Parallel RSTD Measurements for Multi-Frequency Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio communications networks face challenges in accurately positioning user equipment due to degradation in positioning accuracy and increased measurement time, especially in multi-frequency and multi-RAT environments, where measurements are often performed serially, impacting power consumption and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The method involves providing user equipment with positioning assistance data that includes multiple reference cells associated with respective frequencies and neighbor cells, allowing for parallel intra- and inter-frequency Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) measurements, which enhances positioning accuracy and reduces measurement time by enabling simultaneous measurements across multiple frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurements are performed serially in existing radio communications networks, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy degrades and measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by grouping neighbor cells into multiple cell groups, where each group is associated with a specific reference cell. This allows parallel measurement of different cell groups on different frequencies, transforming the sequential measurement process into a parallel one, thereby reducing measurement time while maintaining positioning accuracy through comprehensive coverage of all neighbor cells
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of parallelism by enabling simultaneous measurements across multiple frequencies and cell groups. Instead of measuring cells one after another on a single frequency, the system performs measurements in parallel on multiple frequencies, effectively adding a temporal parallelism dimension that reduces overall measurement time without sacrificing accuracy
2Measurement precision
If measurements are performed serially, then power consumption is reduced, but positioning accuracy degrades
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting neighbor cells into multiple groups that can be measured in parallel, the patent enables more efficient use of measurement resources. The user equipment can perform measurements on multiple cell groups simultaneously across different frequencies, reducing the total time the radio needs to be active, thereby improving positioning accuracy while actually reducing overall power consumption through more efficient parallel processing
3Measurement precision
If parallel measurements are implemented, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages complexity by systematically segmenting neighbor cells into groups and establishing clear association rules between cell groups and reference cells. This structured segmentation provides a manageable framework for parallel measurements, where each group can be processed independently according to predefined rules, making the complex parallel measurement process more controllable and implementable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the organizational parameters of cell measurements by introducing frequency-based grouping and cell group associations. Instead of a simple sequential list, cells are organized with new parameters (frequency associations, group identifiers, reference cell links) that enable parallel processing while maintaining systematic control over the measurement process
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to positioning of a user equipment in a communications network. A method in a user equipment for performing positioning measurement comprises receiving positioning assistance data from a positioning node. The positioning assistance data comprises a plurality of reference cells, wherein each reference cell may be associated with at least one respective frequency, and a set of neighbor cells comprising at least one neighbor cell. The method further comprises, for each reference cell comprised in the plurality of reference cells, identifying a respective associated set of neighbor cells, wherein the reference cell and the respective associated set of neighbor cells define a group. Furthermore, the method comprises performing at least one positioning measurement using the positioning assistance data for each respective identified group.