Wireless Positioning Using Device-Triggered PRS Relays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in achieving accurate positioning due to limited availability of network nodes, signal-to-noise ratio issues, and distance limitations, which affect the precision of positioning processes, especially in environments like street canyons and rural areas.
Innovation Solution
A method where a network node determines if a positioning process meets predefined criteria, and if not, triggers a non-infrastructure communication device within radio range to transmit positioning reference signals (PRS) to enhance positioning accuracy, utilizing time synchronization and channel quality to select and conditionally transmit PRS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If positioning relies on PRS from network nodes only, then network infrastructure cost is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates in environments with limited network node availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces communication devices as intermediary elements that relay PRS between network nodes and the target communication device. These intermediaries extend the positioning signal coverage to areas where direct network node signals are unavailable, such as indoor environments or rural areas, thereby improving positioning accuracy without requiring additional network infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If network nodes are placed closer together to improve positioning accuracy, then positioning precision increases, but network infrastructure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables communication devices to copy and retransmit PRS from network nodes. This copying mechanism allows the positioning signals to be reproduced at locations far from the original network nodes, effectively extending coverage without requiring physical deployment of additional network infrastructure, thus avoiding increased network complexity and cost.
3Area of stationary object
If PRS is transmitted from distant network nodes, then coverage area is expanded, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to signal-to-noise ratio limitations
Solution Approach 1:
Communication devices act as intermediaries that receive PRS from distant network nodes and retransmit them with sufficient signal strength. This intermediary relay solves the problem of signal attenuation over distance, maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio and positioning accuracy while still providing expanded coverage area.
4Measurement precision
If multiple network nodes are deployed to improve positioning accuracy, then positioning precision increases, but deployment cost and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables communication devices to self-organize and participate in positioning signal transmission. Instead of requiring additional network nodes to be deployed, existing communication devices in the network automatically serve as PRS relays when needed, providing enhanced positioning accuracy without increasing the number of dedicated network infrastructure elements.
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
Improves positioning accuracy by leveraging additional communication devices to supplement PRS transmission, ensuring higher precision in scenarios where network infrastructure is insufficient, such as indoor environments or rural areas.
Implementation Method 1
the positioning relies on time of flight considerations of the PRSs
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a network node in a wireless communication network comprises determining whether a positioning process for positioning of a first communication device operated in the wireless communication network fulfils at least one predefined criterion; and, upon determining that the positioning process fulfils the at least one predefined criterion: triggering at least one second communication device operated in the wireless communication network and located within radio range of the first communication device to transmit a PRS associated with the positioning process, to thereby increase a positioning accuracy of the positioning of the first communication device provided by the positioning process.