Mobile Positioning Integrity Check Using Uplink-Downlink Comparison

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile communication systems face challenges in ensuring the integrity and reliability of device positioning measurements, particularly in the presence of malicious user devices that can provide false information or generate jamming signals, which can compromise the accuracy and security of positioning services.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for determining the integrity of positioning measurements by comparing uplink and downlink measurement data, such as time delays and angles of arrival, to set an integrity verification notification, and using a location management function to validate the reliability of the data, thereby identifying and mitigating potential malicious activities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If uplink and downlink measurement data are collected and compared to determine integrity, then positioning reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a location management function as an intermediary component that coordinates the collection, transmission, and comparison of uplink and downlink measurement data. This mediator manages the complexity by centralizing the integrity verification process, allowing network nodes to focus on data collection while the LMF handles the comparative analysis and integrity determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the positioning system into distinct functional components: user devices that perform measurements, communication nodes that transmit and receive signals, and a location management function that processes data. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing the complexity burden on any single element while improving overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If measurement data validation is performed to identify malicious activities, then positioning security is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning securityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by collecting both uplink and downlink measurement data before final positioning calculations are made. The integrity verification is conducted in advance of using the positioning data for critical functions, allowing potential malicious activities to be identified and mitigated before they can compromise positioning security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The location management function provides feedback by comparing uplink and downlink measurement data to determine integrity, then using this information to validate or reject positioning measurements. This feedback mechanism allows the system to continuously monitor and adjust its positioning decisions based on the reliability of the measurement data, improving security while managing processing time through efficient verification protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3988959B1Device positioning
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3988959B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3988959B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3988959B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An apparatus, method and computer program is described comprising: receiving a first measurement report from a first communication node of a mobile communication system, wherein the first measurement report includes downlink measurement data generated at a user device in response to a positioning reference signal sent by the first communication node; receiving a second measurement report from the first communication node, wherein the second measurement report includes uplink measurement data generated at the first communication node in response to an uplink reference signal sent by the user device; determining an integrity of the measurement data based on a comparison of said uplink and downlink measurement data; and setting an integrity verification notification in accordance with the determined integrity.