Positioning Node Frequency Selection for Inter-Frequency RSTD

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cellular network positioning methods, such as OTDOA and E-CID, face challenges in accurately determining user equipment location, especially in environments with multiple frequencies and duplex modes, due to limitations in assistance data and measurement requirements, leading to potential inaccuracies and increased measurement times.

Innovation Solution

The positioning node enhances inter-frequency and multi-duplex operation by acquiring and signaling radio network node frequency-related information, duplex mode, and subframe configuration, allowing it to select appropriate carrier frequencies and configure assistance data for improved positioning measurements, ensuring accurate and efficient inter-frequency RSTD measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current cellular network positioning methods (OTDOA and E-CID) are used, then positioning can be performed in wireless networks, but positioning accuracy deteriorates in environments with multiple frequencies and duplex modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidcompatibility with multiple frequencies and duplex modes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of assistance data to accommodate multiple frequencies and duplex modes. The positioning node configures assistance data with frequency-related information, duplex mode indicators, and subframe configuration parameters that adapt to different network conditions, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy across diverse frequency and duplex mode environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic configuration of assistance data based on real-time network conditions. The positioning node dynamically selects and signals appropriate carrier frequencies, duplex modes, and subframe configurations according to the specific radio network node capabilities and user equipment capabilities, enabling adaptive positioning that maintains accuracy across varying network parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If assistance data is enhanced with frequency-related information and duplex mode signaling, then positioning measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning measurement accuracyVSAvoidpositioning node complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring and signaling all necessary frequency-related information, duplex mode indicators, and subframe configuration parameters in the assistance data before positioning measurements are performed. This allows the user equipment to prepare measurement configurations in advance, reducing real-time processing complexity while maintaining high measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning node acts as an intermediary that consolidates and manages the complex frequency and duplex mode information. It receives capability information from radio network nodes and user equipment, processes this information to determine optimal carrier frequencies and configurations, and delivers simplified assistance data to the user equipment, thereby distributing and managing system complexity centrally

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If inter-frequency positioning measurements are performed, then positioning coverage is improved, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning coverageVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by configuring periodic positioning reference signals (PRS) and structured measurement opportunities across different frequencies. The assistance data includes periodicity information that enables the user equipment to perform inter-frequency measurements at optimized intervals, expanding positioning coverage while controlling measurement time through rhythmic, predictable measurement patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent reduces measurement time through preliminary action by providing pre-configured frequency information, carrier frequencies, and measurement parameter settings in the assistance data before measurements begin. This allows the user equipment to immediately start inter-frequency measurements without extensive real-time configuration, thereby expanding coverage efficiently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2622919B1Methods and nodes for handling measurements
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2622919B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2622919B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2622919B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The embodiments herein relate to a method in a positioning node (1005) for handling measurements in a communications network (1000). The positioning node (1005) acquires information about a set of carrier frequencies. The information comprises information about at least a channel number and a bandwidth for each respective carrier frequencies in the set. The positioning node (1005) selects at least one carrier frequency based on the acquired information. The positioning node (1005) sends information about the selected at least one carrier frequency to a network node (101) or a target node (1003). The information further comprises at least a channel number and a bandwidth for the selected carrier frequency, enabling the first node (1001) to perform measurements for a target node (1003) using the selected carrier frequency.