Terminal-Assisted Timing Measurements for LTE Positioning Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current timing-based positioning techniques in 3GPP-based LTE communication systems, such as OTDOA-based positioning, face challenges in achieving high accuracy without significant modifications to the underlying infrastructure, particularly in environments like indoor conditions or urban areas where satellite positioning is unreliable.

Innovation Solution

The method involves measuring cell-related and terminal-related timing values based on positioning-related signals and signaling these values to the network for improved positioning calculations, incorporating additional timing information from neighboring terminals to refine the positioning accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional OTDOA-based positioning is used without terminal-assisted measurements, then the positioning system maintains simple infrastructure configuration, but the positioning accuracy is insufficient especially in indoor and urban environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidinfrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device performs timing measurements autonomously using positioning reference signals from multiple base stations, and the terminal itself assists in providing measurement results to the network. This self-service approach improves positioning accuracy without requiring additional infrastructure elements, as the existing terminal capabilities are utilized for measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal device performs multiple functions: it acts as both the positioned object and the measurement instrument. The same terminal that needs positioning also performs the timing measurements of positioning reference signals from multiple base stations, eliminating the need for separate measurement infrastructure and improving accuracy with minimal complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If satellite positioning is used as primary method, then positioning accuracy can be achieved in open environments, but the system fails in indoor conditions or when satellite signals are unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning availabilityVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system dynamically adapts between satellite-based and terrestrial-based methods. When satellite signals are available, assisted satellite positioning is used; when unavailable (indoor, urban canyons), the system transitions to OTDOA-based positioning with terminal-assisted measurements, ensuring continuous reliability across different environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal-assisted measurements serve as an intermediary between the terminal and the positioning server. The terminal captures timing information from multiple base stations and provides it to the E-SMLC, enabling reliable terrestrial positioning when satellite signals are unavailable, thus bridging the gap between different positioning methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If more base stations are added to improve timing-based positioning accuracy, then positioning precision increases, but the system complexity and infrastructure cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidnumber of base stations

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device autonomously performs timing measurements of positioning reference signals from multiple base stations using its own receiver and processing capabilities. This eliminates the need for additional measurement infrastructure at base stations, allowing accurate positioning with the existing base station network without increasing infrastructure quantity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces potential additional physical infrastructure (more base stations or dedicated measurement equipment) with terminal-based software/radio measurements. The terminal's existing radio frequency capabilities are utilized to measure timing of positioning reference signals, substituting physical infrastructure expansion with intelligent use of terminal capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8724595B2Terminal-assisted improvement of timing-based positioning accuracy

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

There are provided measures for enabling a terminal-assisted improvement of timing-based positioning accuracy. Such measures may exemplarily include measuring a cell-related timing value for timing-based positioning calculation on the basis of a cell-originated positioning-related signal and measuring a terminal-related timing value for timing-based positioning calculation at an apparatus to be positioned, and utilizing the measured cell-related timing value and the measured terminal-related timing value for timing-based positioning calculation relating to the apparatus to be positioned at a network side.