UE Sidelink Location References for Out-of-Coverage Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio access technology (RAT)-dependent positioning techniques are limited to cellular network coverage, making it difficult to provide reliable location services in partial or out-of-coverage scenarios, such as vehicle-to-everything (V2X) and public safety services.
Innovation Solution
UE-based location reference techniques using sidelink communications, where user devices can act as location references, transmitting and receiving indication messages to assist in positioning, even in out-of-coverage scenarios, and can be combined with network-based methods for enhanced flexibility and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RAT-dependent positioning techniques are used, then positioning measurements can be obtained based on reference signals transmitted in downlink and uplink between target device and network devices, but the application of location service is limited to cellular mobile network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into network-based reference nodes and UE-based reference nodes. UE-type devices can independently serve as location references without requiring continuous network coverage, dividing the positioning function between network infrastructure and user devices to extend service availability to partial and out-of-coverage scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
UE-type devices act as intermediaries between the target UE and the positioning system. These devices transmit location reference indication messages and positioning reference signals to enable positioning in scenarios where traditional network reference nodes are unavailable, bridging the gap between network-based positioning and autonomous UE-based positioning
2Productivity
If network deployment is optimized for data communication performance, then communication requirements can be met, but positioning coverage from multiple reference nodes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
UE-type devices perform multiple functions: they serve as both data communication endpoints and positioning reference nodes. By enabling UEs to transmit location reference indication messages and positioning reference signals, the system makes communication devices universal, allowing them to participate in both data communication and positioning services simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system serves itself by utilizing UE devices to provide positioning reference services. UE-type devices autonomously transmit positioning reference signals and indication messages without requiring continuous network infrastructure support, enabling the system to maintain positioning capability in scenarios where network coverage is limited
3Adaptability or versatility
If UE-type devices are configured to transmit location reference indication messages, then location service availability is improved in partial and out-of-coverage scenarios, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial positioning functionality in UE devices rather than complete positioning systems. UE-type devices transmit only the necessary location reference indication messages and positioning reference signals required for positioning, avoiding the complexity of implementing full positioning infrastructure while still enabling positioning service in coverage-limited scenarios
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to techniques for UE-based location reference service. In particular the disclosure relates to first user device (1601a), comprising: a transceiver (1605a), configured to receive a location reference indication configuration to configure the first user device (1601a) to transmit or receive an indication message; and transmit or receive an indication message over a sidelink (1602), wherein the indication message is indicative of a location reference is available on the sidelink (1602) for positioning assistance.