Dynamic Anchor Node Selection for Sidelink Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular-based positioning solutions, such as OTDOA in LTE, fail to meet the stringent requirements of accuracy, availability, and latency needed for future communication systems, particularly in Intelligent Transportation Systems and V2X communication, due to limitations in signal quality and number of base stations.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that allows nodes to dynamically select and utilize anchor nodes for positioning support via sidelinks, enabling better accuracy and resource optimization by selecting the most appropriate nodes based on current conditions and requirements, even in out-of-coverage scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cellular-based OTDOA positioning is used with existing base stations, then positioning service is provided, but positioning accuracy is insufficient (63m vs required 0.7m-5m)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function by introducing a separate positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission mechanism independent of regular cellular data transmission. This allows dedicated positioning resources to be allocated, improving measurement precision without compromising overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having anchor nodes pre-configure and transmit positioning reference signals before actual positioning measurements are needed. This ensures that positioning resources are ready in advance, improving both accuracy and reliability by avoiding last-minute resource conflicts.
2Reliability
If base stations are sparse or signal quality is poor, then coverage area is maintained, but positioning availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling user equipment to serve dual functions: as ordinary cellular devices for communication and as anchor nodes for positioning. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain coverage area while improving positioning availability, as any UE can potentially provide positioning support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by allowing UEs to autonomously determine their suitability as anchor nodes and dynamically provide positioning support when conditions permit. This eliminates the need for dense base station deployment, maintaining coverage while improving positioning availability through distributed self-organizing anchor nodes.
3Loss of time
If positioning reference signals have low SINR or insufficient quantity, then system resources are conserved, but positioning latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the positioning reference signal transmission configurable and adaptable. Anchor nodes can dynamically adjust PRS transmission based on current positioning demands, ensuring sufficient signal quality and quantity to reduce latency while optimizing energy consumption through on-demand activation rather than continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where UEs report positioning measurement quality and anchor nodes adjust their PRS transmission accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that positioning latency is reduced by transmitting adequate reference signals only when needed, optimizing the balance between latency reduction and energy consumption.
4Measurement precision
If dynamic anchor node selection is implemented, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling UEs to autonomously perform anchor node selection based on pre-configured criteria and real-time measurements. The selection process leverages existing cellular infrastructure and standard measurement capabilities, improving positioning accuracy through dynamic selection without significantly increasing device complexity by reusing existing hardware functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements parameter changes by allowing UEs to adjust positioning measurement parameters such as signal threshold and anchor node priority based on current conditions. This dynamic parameter adjustment improves positioning accuracy while keeping device complexity manageable by modifying software parameters rather than hardware architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A node comprises a location unit determines that the node requires positioning support from the anchor nodes, and a transmitter to transmit a request for positioning support from the anchor nodes. The node comprises a selection unit to select a set of the plurality of anchor nodes for providing positioning support following the transmission of the request. It also causes the transmitter to transmit an instruction to each anchor node in the set that instructs that anchor node to provide positioning support to the node via a sidelink between that respective anchor node and the node. The request for positioning support is transmitted at a time that suits the node, in dependence on its own situation and the requirements of any applications it might be running. The selection unit enables the node to make a dynamic selection of appropriate anchor nodes at the time when the node needs positioning support.