Uplink Signal Segmentation for Wireless Device Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
In shared cell deployments, particularly in indoor environments, existing technologies face challenges in determining the location of wireless devices due to the combination of uplink signals from different Receive/Transmit points, making conventional multilateration methods unavailable, and the lack of GPS access.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that obtain separate samples of uplink transmissions from a subset of Receive/Transmit points in a shared cell, perform sequential or simultaneous muting to isolate signals, and use multilateration based on range estimates to determine the location of wireless devices, utilizing techniques like Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UTDOA) and Sounding Reference Symbols (SRS).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If uplink signals from multiple R/T points are combined in a merged cell configuration, then device complexity is reduced and signaling load is decreased, but location determination becomes unavailable because conventional multilateration methods cannot distinguish between different R/T point signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the combined uplink signal by separating it into individual R/T point signal components through sequential muting. Each R/T point's signal is isolated in a separate time slot, allowing the system to process each component independently for multilateration-based location determination while maintaining the merged cell's simplified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic muting of individual R/T point receive signals at scheduled time intervals. This periodic action allows the system to sequentially capture signals from different R/T points, enabling location determination through time-based separation without permanently altering the merged cell configuration.
2Measurement precision
If sequential muting is used to isolate individual R/T point signals, then location determination becomes possible through multilateration, but time consumption increases due to the sequential nature of signal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-scheduling the muting sequence and preparing the signal separation framework before actual location determination is needed. This allows the system to quickly execute the predetermined muting pattern and perform multilateration without extensive real-time processing delays.
3Measurement precision
If separate samples from multiple R/T points are obtained and processed, then location determination accuracy is improved through multilateration, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the location determination process with the existing merged cell infrastructure. By utilizing the combined uplink signal and applying sequential muting, the system performs multilateration without requiring separate physical R/T point installations or completely independent processing systems, thus improving accuracy while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate location determination of wireless devices in shared cell environments, even in merged cells where uplink signals are combined, by isolating and processing individual signal components, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional methods and ensuring reliable positioning in indoor settings.
Implementation Method 1
perform multilateration based on range estimates for ranges between the wireless device and the at least a subset of the plurality of R/T points determined from the separate samples
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for determining the location of a wireless device in a shared cell deployment/system. In some embodiments, a method of operation of one or more network nodes comprises obtaining separate samples of at least a portion of one or more uplink transmissions received by at least a subset of a plurality of Receive/Transmit (R/T) points in a shared cell from a wireless device. The separate samples comprise, for each R/T point of the at least a subset of the plurality of R/T points in the shared cell, a sample of at least a portion of an uplink transmission received by the R/T point from the wireless device. The method further comprises performing multilateration based on range estimates for ranges between the wireless device and the at least a subset of the plurality of R/T points determined from the separate samples.