UE DRX Alignment for Low-Power Accurate Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coordination between discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles and positioning configurations is not adequately addressed in existing 3GPP Release 17 and 18 specifications, leading to high power consumption in low power high accuracy positioning (LPHAP) services, particularly for UEs in RRC inactive states.
Innovation Solution
Aligning DRX configurations with positioning configurations by aligning DRX cycles with positioning requirements, including methods for UE, BS, and LMF to manage DRX and positioning configurations, such as transmitting alignment information and requesting on-demand configurations to ensure efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If DRX cycles are configured independently from positioning configurations, then power consumption is reduced through discontinuous reception, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to misalignment between DRX inactive periods and positioning signal reception requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the DRX configuration adaptable to positioning requirements. The DRX cycle parameters (onDuration, offDuration, startOffset) are dynamically adjusted based on the positioning configuration received from the network, allowing the UE to transition between power-saving mode and positioning-mode dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to optimize power consumption during normal operation while ensuring positioning accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the DRX configuration (onDuration, offDuration, startOffset) based on positioning requirements. When positioning is needed, the network modifies these parameters to ensure the UE remains awake during critical positioning signal reception periods. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain positioning accuracy while still benefiting from power savings during periods when positioning is not required.
2Measurement precision
If DRX configuration is aligned with positioning configuration, then positioning accuracy is maintained during power-saving operation, but system complexity increases due to coordination requirements between DRX and positioning modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports its DRX configuration to the network, and the network uses this information to determine appropriate positioning configurations. The network also provides feedback through positioning assistance data that includes DRX alignment information. This feedback loop enables automatic coordination between DRX and positioning modules, reducing the need for manual configuration complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the positioning module universal by enabling it to handle both positioning tasks and DRX coordination tasks. The positioning assistance data structure serves multiple purposes: it provides positioning parameters and simultaneously contains DRX alignment information. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating coordination requirements into a single data structure rather than requiring separate communication channels.
3Reliability
If positioning operations continue during DRX inactive periods, then positioning service availability is maintained, but power consumption increases due to continuous reception activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by configuring the UE to perform positioning operations only during specific active periods defined by the DRX configuration. The UE transitions between periodic sleep (inactive) and wake (active) states, performing positioning measurements and signal receptions only during the onDuration periods. This periodic operation pattern maintains positioning service availability during necessary periods while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by having the network pre-configure DRX parameters and positioning assistance data before the UE needs to perform positioning operations. The network determines optimal DRX onDuration and offDuration values in advance based on positioning requirements, allowing the UE to wake up at predetermined times for positioning without needing to continuously monitor. This preliminary configuration enables reliable positioning while minimizing power consumption during inactive periods.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present application are related to methods and apparatuses for positioning for a user equipment (UE) configured with discontinuous reception (DRX). An embodiment of the present application provides a UE including: a processor: and a transceiver coupled to the processor and configured to: receive a DRX configuration; and receive a positioning configuration. wherein the DRX configuration is aligned with the positioning configuration.