Radio Location via Propagation Direction Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radio device location techniques in radio access networks are susceptible to errors in distance estimates and require additional procedures, such as random access and positioning reference signal measurements, which are inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method that locates a radio device by combining radio propagation directions from multiple transmission and reception points, allowing the network to determine the device's location without relying on dedicated positioning measurements from the device, and using radio resources more efficiently by transmitting and receiving reports indicative of these directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional distance-based location techniques are used, then the location can be determined using existing signaling, but the location accuracy is degraded due to errors in distance estimates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from distance estimation to radio propagation direction estimation. Instead of measuring time of arrival to calculate distance, the system measures the direction from which signals arrive at multiple TRPs, fundamentally changing the parameter being measured to achieve better location accuracy without relying on error-prone distance estimates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/time-based measurement system (measuring signal travel time to calculate distance) with an angular/directional measurement system (measuring angle of arrival of signals). This substitution eliminates the need for precise timing synchronization and distance calculation, directly improving location accuracy
2Measurement precision
If additional positioning procedures are implemented, then location accuracy can be improved, but the signaling overhead and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing signaling procedures serve dual purposes: both for normal communication and for location determination. The radio beams used for data transmission also carry location information, and existing uplink signals are used for both communication and positioning, eliminating the need for separate positioning procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the location determination function with existing communication procedures. Instead of implementing separate random access procedures or positioning reference signal measurements, the system combines location measurements with regular uplink signaling, reducing overall device complexity and procedure overhead
3Measurement precision
If multiple TRPs perform dedicated positioning measurements, then location accuracy can be enhanced, but radio resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the network to perform location determination using existing uplink signals that radio devices must transmit anyway for communication purposes. The TRPs utilize these self-generated signals for both communication and positioning, eliminating the need for additional dedicated positioning signals and reducing overall radio resource consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing communication signals serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same uplink signals used for data transmission and random access are also used for location determination, allowing the system to enhance location accuracy without allocating additional radio resources for positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for locating a radio device within a region covered by a radio access network, RAN is described. The RAN includes a plurality of transmission and reception points, TRPs. As to a method aspect of the technique, reports indicative of measurements performed by the radio device based on radio beams transmitted from different TRPs of the RAN are received. Each of the radio beams correspond to a radio propagation direction from the respective TRP. The radio device is located based on a combination of the radio propagation directions corresponding to radio beams transmitted from at least two of the TRPs of the RAN.