Wireless Positioning Using PRS Timing in Licensed and Unlicensed Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning technologies in wireless communication systems, particularly in indoor environments and private LTE-U networks, face limitations in accuracy and response time, necessitating improvements for applications like emergency calls and asset tracking.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting and receiving Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) between wireless entities to determine distance, utilizing location computing entities that analyze signal propagation times and timing differences to accurately position user equipment (UE) in both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current positioning technologies are used in indoor environments and private LTE-U networks, then positioning can be provided, but accuracy is limited and response time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning process into multiple independent measurement components: uplink time difference of arrival (UTDOA) measurements, downlink time difference of arrival (DTDOA) measurements, and round-trip time (RTT) measurements. Each component can be independently optimized and computed, allowing for improved accuracy through combination while maintaining responsive processing through modular computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal positioning framework that works across multiple network types (licensed LTE networks and unlicensed LTE-U networks) and multiple positioning methods (UTDOA, DTDOA, RTT). The location server and wireless entities can perform the same positioning functions regardless of the specific network environment, providing consistent accurate positioning across diverse scenarios.
2Area of stationary object
If small cell access points are deployed to improve coverage, then coverage is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning functionality into existing small cell access points, allowing them to participate in positioning measurements without requiring separate dedicated positioning devices. The same access points that provide coverage enhancement also provide positioning measurements through UTDOA, DTDOA, and RTT methods, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The small cell access points are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as coverage-providing base stations and as positioning measurement nodes. They can perform and process positioning measurements alongside their primary communication function, eliminating the need for separate positioning infrastructure and reducing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If positioning measurements are performed using multiple methods, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments different positioning measurement methods (UTDOA, DTDOA, RTT) into distinct but coordinated processes, each with its own measurement and computation steps. This segmentation allows the system to select and apply only the necessary measurement types for each scenario, improving accuracy through method diversity while managing processing complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The location server automatically selects and coordinates the appropriate positioning measurement methods based on the specific network environment and requirements. The system self-manages the complexity of multiple positioning methods by implementing intelligent selection and coordination algorithms that determine which measurements to perform and how to combine them, reducing the burden on individual wireless entities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances positioning accuracy and reduces response time in challenging environments, enabling better support for critical applications by leveraging advanced signal processing and timing measurements in wireless communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a first positioning reference signaling (PRS) signal to the second wireless entity at a first time, wherein the first PRS signal is received by the second wireless entity at a second time
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for determining a distance (or range) between a first wireless entity and a second wireless entity. In an aspect, the first wireless entity transmits a first positioning reference signaling (PRS) signal to the second wireless entity at a first time, where the first PRS signal is received by the second wireless entity at a second time, and receives a second PRS signal from the second wireless entity at a third time, where the second PRS signal is transmitted by the second wireless entity at a fourth time. The first wireless entity enables the distance to be determined by a location computing entity, for example, by a location server, based on the first, second, third, and fourth times. The first wireless entity may be a mobile device or a base station and the second wireless entity may be the other of the mobile device or base station.