Proximity-Based Device Usage for Positioning Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning technologies face challenges in determining the location of user equipment (UE) when it becomes unavailable, such as during power loss or configuration changes, which can hinder emergency services and navigation assistance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that associate a set of user equipment (UEs) and select a proximate, available UE to perform requested functions when a primary UE is unavailable, utilizing proximity-based device usage to facilitate positioning operations and other functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UE is unavailable during positioning operations (e.g., power loss, configuration changes), then positioning services cannot determine the location of the device, but the system needs to maintain service continuity and user safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a location server as an intermediary that coordinates between multiple UEs and the positioning system. When a primary UE becomes unavailable, the location server can solicit positioning measurements from alternative UEs in the set, acting as a mediator to maintain service continuity without requiring direct complex interactions between UEs
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes a set of associated UEs before positioning operations begin. This preliminary association ensures that alternative devices are already identified and ready to perform positioning functions if the primary UE becomes unavailable, eliminating the need for complex real-time device selection
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses multiple associated UEs for positioning, then service continuity is improved when primary device is unavailable, but the complexity of device association and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each UE in the associated set is configured with universal positioning capabilities that can be activated based on availability. The location server universally manages all UEs in the set using the same procedures, allowing any UE to perform positioning functions regardless of which device is primary, thereby simplifying management while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The association between UEs and the location server is established in advance through preliminary configuration. This pre-association includes defining the set of alternative UEs and their relationships, so that when positioning operations occur, the system can simply activate pre-defined relationships rather than dynamically creating complex associations
3Reliability
If positioning functions are performed on alternative UEs, then location determination can continue when primary UE is unavailable, but measurement accuracy may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The location server implements feedback mechanisms to evaluate the quality and accuracy of positioning measurements from alternative UEs. Based on this feedback, the server can select the most accurate alternative UE for positioning operations, or request additional measurements, thereby maintaining measurement precision while ensuring service continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary evaluation and characterization of each UE's positioning capabilities during the association phase. This preliminary assessment includes measuring signal quality, receiver accuracy, and other parameters that affect positioning precision, allowing the location server to make informed decisions about which alternative UE to use while maintaining accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of performing functions by proxy for a set of associated proximate devices is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method may comprise associating a set of user equipments (UEs), wherein upon determination that a first UE in the set is unavailable for performing a requested function, at least one alternate second UE in the associated set of UEs is selected, wherein the at least one second UE is proximate to the first UE and the at least one second UE is available for performing the requested function. The performance of the requested function on the at least one second UE is initiated.