Single Positioning Controller for Multi-RAT Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current positioning methods in LTE systems face reduced accuracy due to interference from neighboring cells, leading to inefficient positioning processes with high delays and excessive signaling interactions.

Innovation Solution

A single positioning controller (SPC) coordinates positioning by querying and configuring radio access network devices across multiple standards, including LTE, UMTS, CDMA, GSM, Bluetooth, WiFi, and WiMAX, to perform multi-RAT positioning, enhancing accuracy and reducing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the E-SMLC performs positioning measurement and information exchange only with the to-be-positioned UE and its serving base station, then the positioning procedure is simple, but positioning accuracy is reduced due to interference from neighboring cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning procedure complexityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the positioning measurement process by introducing measurement gaps during which the UE suspends normal communications and performs dedicated positioning measurements. This segmentation isolates positioning measurements from interfering communications signals, improving measurement accuracy without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (measurement gap configuration) between the E-SMLC and UE, where the E-SMLC coordinates with serving and neighboring base stations to create interference-free measurement windows. This intermediary approach allows accurate positioning measurements while maintaining normal communications during non-gap periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the E-SMLC coordinates positioning with multiple access networks (LTE, UMTS, CDMA, GSM, Bluetooth, WiFi, WiMAX), then positioning accuracy is improved, but the signaling interaction and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal positioning framework where the E-SMLC serves as a multi-functional controller capable of coordinating positioning across multiple radio access technologies (LTE, UMTS, CDMA, GSM, Bluetooth, WiFi, WiMAX). This universal approach consolidates positioning intelligence in one entity rather than requiring separate positioning systems for each technology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes operational parameters by configuring measurement gaps and positioning signal characteristics based on the specific radio access technology being used and the current positioning requirements. This allows the system to adapt to different network conditions and technologies without requiring fundamentally different positioning procedures for each

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If positioning measurements are performed continuously without measurement gaps, then positioning updates are frequent, but communications transmission in neighboring cells interferes with positioning measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning update frequencyVSAvoidinterference from neighboring cells
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic positioning measurements through measurement gaps that occur at regular intervals rather than continuously. During these periodic gaps, the UE suspends normal communications to perform positioning measurements, achieving a balance between positioning update frequency and interference avoidance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The E-SMLC performs preliminary coordination with serving and neighboring base stations before positioning measurements to configure measurement gaps and ensure that positioning reference signals are transmitted during these pre-scheduled intervals. This preliminary action prevents interference by coordinating all relevant nodes before the actual measurement occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3253140B1Apparatus and method for coordinating positioning parameters
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3253140B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3253140B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3253140B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention provides a positioning parameter coordination apparatus, system, and method. An SPC receives a positioning request message sent by a positioning request device, obtains capability information of UE according to an identifier of the UE, and determines at least one first access network device to complete positioning configuration. The SPC positions the UE according to a positioning parameter of the UE. In this way, the SPC can position the UE in coordination with an access network device in another cell, so that positioning accuracy of the UE is improved.