Inter-Terminal TDOA Timing Synchronization for Accurate UE Positioning

The patent introduces a gNodeB as an intermediary device that receives timing information from multiple UEs and performs centralized TDOA calculations. This mediator coordinates the timing between distributed terminals, enabling accurate positioning without requiring direct time synchronization between UEs. The gNodeB acts as a trusted third party that collects timing data and computes position information centrally.

The patent implements preliminary time synchronization by having UEs synchronize their timing to the gNodeB before positioning measurements. The gNodeB provides reference timing information to UEs in advance, allowing them to align their local clocks and timing advances. This preliminary synchronization action ensures that when TDOA measurements are taken, the timing relationships are already established and accurate.

The patent enables UEs to autonomously measure their timing advance values and transmit this information to the gNodeB without requiring complex inter-terminal synchronization protocols. Each UE independently determines its own timing parameters based on uplink synchronization with the gNodeB, and this self-measured timing information is then used for TDOA positioning calculations by the network side.

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the gNodeB provides timing advance commands to UEs based on uplink reception timing, and UEs adjust their transmission timing accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures that each UE maintains accurate timing alignment with the gNodeB, and the timing advance values obtained through this feedback process are then utilized for positioning measurements.