Wireless Terminal DRX/DTX Switching for Faster Positioning Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The extended measurement periods due to discontinuous reception (DRX) and discontinuous transmission (DTX) in LTE networks negatively impact the accuracy and response time of wireless terminal positioning, failing to meet regulatory requirements for precise UE location determination.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable wireless terminals to change from a discontinuous mode to a modified mode for performing positioning measurements, by shortening or eliminating non-reception and non-transmission periods, facilitated by a message from the radio access network, allowing for more frequent signal measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If discontinuous reception (DRX) and discontinuous transmission (DTX) modes are used in LTE networks, then energy consumption is reduced, but positioning accuracy and response time deteriorate due to extended measurement periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between DRX/DTX modes and continuous reception/transmission modes based on positioning measurement requirements. The network controller determines when positioning measurements are needed and temporarily activates continuous modes during these periods, then returns to energy-saving modes afterward. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for energy consumption during normal operation while ensuring positioning accuracy is maintained when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the wireless terminal by modifying the DRX cycle length and DTX patterns temporarily during positioning measurements. The network controller sends configuration messages that adjust these parameters to enable more frequent signal measurements during positioning events, then restores original parameters afterward. This parameter adjustment allows the system to meet positioning accuracy requirements without permanently sacrificing energy efficiency.
2Duration of action of moving object
If discontinuous reception (DRX) and discontinuous transmission (DTX) modes are used in LTE networks, then device power saving is improved, but positioning response time increases due to extended measurement periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the wireless terminal with positioning measurement capabilities and maintaining readiness to switch to continuous modes. The network controller can trigger positioning measurements at any time, and the terminal is prepared to immediately transition from DRX/DTX modes to continuous operation when requested. This preliminary preparation ensures that positioning response time requirements are met without permanently maintaining continuous operation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic mode switching to adapt the terminal's operational state based on real-time positioning requirements. When positioning measurements are needed, the system dynamically transitions from energy-saving modes to continuous reception/transmission modes, performs the measurements, then returns to sleep modes. This dynamic behavior resolves the time-saving contradiction by ensuring rapid response capability is available on-demand while maintaining power efficiency during normal operation.
3Loss of energy
If discontinuous transmission (DTX) mode is used, then uplink signal transmission frequency is reduced, but network-based positioning measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by configuring the terminal to transmit uplink signals at regular intervals during positioning measurement periods, even when in DTX mode. The network controller coordinates these periodic transmissions to occur at times when positioning measurements are being performed, ensuring that the necessary signal samples are captured for accurate positioning while maintaining overall transmission reduction compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent temporarily modifies the DTX parameters (transmission intervals, power levels) during positioning measurement events. The network controller sends configuration messages that adjust these parameters to enable more frequent or higher-power uplink transmissions specifically during the measurement window, then restores original DTX parameters afterward. This parameter change allows the system to maintain energy efficiency while ensuring sufficient signal quality for positioning accuracy when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of operating a wireless terminal (30) in communication with a radio access network (20) over a radio interface (32) and a wireless terminal (30). The wireless terminal (30) being of a type capable of operating in a discontinuous mode comprising non-reception periods between reception periods. The method includes recognizing (17-1) that an emergency situation exists and as a result of the recognition, and when the wireless terminal is in a discontinuous mode, changing (17-2) the wireless terminal (30) from the discontinuous mode to a modified mode to facilitate performance of measurements, and wherein relative to the discontinuous mode the non-reception periods are shortened or eliminated in the modified mode. The method further includes performing the measurements.