UE Positioning via Intermediate Node Delay Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The introduction of intermediate nodes such as RRHs or Repeaters in communication networks introduces delays and errors in positioning user equipment, leading to large positioning errors in existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that receive positioning measurement information including time differences and coordinates of intermediate nodes, calculate the distance between the user equipment and the intermediate node, and use this information to determine the user equipment's position by forming a positioning circle with the intermediate node as a reference, thereby accounting for the delays introduced by intermediate nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If intermediate nodes (RRH or Repeater) are introduced to increase network coverage and ensure service quality in hotspot areas, then network coverage and service quality are improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to additional delays and errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate node (RRH or Repeater) as a mediator between the eNB and UE to extend network coverage. The intermediate node forwards downlink CRS and uplink reference signals, enabling coverage extension while maintaining signal transmission. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to achieve both extended coverage and acceptable positioning accuracy through the mediator's signal forwarding function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timing parameters by introducing compensation values for the additional delays introduced by intermediate nodes. The e-SMLC calculates compensation values based on the known positions of intermediate nodes and uses these to adjust the positioning calculations. This parameter change allows the system to maintain positioning accuracy despite the presence of intermediate nodes that extend coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If intermediate nodes are used to extend coverage, then service quality in hotspot areas is improved, but positioning error increases due to additional transmission delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidpositioning error
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the e-SMLC receives information about intermediate node positions and calculates compensation values for the delays they introduce. The system uses this feedback information to adjust positioning calculations, thereby maintaining service quality while compensating for the positioning errors caused by intermediate nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating compensation values for the delays introduced by intermediate nodes before conducting positioning measurements. The e-SMLC uses the known positions of intermediate nodes to compute expected delay values in advance, which are then applied to correct positioning measurements, thereby preventing positioning errors rather than correcting them after they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Length of moving object

If existing positioning technology is used with intermediate nodes, then network coverage is extended, but positioning accuracy deteriorates significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission distanceVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the timing parameters of the positioning system by introducing compensation values that account for the additional transmission delays caused by intermediate nodes. The e-SMLC calculates these compensation values based on the known positions of intermediate nodes and applies them to correct the positioning measurements, thereby maintaining accuracy despite extended transmission distances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional direct eNB-UE signal path with an intermediate node-based path that includes delay compensation mechanisms. Instead of relying on direct signal transmission, the system uses intermediate nodes to extend coverage while substituting the mechanical signal path with a compensated timing path that accounts for additional delays, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2747498B1User equipment positioning methods and devices
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2747498B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2747498B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2747498B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and an apparatus for positioning an user equipment and relate to the field of intelligent communications systems, which mainly solve a problem in the prior that a large error occurs when a UE is positioned by using a positioning technology. The method includes: firstly, receiving positioning measurement information sent by a base station, where the positioning configuration information includes a sum of a difference between receiving time and sending time on the UE and a difference between receiving time and sending time on the base station, coordinates of an intermediate node when the base station sends a signal to the UE through the intermediate node, a device index number of the intermediate node, and a time interval between time when the base station sends a signal to the intermediate node and time when the intermediate node sends a signal to the UE; then, calculating, according to the positioning measurement information, a round trip time between the intermediate node that sends the CRS and the UE; and finally, determining, by using position coordinates of the intermediate node that sends the CRS and the round trip time, a position of the UE. The present invention is applicable to the field of intelligent communications systems.