User Equipment Positioning Signal Exchange for Null-Zone Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, face challenges in accurately determining the location of user equipment (UE) in null zones where insufficient base station positioning reference signals are available, leading to positioning uncertainty below desired thresholds.
Innovation Solution
The system employs UE-UE positioning reference signal (PRS) exchange between target UEs and anchor UEs to supplement positioning measurements, triggered by the target UE or a location management function, selecting anchor UEs based on location uncertainty and line of sight criteria to improve positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If base station positioning reference signals are used for UE location determination, then positioning coverage is provided, but positioning accuracy deteriorates in null zones where insufficient base station signals are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces anchor UEs as intermediary nodes that relay positioning reference signals from base stations to target UEs in null zones. These anchor UEs act as mediators that have received accurate positioning information from base stations and can forward it to UEs where direct base station signals are insufficient, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy through the intermediary relay mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends positioning from a two-dimensional base station-UE direct connection to a three-dimensional network involving base stations, anchor UEs, and target UEs. By adding the dimension of UE-to-UE signaling through anchor UEs, the system creates multiple signal paths (base station to anchor UE, anchor UE to target UE) that enable positioning in previously inaccessible null zones while maintaining accuracy through multi-path signal propagation.
2Measurement precision
If UE-UE positioning reference signal exchange is implemented, then positioning accuracy in null zones is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes UEs universal by enabling them to perform multiple functions: regular communication, anchor UE positioning signal transmission, and relay positioning reference signals to target UEs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated positioning infrastructure and simplifies the overall system architecture, as existing UEs are leveraged for positioning purposes without requiring separate specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system serves itself by utilizing UEs as both clients needing positioning and as anchors providing positioning signals. The system automatically selects appropriate anchor UEs based on their locations and signal capabilities, enabling self-configuration without external intervention. This self-service approach reduces operational complexity and eliminates the need for manual positioning system setup.
3Reliability
If anchor UE selection based on location uncertainty and line of sight criteria is implemented, then positioning reliability is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-selecting and pre-configuring anchor UEs based on their locations, signal capabilities, and line-of-sight conditions before actual positioning occurs. This preliminary selection process, guided by location uncertainty and line-of-sight criteria, prepares the positioning infrastructure in advance, reducing the computational burden during real-time positioning operations and improving reliability through pre-validated anchor selections.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of initiating positioning reference signal exchange includes: determining, at a first user equipment, a null-zone presence of the first user equipment, the null-zone presence of the first user equipment being at least one of a current presence of the first user equipment in a null zone or a future presence of the first user equipment in the null zone; and transmitting, from the first user equipment and in response to determining the null-zone presence of the first user equipment, a request for positioning reference signal exchange between the first user equipment and a second user equipment separate from the first user equipment.