Sidelink Positioning With Dynamic UE Reference Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio access technology (RAT)-dependent positioning techniques in cellular mobile networks face limitations in localization accuracy due to network deployment constraints, particularly in terms of coverage and density, which are not optimized for positioning requirements.
Innovation Solution
Integrate location reference management functionality into network functions like AMF, maintaining UE-type location reference information, activating/deactivating it as needed, and providing this information to external entities, utilizing UE devices as location references to enhance positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RAT-dependent positioning techniques are used with fixed base stations, then network deployment is optimized for data communication, but positioning accuracy is limited due to insufficient coverage and density of reference nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables user devices to serve dual purposes: as ordinary communication devices and as positioning reference nodes. By allowing UEs to function as location references for sidelink positioning measurements, the system achieves multi-functionality where communication devices contribute to positioning without requiring separate dedicated infrastructure, thereby improving positioning accuracy while maintaining network deployment flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where user devices automatically provide positioning reference functions to assist other devices in their vicinity. Through capability indication and automatic activation, devices contribute their own location and measurement capabilities to the network without requiring manual configuration or dedicated infrastructure deployment, enabling the network to serve positioning needs using existing device resources
2Measurement precision
If more base stations are deployed to improve positioning coverage, then positioning accuracy improves, but network complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of base station positioning reference functions by enabling user devices to emulate reference node behavior through sidelink positioning measurements. Instead of deploying physical base stations everywhere, the system copies the essential positioning reference capability to software-enabled user devices, achieving comparable positioning functionality without the complexity of extensive physical infrastructure deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of what constitutes a positioning reference node from fixed infrastructure (base stations) to mobile devices (UEs). This parameter change transforms the positioning architecture from infrastructure-dependent to device-based, allowing dynamic selection of reference nodes based on capability indication and activation status rather than fixed geographic deployment
3Adaptability or versatility
If UE devices are used as location references, then positioning scalability and flexibility improve, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where user devices provide capability indication information to the network, and the network responds with activation decisions. This bidirectional feedback loop enables automatic management of UE-based positioning references, where devices report their positioning capabilities and the network activates appropriate references based on current positioning needs, reducing manual management complexity while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic management of location reference UEs through activation and deactivation based on current positioning requirements. Rather than static configuration, the system dynamically selects and activates appropriate UE references based on capability information and positioning demand, allowing the network to adapt to changing conditions without permanent configuration overhead
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a network entity (1730, 212) for managing user profile data of at least one first user device (1701a, 1701b, 111, 112, 113) in a mobile communication network (1700, 100), the network entity comprising: a communication interface (1735), configured to obtain location reference capability information of the first user device (1701a), wherein the location reference capability information indicates the first user device (1701a) is capable of assisting positioning for a second user device (120); and a processor (1733), configured to store the location reference capability information in the network entity.