UE Positioning via D2D Trilateration in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately positioning user equipment (UE) due to errors caused by signal-to-noise ratio decreases and non-line-of-sight signals, especially in 5G communication systems operating at extremely high frequencies, where traditional methods may lead to inaccurate positioning and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves using device-to-device (D2D) communication services to measure the position of a UE by broadcasting request signals, receiving response signals from nearby UEs, and selecting a set of UEs based on timing advance values and received signal timings to generate position information, thereby reducing errors and improving accuracy through trilateration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional positioning methods are used in 5G systems, then positioning can be performed, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to signal-to-noise ratio decreases and non-line-of-sight signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses D2D communication as an intermediary mechanism between UEs and the network for positioning. Instead of relying solely on traditional cellular signals that are affected by SNR and NLOS conditions, the system establishes direct peer-to-peer communication channels between nearby UEs. These D2D links serve as intermediate measurement paths that provide more reliable distance information for trilateration-based positioning, thereby improving positioning accuracy in challenging radio conditions.
2Measurement precision
If more reference nodes are used for positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting reference nodes based on their spatial distribution and signal characteristics specific to each UE's location. Instead of uniformly using all available nodes or requiring all UEs to communicate with all nodes, the system identifies and uses only the most suitable local reference nodes for each positioning target. This selective approach maintains positioning accuracy while minimizing the number of active communication links and associated power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If D2D communication is used for positioning, then positioning accuracy improves through trilateration, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universality of D2D communication by designing it to serve multiple functions simultaneously: data communication, discovery, and positioning measurements. The same D2D radio resources and signaling mechanisms used for general device communication are also utilized for exchanging positioning reference signals and measurement data. This multi-functional approach avoids the need for separate dedicated positioning infrastructure and protocols, thereby improving positioning accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus of a user equipment (UE) for supporting a higher data rate than a 4G communication system is provided. The apparatus includes a transceiver and a processor operatively coupled with the transceiver. The processor is configured to broadcast a request signal for positioning the UE, receive response signals corresponding to the request signal from a plurality of UEs, based on received signal timings of the response signals and timing advance (TA) values of the plurality of UEs, select one of at least one UE set which is classified based on a distance from the UE, select three UEs from the selected set based on the TA values such that a triangular area comprising the three UEs as vertices covers the UE, and generate position information of the UE based on distances between the three UEs and the UE.