Optimizing UE Positioning via PRN Subset Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing positioning systems face challenges in accurately estimating the position of a target UE due to significant errors in distance measurements, particularly in non-line-of-sight scenarios and with mobile PRNs.

Innovation Solution

A method is proposed to determine an optimal subset of positioning reference nodes (PRNs) and adjust their locations to minimize positioning errors. This involves using an objective function based on the low rank property of the Euclidean Distance Matrix (EDM) to select the best subset of PRNs and optimize their positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If distance measurements are used to estimate target UE position, then positioning can be performed, but significant errors occur in non-line-of-sight scenarios and with mobile PRNs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddistance measurement error
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the set of available PRNs into a subset and selects optimal PRNs based on geometric distribution. By dividing the complete PRN set and applying selection criteria, the system achieves more accurate positioning by using only the most effective PRNs for the given scenario, thereby reducing measurement errors in non-line-of-sight conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a geometric dimension to PRN selection by evaluating the spatial distribution of PRNs. It selects PRNs based on their geometric arrangement relative to the target UE, transforming the selection criterion from simple availability to spatial optimization. This dimensional approach minimizes positioning errors by ensuring optimal geometric coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If all available PRNs are used for positioning, then more data is available, but positioning errors increase due to suboptimal PRN selection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of PRNsVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and selects only the optimal subset of PRNs from the complete set of available PRNs. By taking out and retaining only the most suitable PRNs based on geometric criteria, the system improves positioning accuracy while using a manageable number of reference nodes, avoiding the pitfalls of using all available PRNs indiscriminately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by selecting PRNs based on their specific geometric relationship with the target UE. Not all PRNs are treated equally; instead, the system identifies and uses only those PRNs that provide optimal positioning quality for the current scenario, optimizing the quality of positioning data used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Area of stationary object

If mobile PRNs are used to extend coverage, then coverage area increases, but positioning accuracy decreases due to PRN mobility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the dynamic nature of mobile PRNs by continuously monitoring and updating PRN locations. The system adapts to PRN mobility by reselecting optimal PRN subsets based on current positions, maintaining positioning accuracy despite the dynamic environment and extended coverage area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms to track PRN positions and adjust the selected subset accordingly. By continuously feedback on PRN locations and geometric relationships, the system maintains optimal positioning accuracy even when PRNs are mobile, ensuring that the selected PRNs remain the most suitable for accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12294972B2User equipment (UE) positioning
Publication Date: 2025.05.06 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US12294972B2 patent drawing
  • US12294972B2 patent drawing
  • US12294972B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for moving a set of positioning reference nodes (PRNs), the set of PRNs including a first PRN. The method includes, for the first PRN, determining a first set of candidate positions to which the first PRN can move. The method also includes, for each candidate position included in the first set of candidate positions, evaluating an objective function using the candidate position, the position of each other PRN included in the set of PRNs, and the position of a target UE to produce an error value indicating a positioning error of the target UE for the candidate position. The method also includes, based on the produced error values, selecting a candidate position from the set of candidate positions. The method further includes triggering the first PRN to move to selected candidate position.