WTRU Local Network Access with Adaptive Indoor Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication technologies face challenges in accurately determining the location of wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs) indoors and outdoors, particularly with methods like A-GPS and OTDOA, which have limited accuracy and require satellite or cell reception, and other methods like Wifi-based and IP address-based positioning are limited by range and network configurations.

Innovation Solution

A WTRU processor determines its location and availability of applications based on its determined location, enabling access to application services without relying solely on satellite or cell-based positioning, allowing for device-to-device communication and reduced power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If satellite assisted positioning (A-GPS) or cell-based positioning is used, then positioning can be performed outdoors, but positioning accuracy is limited and requires satellite or cell reception

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning availabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple positioning methods (satellite-based, cell-based, and Wifi-based positioning) into a unified system that can operate seamlessly across different environments. The WTRU can switch between or combine these methods to achieve both outdoor and indoor positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system is designed to be universal, supporting multiple positioning technologies (A-GPS, OTDOA, and Wifi-based positioning) within a single framework. This allows the system to adapt to different environments and requirements, providing reliable positioning whether the WTRU is outdoors or indoors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If A-GPS and OTDOA methods are used, then positioning accuracy reaches 95% probability within 150m, but accuracy drops to 78% for 50m and requires satellite or cell reception

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects positioning methods based on the WTRU's environment. When outdoors, it uses A-GPS or OTDOA for accurate positioning. When indoors or when satellite/cell reception is unavailable, it dynamically switches to Wifi-based positioning, ensuring continuous adaptability to different environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses Wifi access points as alternative positioning references when satellite or cell towers are unavailable. By copying the positioning functionality from satellite/cell-based systems to Wifi-based systems, the invention extends accurate positioning capabilities to indoor environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Extent of automation

If traditional positioning servers and control network routing are used, then centralized control is maintained, but signaling overhead and latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralized controlVSAvoidsignaling latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the positioning functionality by introducing location servers at both the network level and the access point level. This segmentation allows positioning requests to be handled locally by access points when possible, reducing the need for constant communication with the central positioning server and thereby reducing signaling latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces access points as intermediaries between WTRUs and the central positioning server. These access points can independently perform positioning calculations using local Wifi measurements, acting as mediators that reduce the signaling burden on the central server and decrease overall system latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Extent of automation

If centralized positioning server routing is used for all communications, then network control is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork controlVSAvoidWTRU power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary positioning actions at the access point level rather than requiring all positioning computations to be routed through the central server. Access points pre-process positioning data locally, reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted and processed centrally, thereby reducing WTRU power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12401979B2Accessing local networks in a communications network

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) may send, to a cellular network, a registration message that includes a request for local services including a network related name. The WTRU may receive, from a cellular network based on the registration message and location information of the WTRU, a higher layer signal with information including availability of a local service in a local area of the cellular network and a tracking area. The WTRU may determine, based on the information, when the WTRU is in the local area.