Positioning Type Selection in Cellular Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cellular communication networks face challenges in efficiently determining and implementing the appropriate positioning type (session-based or session-less) for user equipment, which affects resource consumption and positioning accuracy, particularly in scenarios like Sidelink positioning.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that allow a network node to determine and communicate the positioning type to user equipment, enabling flexible selection between session-based and session-less positioning based on factors such as criticality and network resources, thereby optimizing positioning processes and resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If session-based positioning is used, then positioning accuracy and reliability are improved, but resource consumption and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic positioning type selection where the network node determines whether to use session-based or session-less positioning based on current conditions. The positioning type can change over time depending on factors like service requirements, network load, and UE capabilities, allowing the system to optimize between accuracy and resource consumption dynamically rather than being fixed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If session-based positioning is used, then positioning reliability is improved, but signaling overhead and network load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different positioning methodologies (session-based vs session-less) to different UEs or different positioning scenarios based on local requirements. Not all UEs require session-based positioning - the system selectively applies session-based positioning only where high reliability is needed, while using lighter session-less positioning elsewhere, thus reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining necessary reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If session-less positioning is used, then resource consumption is reduced, but positioning accuracy and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource consumptionVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between session-less positioning (for low resource consumption) and session-based positioning (for high accuracy requirements). The network node monitors conditions and transitions the positioning type based on whether accuracy requirements exceed thresholds, allowing the system to achieve high accuracy only when necessary while saving resources during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Extent of automation

If the network node determines positioning type unilaterally, then network control is improved, but adaptability to UE requirements decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork controlVSAvoidadaptability to UE requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE can indicate its positioning requirements, capabilities, or preferences to the network node. The network node uses this feedback information along with network conditions to make the final determination of positioning type, ensuring both network control and UE adaptability are satisfied

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4415439A1Positioning in cellular communication networks
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4415439A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4415439A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4415439A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to transmit, to a network node, first information for determining whether a positioning type of the apparatus is to be session-based or session-less, receive from the network node second information indicating a positioning type of the apparatus, wherein the type is one of a session-based positioning or a session-less positioning and perform positioning according to the indicated positioning type of the apparatus.