Heterogeneous Network Positioning Using PRS and Wi-Fi Beacons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional position measurement methods in wireless access systems, such as A-GNSS, E-CID, and OTDOA, suffer from low accuracy, especially in indoor environments due to factors like multipath propagation and eNB synchronization errors, and require additional hardware like GNSS receivers, making them inefficient for precise three-dimensional positioning in large buildings.
Innovation Solution
A method using a heterogeneous network signal, where a user equipment (UE) receives transmission time information to calculate the difference between signals from a reference cell and a measurement cell, generating measurement information to accurately determine its position, including vertical plane measurements, by utilizing signals like Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) and beacon preambles from Access Points (APs) in both cellular and Wi-Fi networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional position measurement methods (E-CID, OTDOA) are used, then position measurement can be provided, but measurement accuracy is low (50-150m in LOS/NLOS environments)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning methods (E-CID, OTDOA, and Wi-Fi-based positioning) into a unified positioning system. The UE performs measurements using heterogeneous network signals including cellular network signals (PRS) and Wi-Fi beacon frames, integrating results from different networks to achieve higher accuracy and reliability in indoor positioning environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is designed to work universally across different network types and environments. The UE is configured to measure positioning reference signals from cellular networks and Wi-Fi beacon frames from wireless LANs, making the system adaptable to various indoor scenarios including shopping malls, airports, and other large indoor facilities where single-network methods fail.
2Measurement precision
If A-GNSS scheme is used, then position measurement can be provided, but implementation complexity and battery consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the GNSS receiver requirement from the positioning system by using alternative heterogeneous network signals (cellular PRS and Wi-Fi beacon frames) that can be measured by standard UE hardware. This eliminates the need for additional GNSS receivers while maintaining positioning capability in indoor environments where GNSS signals are unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses readily available, low-cost network infrastructure signals (cellular PRS and Wi-Fi beacon frames) instead of expensive specialized GNSS hardware. These signals are already present in the environment and can be measured by existing UE components, avoiding the need for additional expensive positioning hardware.
3Measurement precision
If single-network positioning methods are used, then positioning can be provided, but accuracy is insufficient for three-dimensional positioning in large buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables three-dimensional positioning by incorporating vertical plane measurements in addition to traditional horizontal positioning. The system measures signals from multiple access points at different locations and heights, calculating position in three-dimensional space to accurately determine UE location within large indoor structures like shopping malls and skyscrapers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces Wi-Fi access points as intermediary positioning nodes in addition to cellular network cells. These Wi-Fi APs serve as additional reference points that provide supplementary measurement data, enabling the system to achieve three-dimensional positioning accuracy in indoor environments where cellular networks alone are insufficient.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of measuring the position of a terminal by using a heterogeneous network signal. The method comprises receiving transmission time information that represents a time at which a signal for measuring the position of a terminal is transmitted; receiving a first signal from a reference cell at a time represented by the transmission time information; receiving a second signal from a measurement cell at a time represented by the transmission time information; calculating the difference between the time at which the first signal is received and the time at which the second signal is received to generate measurement information; and reporting the measurement information.