Reference UE Positioning Calibration for Base Station Clock Offset

The patent introduces a reference UE as an intermediary to measure positioning reference signals from multiple base stations and report measurements to the LMF entity. This reference UE acts as a mediator that enables the network to calculate clock offsets between base stations, thereby resolving the timing synchronization issue that degrades positioning accuracy without requiring direct synchronization between all base station pairs.

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the reference UE measures and reports positioning reference signal measurements (such as RSTD - Relative Time of Arrival) to the LMF entity. The LMF entity uses these feedback measurements to calculate clock offsets between base stations and apply corrections to positioning measurements from target UEs, thereby improving positioning accuracy through iterative measurement and correction.

The patent employs a self-service approach where the reference UE autonomously performs measurements of positioning reference signals from multiple base stations and automatically reports the measurements to the LMF entity. The LMF entity then automatically calculates clock offsets and applies corrections without requiring manual configuration or complex coordination between base stations, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.

The reference UE serves multiple functions: it acts as a normal UE for regular communication, simultaneously functions as a positioning measurement device by measuring positioning reference signals, and provides calibration data for the entire positioning system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated positioning infrastructure and limits the increase in overall system complexity.