Sidelink Positioning Mechanism for GNSS-Denied UE Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately determining the position of a user equipment (UE) without Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) support, particularly in urban environments where GNSS signals are weak or unavailable.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a UE setting up a positioning mechanism in a higher communication layer, initiating sidelink communication with an anchor UE using the 3GPP Sidelink Positioning Protocol (SLPP), requesting and receiving absolute position data from the anchor UE, assessing distance based on signal run times, and calculating relative position with error estimation, which is then updated in the positioning filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS is used for positioning, then location accuracy is improved, but it becomes unavailable in urban canyons where GNSS signals are weak or blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning mechanism using sidelink communication between UEs. Instead of relying directly on GNSS satellites, the system uses anchor UEs that have obtained GNSS positions to assist target UEs in determining their locations through relative position measurements and signal propagation time assessments, thereby mediating the positioning function in GNSS-denied environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism is designed to be universal by supporting both GNSS-based positioning (when available) and sidelink-based relative positioning (when GNSS is unavailable). The system can switch between these modes or combine them, making the positioning function adaptable to various environmental conditions including urban canyons, indoors, and open areas.
2Reliability
If sidelink positioning protocol is used without GNSS support, then positioning availability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to reliance on relative position measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple positioning information sources including relative position measurements from sidelink communications, signal propagation time assessments, and anchor UE absolute positions into a unified positioning solution. By combining these different types of measurements and information, the system achieves improved measurement precision while maintaining availability in GNSS-denied environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism incorporates feedback loops where position estimates are continuously refined. The system uses measured relative positions and signal propagation times to update and refine position estimates, and this feedback is used to improve subsequent positioning measurements and assessments, thereby enhancing measurement precision over time.
3Measurement precision
If multiple positioning measurements from different channels are combined, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism is segmented into distinct functional modules: sidelink communication module for exchanging positioning messages, measurement module for assessing signal propagation times and relative positions, calculation module for determining absolute and relative positions, and fusion module for combining multiple measurements. This segmentation manages device complexity by organizing complex functions into manageable, specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing sidelink connections with anchor UEs and pre-obtaining their absolute positions before actual positioning is needed. Positioning reference signals are prepared and exchanged in advance, and measurement configurations are set up beforehand, reducing the complexity and latency of real-time positioning operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables precise relative positioning of UEs even without GNSS support, improves location accuracy by combining relative position measurements from different channels, and efficiently uses information from local sensors and sidelink communication.
Implementation Method 1
assessing, at the target UE, a distance to the anchor UE based on signal run times of the positioning reference signals
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for determining a position of a target user equipment (UE) (50), relative to a position of an anchor UE (40), the method (10) comprising: - setting up (11), at the target UE (50), a positioning mechanism in a higher communication layer, - initiating (12), by the target UE (50), a sidelink communication via a sidelink positioning protocol over a sidelink interface (32) of a wireless network (31) between the target UE (50) and the anchor UE (40), - requesting (13), by the target UE (50) and from the anchor UE (40), an absolute position of the anchor UE (40) via the sidelink interface (32), - receiving (14), by the target UE (50) and from the anchor UE (40), positioning reference signals including the absolute position of the anchor UE (40), preferably together with uncertainty information regarding the absolute position, via the sidelink interface (32), - assessing (15), at the target UE (50), a distance to the anchor UE (40) based on signal run times of the positioning reference signals, - calculating (16), at the target UE (50), its position relative to the anchor UE (40) based on the assessment together with an estimate of a measurement error, - requesting (17), by the target UE (50), its absolute position from a higher layer, - determining (18), by the target UE (50), the relative position of the target UE (50) with respect to the anchor UE (40), preferably together with an estimate of a measurement error, using the absolute position of the target UE (50) and the absolute position of the anchor UE (40), - updating (20), at the target UE (50), inputs of the positioning mechanism with the calculated relative position and with the determined relative position.