Positioning Assistance Data Broadcast via Carrier Redirection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication networks face inefficiencies in provisioning positioning assistance data, particularly with the high resource consumption of broadcasting positioning SIBs across multiple carriers, which can lead to increased network resource usage and latency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a mechanism to selectively use only a subset of carriers/RATs for broadcasting positioning SIBs and redirecting User Equipment (UE) to the appropriate carrier/RAT for positioning assistance data, thereby optimizing network resource utilization and reducing latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If positioning SIBs are broadcast across multiple carriers, then positioning assistance data availability is improved, but network resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning assistance data availabilityVSAvoidnetwork resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the positioning assistance data broadcast by selecting only a subset of carriers/RATs to carry positioning SIBs, rather than broadcasting across all carriers. This segmentation reduces the total network resources consumed while maintaining data availability through strategic carrier selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the UE first receives system information from the serving cell, then requests positioning assistance data from a location server if not obtained via broadcast, and finally redirects to the appropriate carrier/RAT. This intermediary request-redirect mechanism optimizes resource usage by avoiding unnecessary broadcasts on all carriers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If positioning SIBs are broadcast across multiple carriers, then positioning assistance data coverage is improved, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning assistance data coverageVSAvoidlatency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the UE receive system information from the serving cell first, which includes information about available carriers for positioning data. This preliminary information allows the UE to directly request and redirect to the correct carrier without unnecessary delays, reducing latency while maintaining coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The location server acts as an intermediary that provides carrier/RAT information to the UE based on its positioning needs. This intermediary mechanism enables the UE to quickly identify and redirect to the appropriate carrier, reducing the time required to obtain positioning assistance data while ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If a subset of carriers/RATs is used for positioning SIB broadcast, then network resource utilization is optimized, but positioning assistance data accessibility may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoidpositioning assistance data accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors system information from the serving cell, detects whether positioning assistance data is available via broadcast, and provides feedback by requesting data from the location server if needed. This feedback loop ensures that accessibility is maintained even when using a subset of carriers, as the UE can obtain data through alternative paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by enabling the UE to obtain positioning assistance data through multiple paths: either via broadcast on selected carriers or through direct request to the location server. This multi-functionality ensures that reducing the number of broadcast carriers does not compromise accessibility, as the UE can use alternative acquisition methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12101733B2User equipment, a radio network node, a location server, and methods therein for obtaining and providing positioning assistance data

Publication Date: 2024.09.24 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method performed by a UE for obtaining positioning assistance data from a location server, wherein the UE and the location server are operating in a wireless communications network. The UE receives a system information broadcast from a radio network node. The UE further transmits a request for positioning assistance data to the location server in case the UE does not obtain the needed positioning assistance data via the radio network node broadcast system information. The UE further obtains carrier and/or RAT information used for the positioning assistance data broadcast. The UE further reselects or is redirected to the carrier and/or RAT used for the positioning assistance data broadcast.