuously in connected mode. This periodic measurement approach maintains positioning accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption by keeping the receiver off between measurement occasions.
Solution Approach 2:
The network configures the UE with self-contained measurement configurations including positioning reference signal (PRS) resources, measurement gaps, and reporting criteria. The UE autonomously performs measurements and triggers reports based on pre-configured criteria without requiring continuous network interaction, enabling idle-mode operation with accurate positioning.
2Measurement precision
If continuous RRC connection is maintained for positioning measurements, then positioning accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network provides advance configuration of positioning parameters, measurement gaps, and reporting criteria before the UE enters idle mode. This preliminary setup includes PRS resource configurations and event-triggered reporting thresholds, allowing the UE to perform accurate measurements autonomously without continuous signaling during idle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential positioning measurement functionality from the continuous RRC connection context and implements it independently in idle mode using configured DRX cycles and event-triggered reporting. This separation eliminates the need for continuous connected-mode signaling while maintaining positioning capabilities.
3Device complexity
If measurement configuration is simplified for low-cost devices, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of low-cost IoT devices by implementing discontinuous reception cycles with specific measurement occasions, enabling them to perform OTDOA positioning measurements accurately while remaining in idle mode. This parameter change allows simple devices to achieve positioning accuracy without complex continuous measurement mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A UE in a wireless network receives measurement configuration for group(s) of cells wherein the measurement configuration is for positioning measurements of the UE using signals from base station(s). The UE receives criteria based on the measurement configuration for the UE to trigger report(s) for the group(s) of cells. The UE performs, using at least the measurement configuration, positioning measurements of the group(s) of cells and sends a report that is triggered based at least on the criteria. A network element sends the measurement configuration for the group(s) of cells to the UE. The network element sends the criteria based on the measurement configuration for the UE to trigger the report(s) for the one or more groups of cells. The network element receives a report from the UE that was triggered based at least on the criteria. Methods, software, computer program products, and apparatus are disclosed.