Sidelink Positioning Reference Unit Management for Timing Drift Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately determining the location of user equipment (UE) due to mobile UEs and the need for techniques that can correct sidelink timing errors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of sidelink positioning reference unit (SL PRU) management, which configures SL PRUs to collect and transmit sidelink positioning reference measurements, allowing for the correction of timing drifts and angular errors, and enabling absolute and relative location estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sidelink positioning measurements are collected from mobile UEs, then location determination is enabled, but timing errors and measurement precision deteriorate due to UE mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning reference unit (PRU) as an intermediary device with known location that mediates between the mobile UE and the positioning system. The PRU collects positioning measurements from the mobile UE and provides reference timing signals, enabling accurate location determination despite UE mobility. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by decoupling the mobile UE from the timing reference requirements.
2Measurement precision
If SL PRUs are configured to collect positioning measurements, then location estimation accuracy improves, but device complexity increases due to additional configuration and management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables regular UEs to function as positioning reference units through configuration, giving them multi-functionality. These UEs can simultaneously perform normal communication and provide positioning reference services. This universal approach reduces the need for dedicated positioning infrastructure while maintaining measurement precision, thereby managing device complexity more efficiently.
3Reliability
If timing correction is performed using SL PRUs, then positioning reliability improves, but the system requires additional reference devices increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where configured UEs autonomously perform positioning measurements and provide timing references without requiring dedicated reference infrastructure. The SL PRUs self-organize and self-configure through receive-only operations, reducing the need for additional active reference devices while maintaining timing correction reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a sidelink (SL) positioning reference unit (PRU) that receives a SL PRU configuration based on different functionalities, such as the correction of timing drifts and angular errors. The SL PRU collects one or more SL positioning reference measurements in accordance with the SL PRU configuration and can transmit the collected measurements to another entity, such as a configuration entity or a positioning calculation entity. Measurement error correction information can then be generated from the collected measurements.