Radio Network Node Positioning via System Frame Number Time Stamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio network positioning methods face inaccuracies due to asynchronous position measurements and limited GPS usage in user equipment, leading to incomplete and inaccurate data collection during drive tests.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first radio network node receives position measurements and system frame numbers from a second node, calculates a position estimate, and signals a positioning response with a time stamp based on the system frame number, enabling accurate time-stamping and alignment of position estimates with radio measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If position measurements are collected from user equipment during drive tests, then network optimization data is obtained, but the position measurements are inaccurate due to asynchronous timing and limited GPS usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a serving radio network node as an intermediary that collects position measurements from multiple radio network nodes and associates them with a common position estimate. This intermediary coordination ensures that position measurements and radio measurements are properly time-aligned and associated, resolving the asynchrony issue without requiring continuous GPS usage in user equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where position measurements are collected, processed, and used to generate position estimates that are then associated with radio measurements. This feedback loop enables continuous refinement of position accuracy while maintaining data completeness through systematic collection and association of measurements from multiple nodes.
2Measurement precision
If GPS is continuously used in user equipment for positioning, then position accuracy is improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the network infrastructure (radio network nodes) to perform positioning measurements and calculations independently, rather than relying on user equipment GPS. The serving radio network node collects measurements from multiple nodes and computes position estimates, allowing the system to serve its own positioning needs without consuming user equipment battery power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical GPS receiver in user equipment with a network-based positioning system using radio measurements. Instead of relying on satellite-based GPS hardware in the mobile device, the system uses radio signal measurements from multiple radio network nodes to determine position, substituting a complex mechanical system with a simpler radio-based approach.
3Area of stationary object
If position measurements are collected asynchronously from multiple radio network nodes, then coverage is improved, but time alignment and measurement association become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning framework where the serving radio network node handles multiple functions: collecting measurements from multiple radio network nodes, time-aligning asynchronous measurements, computing position estimates, and associating them with radio measurements. This multi-functional approach enables wide coverage while maintaining time alignment accuracy through centralized coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in a first radio network node for handling position measurements is provided. The first radio network node receives from a second radio network node a position measurement associated with a user equipment, and a system frame number. The system frame number is associated with the second radio network node. The system frame number is further related to a point in time when the position measurement was performed. The first radio network node calculates a position estimate of the position of the user equipment based on the position measurement. The first radio network node defines a time stamp which is based on the received system frame number. The first radio network node then signals to a third radio network node a positioning response. The positioning response comprises the position estimate and the time stamp.