UE Positioning via Network Node Data Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication methods face challenges in accurately determining the geographic position of user equipment, especially in indoor scenarios where GPS signals are weak, due to signal attenuation, reflection, and scattering, leading to poor positioning results.

Innovation Solution

A method and server for positioning user equipment that collect and match positioning-related information from network nodes with registration address information to create a reference database, using fingerprinting, Gaussian process regression, or propagation model positioning based on current and historical data to determine the user's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional positioning methods (enhanced cell ID, TDOA, fingerprinting, A-GPS) are used, then positioning can be performed, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to signal attenuation, reflection and scattering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsignal attenuation, reflection and scattering
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system collects positioning-related information from multiple network nodes over an extended duration and creates a reference database before actual positioning is needed. This preliminary data collection and database creation enables more accurate positioning by having pre-processed reference data available, compensating for the harmful effects of signal attenuation, reflection and scattering that occur during actual positioning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If signal measurements (signal strength, timing) are used for positioning, then positioning can be computed, but positioning results deteriorate due to measurement inexactness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning result accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement inexactness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges positioning-related information from multiple network nodes (e.g., base stations, access points) to create a comprehensive reference database. By combining measurements from multiple sources and locations, the system compensates for individual measurement inexactness and creates more reliable positioning results through data fusion and correlation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If GPS-based positioning is used, then positioning can be obtained, but positioning accuracy deteriorates in indoor scenarios where GPS signals are less detectable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracy in indoor scenariosVSAvoidweak GPS signals in indoor environments
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces network nodes (base stations, access points, Wi-Fi routers) as intermediary positioning sources that can operate effectively in indoor environments where GPS signals are weak or unavailable. These intermediaries provide alternative positioning references that work reliably indoors, replacing or supplementing GPS-based positioning in scenarios where satellite signals cannot penetrate building structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3569020B1Method and server for positioning user equipment
Publication Date: 2020.12.30 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3569020B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3569020B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3569020B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Method and server are disclosed for positioning user equipment (UE). According to an embodiment, positioning-related information is collected for each of a plurality of UEs from at least one network node for at least a first duration of time. For each UE, matching positioning-related information is determined that is matched with the UE's registration address related information, wherein the plurality of UE's registration addresses are obtained from a network provider. A reference database is created which contains, for each UE, a reference point comprising the UE's identification (ID), registration address related information and matching positioning-related information. In response to a positioning request, a UE's current positioning-related information is acquired from a network node. The UE is positioned based on its current positioning-related information and the reference database.