User Equipment Preconfigured PRS for Indoor Location Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination methods for user equipment in wireless communication systems face challenges in areas with poor satellite signal reception, such as indoors, where satellite positioning systems are not available or effective, and require significant data overhead for terrestrial-based positioning.
Innovation Solution
User equipment is preconfigured with Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configurations for multiple base stations, allowing it to receive PRS signals from a first set of base stations and cell-specific reference signals (CRS) from a second set of base stations, enabling location determination without relying on satellite signals and reducing the need for assistance data from the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite positioning systems are used for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but availability deteriorates in areas with poor satellite signal reception such as indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning system into two independent parts: satellite-based positioning (for outdoor accuracy) and terrestrial-based positioning using base station signals (for indoor availability). The user equipment can selectively use either system based on signal availability, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positioning parameter from satellite signal-based to terrestrial base station signal-based when satellite signals are unavailable. By switching the reference signal source from satellites to ground-based base stations, the system maintains availability in indoor environments while preserving outdoor accuracy when satellite signals are available.
2Reliability
If terrestrial based positioning using base station signals is used, then availability is improved in indoor areas, but data overhead increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the user equipment with Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configurations for multiple base stations before actual positioning is needed. This includes pre-storing base station identification information and signal parameters, so that when positioning is required, the equipment can immediately search for and measure PRS signals without receiving extensive assistance data from the network, thereby reducing data overhead.
3Measurement precision
If user equipment searches for PRS signals after receiving assistance data, then location determination can be performed, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the user equipment pre-configure PRS search parameters and base station information before actual positioning is needed. The equipment maintains ready-to-use configuration data including base station IDs, PRS signal characteristics, and search parameters, enabling immediate PRS signal search and location determination without waiting for network assistance data, thus significantly reducing response time.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) is preconfigured with Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configurations for a plurality of base stations. The UE receives a base station almanac including position information and identifies of local base stations. Using the PRS configurations and information from the base station almanac, the UE receives PRS signals from a first set of base stations. The UE may also receive cell-specific reference signals (CRS) from a second set of base stations. The UE performs location determination for the user equipment using the PRS signals from the first set of base stations, the CRS signals from the second set of base stations.