Sidelink Location Reference Routing for NLOS Factory Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In factory environments, severe shadowing and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions due to static and mobile obstacles lead to significant RSRP reduction and increased multipath effects, resulting in degraded positioning accuracy and performance of user equipment (UE) due to obstructed static reference points.
Innovation Solution
Introduce location reference devices (LRDs) that assist sidelink positioning, including free-roaming and instructed variants, to improve positioning accuracy by dynamically providing location references through sidelink communication, leveraging network control to optimize LRD routes and density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If static reference points (gNBs, eNBs, TRPs) are used for positioning, then positioning infrastructure is established, but severe shadowing and NLOS conditions occur in factory environments leading to degraded positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile reference points (MRPs) that can dynamically move through the factory environment to provide positioning references. Unlike static reference points that are fixed and susceptible to shadowing, MRPs can reposition themselves to maintain line-of-sight connections with user devices, thereby resolving the contradiction between establishing positioning infrastructure and avoiding shadowing/NLOS effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses MRPs as intermediary reference points between the network and user devices. These MRPs act as mobile mediators that can navigate through obstacles and provide positioning services in areas where static reference points are blocked, effectively mediating the harmful shadowing and NLOS effects while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile obstacles and dynamic environment are present in factory, then operational flexibility is improved, but positioning performance degrades due to increased multipath effects and RSRP reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic MRPs that can adapt their positions in response to changing factory conditions. The MRPs move dynamically to maintain optimal positioning references despite mobile obstacles, thereby preserving positioning reliability while accommodating environmental flexibility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network monitors positioning quality and adjusts MRP positions accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to respond to changing conditions caused by mobile obstacles, maintaining positioning performance while preserving operational flexibility in the dynamic factory environment.
3Area of stationary object
If free roaming LRDs are deployed, then positioning coverage is expanded, but device complexity and control overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements free-roaming MRPs that autonomously navigate and provide positioning services without extensive network control. The MRPs self-manage their positioning tasks, selecting appropriate reference points and maintaining connectivity independently, thereby expanding coverage area while minimizing the complexity of centralized control and management overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a location reference device (LRD) for assisting positioning over sidelink. The LRD comprises a communication interface configured to: receive a location assistance request from a user device or a network element for positioning, wherein the location assistance request indicates a location reference for a positioning of the user device over a sidelink; and transmit a location message over the sidelink, wherein the location message indicates that the LRD is capable of serving as a location reference for the positioning of the user device over sidelink.