Terminal-Assisted Positioning When Network Access Is Unavailable

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in performing positioning measurements on terminals that cannot communicate with a core network device.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that enable a first terminal to select a third terminal capable of communicating with a first network element to initiate a positioning procedure on behalf of the first terminal, allowing for the determination of a positioning measurement result.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the first terminal cannot communicate with the first network element, then the positioning procedure cannot be completed directly, but introducing a third terminal to assist increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning measurement completionVSAvoidpositioning procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a third terminal as an intermediary to facilitate positioning measurements when the first terminal cannot directly communicate with the first network element. The third terminal receives requests from the first terminal, performs positioning measurements with the first network element, and relays results back, thereby resolving the communication barrier while maintaining positioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a third terminal is selected from discovered second terminals, then positioning can be performed indirectly, but the selection process increases operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning measurement completionVSAvoidterminal selection operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The first terminal autonomously selects a suitable third terminal from the discovered second terminals based on predefined criteria without requiring manual intervention. The selection process is automated, where the terminal evaluates available terminals and independently determines which one to use for positioning assistance, thereby reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the first terminal requires assistance from the first network element, then positioning accuracy can be improved, but the communication requirement creates a constraint

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning measurement accuracyVSAvoidcommunication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The third terminal acts as a mediator that enables the first terminal to indirectly access the first network element's positioning assistance. By routing communication through the third terminal, the system maintains the benefit of network element assistance for improved accuracy while adapting to the first terminal's communication limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4723762A1Positioning method and apparatus, and communication device, communication system and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4723762A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4723762A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4723762A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2A

AI summary

Provided in the present disclosure are a positioning method and apparatus, and a device and a storage medium. The method comprises: when a first terminal cannot communicate with a first network element and the assistance of the first network element is required to complete a positioning process of the first terminal, the first terminal selecting a third terminal from among at least one second terminal, which is discovered by the first terminal, wherein the third terminal can communicate with the first network element; and sending first information to the third terminal, wherein the first information is used for requesting the third terminal to initiate a first flow to the first network element, and the first flow is used for determining a positioning measurement result of the first terminal. By means of the method provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, when a first terminal cannot communicate with a first network element, it is possible to ensure that a positioning measurement of the first terminal is successfully implemented.