Uplink Positioning via Wireless Device Configuration Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current uplink-based positioning in wireless communication networks is limited by heavy dependency on network nodes and lacks efficient signaling of required parameters, particularly in LTE networks where UL-based positioning relies on control-plane signaling and lacks timely availability of necessary information.
Innovation Solution
Wireless devices send UL transmission configuration information, including resource allocation and signal characteristics, to the network, enabling more efficient and complete positioning operations by allowing control-plane and user-plane signaling, thereby reducing dependency on network nodes and improving parameter availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UL-based positioning relies on control-plane signaling in LTE networks, then network node dependency is reduced, but parameter availability becomes insufficient and timing becomes delayed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the network providing positioning parameters to the device (downlink), the invention inverts the flow by having the device provide uplink transmission configuration information to the network. This inversion enables the network to obtain complete positioning parameters directly from the device, resolving the information availability issue while maintaining signaling plane flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables UL-based positioning to function in both control-plane and user-plane signaling modes, making the positioning mechanism universal and adaptable to different network conditions. This multi-functionality allows the system to select the most appropriate signaling plane based on service requirements, improving overall positioning availability
2Loss of information
If UL transmission configuration information is obtained from wireless devices, then parameter completeness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless device autonomously generates and provides its own uplink transmission configuration information to the network without requiring complex external coordination. The device uses its existing knowledge of its own transmission parameters to self-report the necessary positioning data, avoiding the need for complex inter-node signaling while achieving complete parameter availability
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless device maintains uplink transmission configuration information in advance as part of its normal operation, so when positioning is needed, the information is already available and can be immediately provided to the network. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time parameter negotiation, reducing device processing complexity while ensuring parameter completeness
3Measurement precision
If GPS-based positioning is used, then positioning accuracy is high in open environments, but performance deteriorates in urban and indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces network-based uplink positioning as an intermediary method that works in environments where GPS fails. By using network infrastructure nodes as intermediaries to measure and calculate position based on uplink signals, the system provides positioning capability in urban canyons and indoor environments where satellite signals are blocked, complementing GPS-based positioning
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, methods and apparatuses disclosed herein improve positioning based on UL signals in a wireless communication network, by sending UL transmission configuration from wireless devices, and by using that information in the network for performing UL-based positioning of the devices. In this regard, the teachings herein advantageously recognize that obtaining UL transmission configuration information from the wireless devices themselves represents a more efficient, complete and richer mechanism for obtaining parameters relevant to configuring and performing UL-based positioning operations. As a further example advantage, the teachings herein provide for control-plane and/or user-plane signaling of UL transmission configuration information, which comprises, for a given wireless device, at least one of resource allocation information for one or more UL transmissions for the wireless device, and UL signal characteristics information.