User Device Positioning via Surrounding Reference Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning techniques for user communication devices, such as OTDOA and cell-ID, provide inaccurate positioning results, especially in indoor and outdoor scenarios, and require additional resources for implementation.
Innovation Solution
Utilize surrounding user communication devices as reference points to determine the position of a user communication device by measuring relative distances based on signal strength, without requiring additional network resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If OTDOA triangulation method is used for positioning, then position determination can be performed, but positioning accuracy is insufficient especially in limited operating bandwidth cases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces surrounding user communication devices as intermediary reference points between the base station and the target user device. These intermediary devices transmit positioning signals that enable more accurate distance measurement, thereby improving positioning accuracy without requiring additional network infrastructure resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positioning approach by using signal strength parameters from multiple surrounding user devices instead of relying solely on base station triangulation. By measuring signal strength from multiple reference points and calculating distances based on these parameters, the system achieves higher positioning accuracy especially in indoor and limited bandwidth scenarios.
2Ease of manufacture
If cell-ID positioning technique is used, then implementation is easy, but positioning accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the simplicity of cell-ID positioning with the accuracy of signal strength measurement. It combines the existing base station cell identification with additional measurements from surrounding user devices, creating a hybrid positioning method that maintains ease of implementation while significantly improving accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If additional network resources are introduced for positioning, then positioning accuracy may improve, but implementation complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service positioning system where surrounding user communication devices voluntarily participate as reference points using their existing capabilities. No additional network infrastructure or specialized hardware is required - the system leverages the self-service contribution of existing user devices to achieve accurate positioning without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing user communication devices serve multiple functions: they act both as normal communication devices and as positioning reference points. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve accurate positioning without requiring dedicated positioning infrastructure, thereby avoiding increased device 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
Achieves accurate positioning in both indoor and outdoor environments with an efficient and resource-neutral implementation.
Implementation Method 1
measuring relative distances based on signal strength
Data Source
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AI summary
Present invention relates to network communication devices and to user communication devices arranged to support a determination of a position of a user communication device in a communication network. Particularly said devices support a position determination, in which many (more than one) surrounding user communication devices are utilized for obtaining accurate positioning. Further, present invention relates to corresponding methods, computer program products and computer-readable recording media.