UE Positioning via Signal Strength Ratios to Resolve Satellite Mirroring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time-difference based positioning methods in cellular communication networks using non-terrestrial cells result in ambiguous location estimates due to mirroring of possible areas on either side of a satellite's orbital plane, leading to suboptimal position determination and verification.
Innovation Solution
The method involves measuring and reporting signal strength ratios between cells on different sides of the orbital plane, allowing the network to differentiate between actual and mirrored areas, thereby revising the initial location estimate to obtain a corrected, unambiguous position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If time-difference based positioning methods are used with satellite-based non-terrestrial cells, then positioning coverage is extended to remote areas, but location estimate accuracy deteriorates due to ambiguous mirrored areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by comparing signal strength ratios between different cell sets (terrestrial vs. non-terrestrial, or different non-terrestrial cells) to break the symmetry of mirrored location estimates. The UE measures and reports signal strength ratios that are asymmetric with respect to the orbital plane, allowing the network to distinguish between mirrored areas and select the correct location estimate.
2Measurement precision
If signal strength measurements from multiple cells are performed to resolve ambiguity, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by having the UE measure signal strengths only from specific cell sets defined by the network (e.g., terrestrial cells or specific non-terrestrial cells), rather than all available cells. The network configures the UE with specific cell sets to measure, reducing the measurement burden while still providing sufficient information to resolve location ambiguity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by having the UE report processed signal strength ratio values to the network, rather than raw measurement data. The network then uses these ratios as intermediary information to resolve the ambiguous location estimates, reducing the processing burden on the UE while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If detailed signal strength reporting is performed to eliminate mirrored areas, then location determination precision is improved, but latency and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network pre-configure the UE with specific cell sets to measure before the positioning event. This preparation reduces the real-time processing burden during the actual positioning measurement, allowing for faster resolution of location ambiguity without sacrificing precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus, such as a user equipment, configured at least to process a measurement instruction received in the apparatus from a cellular communication system, based on the measurement instruction, measure a received signal strength of a signal from each cell of a first cell set and each cell of a second cell set, the first cell set and the second cell set comprising cells of the cellular communication system, and determine a first signal strength value for the first cell set and a second signal strength value for the second cell set, and report to the cellular communication system a value obtained from the first signal strength value and the second signal strength value.