Terminal Positioning via Direct Link Outside Network Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G NR positioning technology cannot be used when a terminal is outside network coverage or leaves a network coverage area, as it cannot communicate with a location server.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allow a terminal to obtain terminal information with a location service function through direct communication links, enabling location information acquisition even outside network coverage by interacting with a second terminal with a location service function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 5G NR positioning technology is used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but positioning cannot be performed outside network coverage area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second terminal with location service function as an intermediary between the first terminal and the location server. This intermediary terminal receives positioning requests from the first terminal outside network coverage, performs positioning calculations using received signal measurements, and returns positioning results. This mediator enables positioning functionality to extend beyond traditional network coverage areas while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the positioning system into two functional parts: a control plane function entity (location server) that remains in the network, and a user plane function (terminal with location service function) that can operate independently outside network coverage. This segmentation allows the positioning capability to be distributed, enabling terminals to perform positioning operations autonomously when network coverage is unavailable.
2Reliability
If terminal communicates with location server through network, then positioning function is completed, but communication cannot be established outside network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the second terminal to provide location services to itself and other terminals autonomously when network infrastructure is unavailable. The second terminal independently performs signal measurements, calculates positioning results, and communicates these results to the first terminal through direct terminal-to-terminal communication, eliminating the need for network-based communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the communication dimension from network-based infrastructure dependency to direct terminal-to-terminal communication. By establishing a new communication dimension between terminals using sidelink or direct communication interfaces, the system enables positioning functionality to operate independently of traditional network coverage infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If direct communication link is established between terminals, then positioning outside network coverage is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the second terminal with multi-functionality, enabling it to operate both as a regular terminal receiving positioning services and as a location service provider for other terminals. This universal terminal can dynamically switch between different operational modes, reducing the need for specialized hardware and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining positioning availability outside network coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a positioning method and device. The positioning method applied to the first terminal includes: obtaining terminal information of a second terminal with a location service function; and interacting with the second terminal through a direct communication link to obtain location information of the first terminal. In this way, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, even if the first terminal is not in a network coverage area, the second terminal with the location service function may assist the first terminal in positioning.