Supplementary Positioning Signals for Low-Power IoT Location Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination techniques for low-cost and low-power communications devices, such as IoT devices, face challenges in efficiently measuring and reporting observed time differences of reference signals due to resource constraints and power efficiency, particularly when tracking stationary objects.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of supplementary positioning reference signals (S-PRS) by the network, targeted at specific devices, and adaptive measurement and reporting mechanisms based on device movement, including trigger-based positioning measurements to conserve power and resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous positioning measurements are performed to improve location accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic positioning measurements instead of continuous measurements. The network configures periodic positioning occasions where positioning reference signals are transmitted and measurements are performed only at these intervals, allowing the device to enter low-power states between measurements while still providing sufficient location tracking for stationary or slow-moving IoT devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptation of measurement frequency based on device movement state. The network determines whether a device is stationary or moving and adjusts the positioning measurement frequency accordingly - using lower frequency for stationary devices to save power and higher frequency for moving devices to maintain accuracy
2Measurement precision
If positioning measurements are performed frequently to track moving devices, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network monitors device movement state and adjusts positioning measurement frequency accordingly. The network receives location information, determines if the device is stationary or moving, and dynamically configures positioning occasions - reducing measurements for stationary devices and increasing them for moving devices, thereby optimizing the balance between tracking accuracy and system complexity
3Measurement precision
If supplementary positioning reference signals are transmitted to improve location accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies supplementary positioning reference signals selectively rather than universally. The network identifies specific devices that require enhanced positioning accuracy and transmits supplementary signals only to those devices, while other devices use standard positioning reference signals, thereby optimizing network energy consumption while maintaining accuracy where needed
Data Source
AI summary
A location server configured to determine a location of communications devices with respect to a location of infrastructure equipment of a wireless access network from observed time differences between receiving positioning reference signals transmitted by a plurality of the infrastructure equipment and received by the communications devices.