UE Positioning Using Base Station Reference Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In radio communications systems, determining the geographic position of user equipment (UE) is challenging, especially when satellite visibility is limited, and existing methods like multilateration are complex and require sufficient satellite visibility or network communication.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that use reference data from multiple base stations to estimate the geographic position of UE by calculating distances based on time of arrival (ToA) data, selecting optimal base station constellations, and verifying position accuracy through bidirectional communication and timing advance signals, allowing for position determination without active data connection or satellite signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite-based positioning (GPS/GNSS) is used to determine UE position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but satellite visibility requirements increase system complexity and limit applicability in urban canyons or indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses base stations as intermediary elements to enable positioning when satellites are not directly visible. The base stations transmit reference signals that the UE can receive and use for positioning calculations, effectively mediating between the satellite constellation and the UE in environments where direct satellite-UE line-of-sight is blocked.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is segmented into multiple independent components: satellite-based positioning, base station-based positioning, and hybrid positioning. This allows the system to switch between or combine different positioning methods depending on satellite visibility conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between accuracy and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multilateration method is used for position determination, then positioning can be achieved without satellites, but the communication process becomes relatively complex involving network-based determination
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs positioning determination autonomously by receiving reference signals from base stations and calculating its position based on signal arrival times. This self-service approach simplifies the communication process compared to network-based multilateration, as the UE independently computes position without requiring complex network coordination.
3Reliability
If continuous position updates are performed using multiple base stations, then positioning reliability is improved, but reference data reception and processing requirements increase energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs position determination at periodic intervals rather than continuously. The UE receives reference signals from base stations at specific time instances, processes the data to determine position, and then enters a lower-power state until the next update interval. This periodic operation maintains positioning reliability while significantly reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous processing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and efficient geographic position determination of UE even in areas with limited satellite visibility, providing a contingency for mission-critical applications and improving positioning accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
calculating distances based on time of arrival (ToA) data
Implementation Method 2
verifying position accuracy through bidirectional communication and timing advance signals
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to receive reference data usable for estimating a geographic position of the apparatus based on its distance from two or more base stations, and to receive updated reference data for at least one of the base stations and to determine an initial geographic position (UEinit) of the apparatus using the received reference data for a plurality of the base stations, including any updated reference data, and to establish a bidirectional communications link with at least one of the base stations.