Reporting Integrity Metrics for 5G Positioning Reliability

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where RAN nodes continuously monitor positioning data quality and report integrity metrics (protection level, expiry time) back to the location server. This feedback loop enables the location server to assess the trustworthiness of positioning data and adjust its processing accordingly, resolving the contradiction by adding reliability through structured feedback rather than complex validation mechanisms.

The patent applies preliminary action by having RAN nodes pre-calculate and report integrity metrics before the positioning data is fully processed or used. The protection level and expiry time are determined in advance based on device mobility and radio propagation conditions, allowing the location server to prepare appropriate processing strategies ahead of time, thus improving reliability without requiring complex real-time validation.

The patent implements dynamics by making the validity duration adaptive rather than fixed. The expiry time is dynamically adjusted based on real-time monitoring of device mobility and radio propagation conditions. When devices are stationary or in favorable propagation environments, the validity duration is extended; when mobility is high or propagation is poor, the validity duration is shortened. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing longer validity only when integrity risks are low.

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the validity duration parameter based on integrity metrics. The location server changes the effective validity period of positioning data according to the reported protection level and expiry time parameters. This allows the system to extend validity duration when integrity conditions are favorable while reducing it when integrity risks emerge, thus balancing duration and reliability.

The patent implements periodic action by having RAN nodes report integrity metrics at specific intervals rather than continuously. The reporting frequency is determined by the expiry time and current positioning conditions, allowing validation accuracy to be maintained through periodic updates while significantly reducing network overhead compared to continuous monitoring and reporting.

The patent applies self-service by enabling RAN nodes to autonomously determine when integrity metric reporting is necessary based on their own monitoring of device mobility and radio propagation conditions. When conditions indicate potential integrity issues, RAN nodes initiate reporting; when conditions are stable, reporting is reduced or suspended. This self-service approach maintains validation accuracy while minimizing network overhead by avoiding unnecessary reports.