Positioning Reference Unit Registration for Cellular Network Location Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular networks face challenges in efficiently determining the location of wireless communication devices using positioning reference units (PRUs), particularly in identifying suitable PRUs, managing static and mobile PRUs, and enhancing location determination procedures.
Innovation Solution
The method involves requesting registration of a positioning reference unit (PRU) within a cellular network, participating in procedures to locate and associate the PRU with network elements, and obtaining and providing PRU information for storage and use in positioning user equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If positioning reference units are used to determine device locations in cellular networks, then positioning capability is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring appropriate PRUs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network elements (such as location management functions and repositories) as intermediaries between the target device and PRUs. These intermediaries maintain information about available PRUs and their positions, automatically selecting suitable PRUs for positioning operations without requiring the target device to directly detect or measure multiple potential PRUs, thus reducing measurement difficulty while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary registration and information collection procedures where PRUs are pre-identified, registered with the network, and their position information is stored in repositories before actual positioning operations. This preliminary action creates a ready-to-use database of positioning reference units, eliminating the need for real-time detection and measurement during positioning events
2Reliability
If PRU registration and association procedures are implemented, then positioning reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where PRUs automatically register themselves with the network and provide their position information to repositories without requiring manual configuration or complex coordination. The network elements automatically manage PRU associations and select appropriate PRUs based on stored information, reducing the apparent complexity for individual devices while ensuring reliable positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal network elements (such as location management functions and repositories) that serve multiple purposes: they manage PRU registration, store position information, select appropriate PRUs for different target devices, and coordinate positioning operations across the entire network. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into centralized elements rather than distributing it across all devices
3Productivity
If PRU information is collected and stored in repositories, then positioning efficiency is improved, but loss of time for information management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary collection and storage of PRU position information in network repositories during idle periods or as part of routine network operations. This advance preparation creates a ready-to-query database that enables rapid positioning decisions without requiring time-consuming real-time information gathering, thus improving positioning efficiency while minimizing the impact on operational time
Data Source
AI summary
A PRU requests registration with a cellular network, participates in a procedure to locate the PRU within the network, and associates itself as a PRU with network element(s). A repository receives information for a PRU describing at least a position of the PRU, and stores this. In response to a request by a requesting network element for positioning information of the PRU, the repository sends at least part of the information for the PRU to the network element. A network element implementing an LMF receives, from a first network element, a request for positioning of a target UE, and selects a PRU serving the target UE. The network element receives a first location of the target UE and determines a final location of the target UE considering position information of the PRU and the first location of the target UE, and provides the final location to the first network element.