WO2025046623A1 - Method and system for determining a location of a user equipment (ue) in a telecommunication network - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method [500] and a system [300] for determining a location of a UE in a telecommunication network The method comprises receiving a location request from a network function (NF), the location request comprising parameters associated with the UE. The method further comprises processing the location request and the corresponding parameters to identify: a serving radio access node and at least one neighbouring radio access node associated with the UE, and one or more RSRP measurements from the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node. The method thereafter comprises determining one or more location areas of the UE based on an intersection of location areas of the serving radio access node and the neighbouring radio access node; determining a commonly shared location area; and providing a GAD shape based on the determined location areas of the UE.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING A LOCATION OF A USER EQUIPMENT (UE) IN A TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORK

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of wireless communication systems. More particularly, embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method and system for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The following description of the related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section is used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of the prior art.

[0003] Wireless communication technology has rapidly evolved over the past few decades, with each generation bringing significant improvements and advancements. The first generation of wireless communication technology was based on analog technology and offered only voice services. However, with the advent of the second-generation (2G) technology, digital communication and data services became possible, and text messaging was introduced. 3G technology marked the introduction of high-speed internet access, mobile video calling, and location-based services. The fourth-generation (4G) technology revolutionized wireless communication with faster data speeds, better network coverage, and improved security. Currently, the fifth-generation (5G) technology is being deployed, promising even faster data speeds, low latency, and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously. With each generation, wireless communication technology has become more advanced, sophisticated, and capable of delivering more services to its users.

[0004] Conventionally, for determining accurate position of a user equipment (UE) in a 5G network based on certain pre-defined geographic area description (GAD) shapes, there are various limitations associated with the same. A few of these limitations are due to signal interference and multi-path propagation, thereby, impacting the precision of location particularly, in dense urban areas.

[0005] Further in the current existing solutions, the effectiveness of such positioning techniques may vary depending on the complexity of then GAD shape and quality of signal strength. Especially, due to these pre-defined GAD shapes, it is extremely difficult to obtain accurate position/location of a user equipment based on multiple Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) information.

[0006] Furthermore, in the current existing solutions, determining the GAD shape based on the serving cell information to calculate the approximate UE location and get intersecting area is also difficult and complex.

[0007] With the proposed solution, determination of positioning of the approximate location of UE while receiving multiple RSRPs values is achieved by utilizing neighbouring cell information to dynamically generate GAD shapes.

SUMMARY

[0008] This section is provided to introduce certain aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] An aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a method for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network. The method comprises: receiving, by a transceiver unit at a Location Management Function (LMF), a location request from at least one network function (NF), the location request comprising at least one or more parameters associated with a UE. The method further comprises processing, by a processing unit, the location request and the corresponding one or more parameters to identify at least one of: a serving radio access node and at least one neighbouring radio access node associated with the UE; and one or more Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurements from the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node. The method further comprises determining, by a determination unit at the LMF, one or more location areas of the UE based on the identified one or more RSRP measurements. The method further comprises determining, by the determination unit at the LMF, a commonly shared location area based on the determined one or more location areas of the UE, wherein the commonly shared location area is determined based on an intersection of the one or more location areas of the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node. The method further comprises providing, by the processing unit at the LMF, a Geographical Area Description (GAD) shape based on the determined commonly shared location area of the UE.

[0010] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more parameters associated with the UE may include at least one of serving cell ID, neighbouring cell ID, timing advance of the serving cell, serving cell RSRP, neighbouring cell RSRP, Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) of the UE, Quality of Service (QoS), Service ID, and a combination thereof.

[0011] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the GAD shape is selected from a group comprising of Ellipsoid Point, Ellipsoid Arc, Ellipsoid point with uncertainty circle, Ellipsoid point with uncertainty ellipse, polygon, Ellipsoid point with Altitude, Ellipsoid point with altitude and uncertainty ellipsoid.

[0012] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the serving radio access node has a stronger RSRP measurement value than the at least one neighbouring radio access node.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a system for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network. The system may comprise a transceiver unit configured to receive a location request at a Location Management Function (LMF) from at least one network function (NF), the location request comprising at least one or more parameters associated with a UE. The system further comprises a processing unit connected at least with the transceiver unit, the processing unit configured to process the location request and the corresponding one or more parameters to identify at least one of: a serving radio access node and at least one neighbouring radio access node associated with the UE; and one or more Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurements from the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node. The system further comprises a determination unit connected at least with the transceiver unit and the processing unit, the determination unit configured to determine one or more location areas of the UE based on the identified one or more measurements of RSRP. The determination unit is further configured to determine a commonly shared location area based on the determined one or more location areas of the UE, wherein the commonly shared location area is determined based on an intersection of the one or more areas of the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node. The processing unit is further configured to provide a Geographical Area Description (GAD) shape based on the determined commonly shared location area of the UE.

[0014] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions for determining a location of a User Equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network, the instructions include executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system, causes a transceiver unit of the system to receive a location request at a Location Management Function (LMF) from at least one network function (NF), the location request comprising at least one or more parameters associated with a UE. Further, the instructions include executable code which, when executed causes a processing unit to process the location request and the corresponding one or more parameters to identify at least one of a serving radio access node and at least one neighbouring radio access node associated with the UE; and one or more Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurements from the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node. Further, the instructions include executable code which, when executed causes a determination unit to determine one or more location areas of the UE based on the identified one or more RSRP measurements. Further, the instructions include executable code which, when executed causes the determination unit to determine a commonly shared location area based on the determined one or more location areas of the UE, wherein the commonly shared location area is determined based on an intersection of the one or more location areas of the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node. Further, the instructions include executable code which, when executed causes the processing unit to provide a Geographical Area Description (GAD) shape based on the determined commonly shared location area of the UE.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0015] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment disclosed herein satisfies are listed herein below.

[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and a method to determine a location of a user equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to accurately determine position of a user equipment by utilizing serving cell information and neighbouring cell information. [0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide different GAD shapes for better accuracy with the help of multiple RSRP information.

[0019] Yet another object of the present invention is for enhancement in the Location Mobility Function (LMF) where Enhanced Cell ID (ECID) positioning method is used in order to get measurements related with gNodeBs.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Also, the embodiments shown in the figures are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure, but the possible variants of the method and system according to the disclosure are illustrated herein to highlight the advantages of the disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of electrical components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of 5^th generation core (5GC) network architecture;

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device upon which the features of the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a system architecture for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure; and [0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a method flow diagram for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0026] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed description of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter may each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above.

[0028] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth.

[0029] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail.

[0030] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure. [0031] The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive — in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word — without precluding any additional or other elements.

[0032] As used herein, a “processing unit” or “processor” or “operating processor” includes one or more processors, wherein processor refers to any logic circuitry for processing instructions. A processor may be a general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Field Programmable Gate Array circuits, any other type of integrated circuits, etc. The processor may perform signal coding data processing, input/output processing, and/or any other functionality that enables the working of the system according to the present disclosure. More specifically, the processor or processing unit is a hardware processor.

[0033] As used herein, “a user equipment”, “a user device”, “a smart-user-device”, “a smartdevice”, “an electronic device”, “a mobile device”, “a handheld device”, “a wireless communication device”, “a mobile communication device”, “a communication device” may be any electrical, electronic and/or computing device or equipment, capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. The user equipment/device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, smart phone, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, wearable device or any other computing device which is capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. Also, the user device may contain at least one input means configured to receive an input from unit(s) which are required to implement the features of the present disclosure.

[0034] As used herein, “storage unit” or “memory unit” refers to a machine or computer-readable medium including any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a computer or similar machine. For example, a computer-readable medium includes read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices or other types of machine-accessible storage media. The storage unit stores at least the data that may be required by one or more units of the system to perform their respective functions.

[0035] As used herein “interface” or “user interface refers to a shared boundary across which two or more separate components of a system exchange information or data. The interface may also be referred to a set of rules or protocols that define communication or interaction of one or more modules or one or more units with each other, which also includes the methods, functions, or procedures that may be called.

[0036] All modules, units, components used herein, unless explicitly excluded herein, may be software modules or hardware processors, the processors being a general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Array circuits (FPGA), any other type of integrated circuits, etc.

[0037] The Geographical Area Description (GAD) shape is a format or representation used to describe the geographical area where the user equipment (UE) is located. The GAD shapes can take various forms, such as points, polygons, or ellipses.

[0038] As used herein the transceiver unit include at least one receiver and at least one transmitter configured respectively for receiving and transmitting data, signals, information or a combination thereof between units/components within the system and/or connected with the system.

[0039] As discussed in the background section, the current known solutions have several shortcomings. The present disclosure aims to overcome the above-mentioned and other existing problems in this field of technology by providing method and system of determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network.

[0040] As discussed in the background section, the current existing solutions do not accurately determine position of a user equipment, especially due to pre-defined GAD shapes and failure to utilize neighbouring cell information. [0041] The present disclosure aims to overcome the above-mentioned and other existing problems in this field of technology by providing a solution to accurately determine positioning of the approximate location of UE while receiving multiple RSRPs values. The same may be achieved by utilizing neighbouring cell information to dynamically generate GAD shapes.

[0042] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram representation of 5^th generation core (5GC) network architecture, in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the 5GC network architecture [100] includes a user equipment (UE) [102], a radio access network (RAN) [104], an access and mobility management function (AMF) [106], a Session Management Function (SMF) [108], a Service Communication Proxy (SCP) [110], an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) [112], a Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) [114], a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) [116], a Network Exposure Function (NEF) [118], a Network Repository Function (NRF) [120], a Policy Control Function (PCF) [122], a Unified Data Management (UDM) [124], an application function (AF) [126], a User Plane Function (UPF) [128], a data network (DN) [130], Location Management Function (LMF) [132], Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC) [134] and Location Services (LCS) [136] wherein all the components are assumed to be connected to each other in a manner as obvious to the person skilled in the art for implementing features of the present disclosure.

[0044] Radio Access Network (RAN) [104] is the part of a mobile telecommunications system that connects user equipment (UE) [102] to the core network (CN) and provides access to different types of networks (e.g., 5G network). It consists of radio base stations and the radio access technologies that enable wireless communication.

[0045] Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) [106] is a 5G core network function responsible for managing access and mobility aspects, such as UE registration, connection, and reachability. It also handles mobility management procedures like handovers and paging.

[0046] Session Management Function (SMF) [108] is a 5G core network function responsible for managing session-related aspects, such as establishing, modifying, and releasing sessions. It coordinates with the User Plane Function (UPF) for data forwarding and handles IP address allocation and QoS enforcement. [0047] Service Communication Proxy (SCP) [110] is a network function in the 5G core network that facilitates communication between other network functions by providing a secure and efficient messaging service. It acts as a mediator for service-based interfaces.

[0048] Authentication Server Function (AUSF) [112] is a network function in the 5G core responsible for authenticating UEs during registration and providing security services. It generates and verifies authentication vectors and tokens.

[0049] Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) [114] is a network function that provides authentication and authorization services specific to network slices. It ensures that UEs can access only the slices for which they are authorized.

[0050] Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) [116] is a network function responsible for selecting the appropriate network slice for a UE based on factors such as subscription, requested services, and network policies.

[0051] Network Exposure Function (NEF) [118] is a network function that exposes capabilities and services of the 5G network to external applications, enabling integration with third-party services and applications.

[0052] Network Repository Function (NRF) [120] is a network function that acts as a central repository for information about available network functions and services. It facilitates the discovery and dynamic registration of network functions.

[0053] Policy Control Function (PCF) [122] is a network function responsible for policy control decisions, such as QoS, charging, and access control, based on subscriber information and network policies.

[0054] Unified Data Management (UDM) [124] is a network function that centralizes the management of subscriber data, including authentication, authorization, and subscription information.

[0055] Application Function (AF) [126] is a network function that represents external applications interfacing with the 5G core network to access network capabilities and services. [0056] User Plane Function (UPF) [128] is a network function responsible for handling user data traffic, including packet routing, forwarding, and QoS enforcement.

[0057] Data Network (DN) [130] refers to a network that provides data services to user equipment (UE) in a telecommunications system. The data services may include but are not limited to Internet services, private data network related services.

[0058] Location Management Function (LMF) [132] is a network function in the 5G core responsible for managing the location information of user equipment (UE). It coordinates with other network functions to determine and provide the geographic location of a UE.

[0059] Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC) [134] is a network entity that serves as an interface between the 5G core network and external location-based services. The GMLC retrieves location information from the LMF and other relevant network functions and provides it to authorized external applications, such as emergency services or location-based advertising platforms.

[0060] LCS (Location Services) is a service concept in system (e g. GSM or UMTS) standardization. LCS specifies all the necessary network elements and entities, their functionalities, interfaces, as well as communication messages, due to implement the positioning functionality in a cellular network.

[0061] LCS Client is software and/or hardware entity that interacts with a LCS Server for the purpose of obtaining location information for one or more Mobile Stations. LCS Clients subscribe to LCS in order to obtain location information. LCS Clients may or may not interact with human users. The LCS Client is responsible for formatting and presenting data and managing the user interface (dialogue). The LCS Client may reside in the Mobile Station (UE).

[0062] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device [200] upon which the features of the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In an implementation, the computing device [200] may also implement a method for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network utilising the system. In another implementation, the computing device [200] itself implements the method for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network using one or more units configured within the computing device [200], wherein said one or more units are capable of implementing the features as disclosed in the present disclosure.

[0063] The computing device [200] may include a bus [202] or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a hardware processor [204] coupled with bus [202] for processing information. The hardware processor [204] may be, for example, a general-purpose microprocessor. The computing device [200] may also include a main memory [206], such as a random-access memory (RAM), or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus [202] for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor [204], The main memory [206] also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of the instructions to be executed by the processor [204], Such instructions, when stored in non-transitory storage media accessible to the processor [204], render the computing device [200] into a special-purpose machine that is customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions. The computing device [200] further includes a read only memory (ROM) [208] or other static storage device coupled to the bus [202] for storing static information and instructions for the processor [204],

[0064] A storage device [210], such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or solid-state drive is provided and coupled to the bus [202] for storing information and instructions. The computing device [200] may be coupled via the bus [202] to a display [212], such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), Liquid crystal Display (LCD), Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, Organic LED (OLED) display, etc. for displaying information to a computer user. An input device [214], including alphanumeric and other keys, touch screen input means, etc. may be coupled to the bus [202] for communicating information and command selections to the processor [204], Another type of user input device may be a cursor controller [216], such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor [204], and for controlling cursor movement on the display [212], This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allow the device to specify positions in a plane.

[0065] The computing device [200] may implement the techniques described herein using customized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware and/or program logic which in combination with the computing device [200] causes or programs the computing device [200] to be a special-purpose machine. According to one implementation, the techniques herein are performed by the computing device [200] in response to the processor [204] executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in the main memory [206], Such instructions may be read into the main memory [206] from another storage medium, such as the storage device [210], Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in the main memory [206] causes the processor [204] to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative implementations of the present disclosure, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.

[0066] The computing device [200] also may include a communication interface [218] coupled to the bus [202], The communication interface [218] provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link [220] that is connected to a local network [222], For example, the communication interface [218] may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, the communication interface [218] may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, the communication interface [218] sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

[0067] The computing device [200] can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), the network link [220] and the communication interface [218], In the Internet example, a server [230] might transmit a requested code for an application program through the Internet [228], the ISP [226], the local network [222], the host [224] and the communication interface [218], The received code may be executed by the processor [204] as it is received, and/or stored in the storage device [210], or other non-volatile storage for later execution.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary block diagram of a system [300] for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network, is shown, in accordance with the exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. Further, FIG. 4 illustrates a system architecture [500] for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network, in accordance with an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

[0069] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 have been explained simultaneously and may be read in conjunction with each other. [0070] As depicted in FIG. 3, the system [300] may include at least one transceiver unit [302], at least one processing unit [304], at least one determination unit [306], and at least one storage unit [308], Also, all of the components/ units of the system [300] are assumed to be connected to each other unless otherwise indicated below. As shown in the figures all units shown within the system [300] should also be assumed to be connected to each other. Also, in FIG. 3 only a few units are shown, however, the system [300] may comprise multiple such units or the system [300] may comprise any such numbers of said units, as required to implement the features of the present disclosure. Further, in an implementation, the system [300] may be present in a user device/ user equipment [102] to implement the features of the present disclosure. The system [300] may be a part of the user device [102]/ or may be independent of but in communication with the user device [102] (may also referred herein as a UE). In another implementation, the system [300] may reside in a server or a network entity. In yet another implementation, the system [300] may reside partly in the server/ network entity and partly in the user device.

[0071] The system [300] is configured for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network, with the help of the interconnection between the components/units of the system [300], In one example, the system [300] may be implemented as or within a Location Management Function (LMF) of the 5GC. In such cases, the different units, as depicted in FIG. 3, may be a part of the LMF.

[0072] In operation, a User Equipment (UE) may be present and operating in the telecommunication network. For example, the UE may moving across different geographical locations and communicating with the telecommunication network. During the course of movement, the UE may keep connecting and communicating with the base station. In the context of the telecommunication network being a 5^th Generation (5G) network, the UE, during the course of its movement, may connect with different gNodeB.

[0073] During operation, the UE may transmit a plurality of parameters, associated with the UE, to the gNodeB. Examples of such parameters may include may include, but are not limited to, serving cell ID, neighbouring cell ID, timing advance of the serving cell, serving cell RSRP, neighbouring cell RSRP, Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) of the UE, Quality of Service (QoS), Service ID, and a combination thereof.

[0074] As would be understood, the serving cell may refer to the cell in which the UE is operating, and the cells adjacent to the serving cell of the UE may be referred to as neighbouring cells. Further, the time advance of the serving cell may be referred to as an estimation of the time difference between its reception and transmission time at the UE antenna.

[0075] The gNodeB, on obtaining the one or more parameters from the UE, may transmit the same to the 5GC. In one example, along with the parameters received from the UE, the gNodeB may transmit additional parameters to the 5GC. For example, the gNodeB may transmit the angle of arrival as well to the 5GC. However, it may be noted that such parameter is only exemplary, and in no manner to be construed to limit the scope of the present subject matter in any manner.

[0076] Continuing further, in an implementation of the present subject matter, the transceiver unit [302] may receive a location request at a Location Management Function (LMF) from at least one network function. The location request may include at least one or more parameters associated with the User Equipment (UE). This has been depicted as Step 402 in FIG. 4.

[0077] For example, as described previously, the transceiver unit, at the LMF, may receive the location request from the gNodeB via a Network Function. The location request referred herewith is a signal or command sent by the gNodeB to the 5GC to initiate the process of determining the UE’s location. Further, examples of parameters associated with the UE, included within the location request, may include, but are not limited to, serving cell ID, one or more neighbouring cell ID, timing advance of the serving cell, serving cell RSRP, neighbouring cell RSRP, Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) of the UE, Quality of Service (QoS), Service ID, amfld, correlationlD, locationQoS details, NCGI, and a combination thereof.

[0078] In another example, the location request and the corresponding one or more parameters may be received in JSON format. However, any other format may also be used and would lie within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0079] Continuing further, in one example, the network function may be Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). In such cases, the gNodeB may transmit the location request to the AMF, and the transceiver unit [302], at the LMF, may receive the location request from the AMF.

[0080] In another example, the NF such as GMLC [134] or external node such as LCS client [136] transmits the location request to the AMF, and the AMF receives measurements and parameters associated with the UE from one or more gNodeB s. Further, the AMF transmits the location request along with measurement and parameters associated with the UE to the LMF. [0081] It may be noted that such example of NF being an AMF is only exemplary, and in no manner to be construed to limit the scope of the present subject matter in any manner. The transceiver unit [302] may receive the location request from the gNodeB via any other NF, consumer NF, service, or any other component within the 5GC. All such examples would lie within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0082] Based on the one or more parameters included in the location request, the LMF may choose which positioning method to initiate. Such parameters associated with the UE (received from the gNodeB via the NF) may aid in selection of appropriate and most suitable positioning criteria and method. In one example, the LMF may include a set of pre-defined positioning criteria to select based on the relevant parameters. In another example, based on specifically QoS and Service ID, the LMF may select the positioning method. In yet another example, based on the location request and the one or more parameters included therein, the LMF may initiate E-CID (Enhanced Cell ID) positioning method.

[0083] In the case of the positioning method being E-CID, the LMF may select either Uplink E- CID or Downlink E-CID. As would be understood, Uplink E-CID may refer to a positioning method where measurements or parameters are provided by the gNodeB, using NR positioning protocol A (NRPPa) procedures or based on the uplink signals (i.e., signals sent from the UE to the gNodeB). Further, Downlink E-CID may refer to a positioning method where measurements are provided by the UE using LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) procedures or based on the downlink signals (i.e., signals sent from the gNodeB to the UE).

[0084] Continuing further, as a part of E-CID positioning method, the processing unit [304] may thereafter process the location request and the corresponding one or more parameters associated with the UE to identify at least one of a serving radio access node and at least one neighbouring radio access node. The processing unit [304] may also identify one or more measurements from the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node. This has been depicted as Step 404 in FIG. 4.

[0085] As would be understood, the serving radio access node may be referred to as the primary node providing service to the UE. Further, the neighbouring nodes may be referred to as the nodes adjacent to the serving node, which are also involved in providing network coverage. [0086] For example, as described previously, the UE, while sending parameters and measurements to the gNodeB, may transmit the IDs and corresponding RSRP measurements of the serving radio access node, as well as at least one neighbouring radio access node. The processing unit [304] may process these parameters to identify the serving radio access node, at least one neighbouring radio access node associated with the UE, and corresponding RSRP measurements associated with these nodes.

[0087] Further, as would be noted, these measurements are taken from both the serving radio access node, which is the primary node providing service to the UE, and at least one neighbouring radio access node. This data, i.e., the measurements helps in determining the location of the UE by assessing the signal strengths from various nodes.

[0088] In an example, the serving radio access node may have a stronger RSRP measurement value than the at least one neighbouring radio access node. The RSRP stands for Reference Signal Received Power that indicates the measurement of the power level of reference signals received by the UE from radio access nodes, used to evaluate signal strength.

[0089] Continuing further, the determination unit [306] may then determine, via the LMF, one or more location areas of the UE based on the identified one or more RSRP measurements. This has been depicted as Step 406 in FIG. 4.

[0090] In an implementation of the present disclosure, the one or more location areas of the UE refers to the possible geographical regions or zones where the user equipment (UE) may be located.

[0091] Further, the determination of the location areas may be made using the measurements of Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) that were collected from the serving radio access node and the neighbouring radio access nodes associated with the UE.

[0092] Further, the determination unit [306] is configured to determine, via the LMF, a commonly shared location area based on the determined one or more location areas of the UE, wherein the commonly shared location area is determined based on an intersection of the one or more areas of the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node. This has been depicted as Step 408 in FIG. 4. [0093] In an implementation of the present disclosure, the commonly shared location area refers to a specific geographical region where the user equipment (UE) is likely to be located. The area is identified by overlapping the location areas determined from different radio access nodes.

[0094] The initial location areas are identified based on measurements from both the serving radio access node (the primary node providing service to the UE) and at least one neighbouring radio access node (adjacent nodes).

[0095] The intersection of the one or more areas is the process of finding a common area that overlaps between the location areas. This intersection represents a more accurate location of the UE.

[0096] Further, the processing unit [304] is configured to provide a Geographical Area Description (GAD) shape based on the determined commonly shared location area of the UE. This has been depicted as Step 410 in FIG. 4.

[0097] As would be understood, the Geographical Area Description (GAD) shape is a format or representation used to describe the geographical area where the user equipment (UE) is located. The GAD shapes can take various forms, such as points, polygons, or ellipses. The GAD shape is generated using the previously identified commonly shared location area. This area may be determined by finding the intersection of the location areas from the serving and neighbouring radio access nodes.

[0098] In an example, the GAD shape is selected from a group comprising of an Ellipsoid Point, Ellipsoid Arc, Ellipsoid point with uncertainty circle, Ellipsoid point with uncertainty ellipse, polygon, Ellipsoid point with Altitude, Ellipsoid point with altitude and uncertainty ellipsoid.

[0099] In an implementation of the present disclosure, the Ellipsoid Point is single point on the Earth's surface, considering the Earth's ellipsoid shape, used to represent a precise location.

[0100] The Ellipsoid Arc is a curved line segment on the Earth's ellipsoid surface, representing a path or a segment of a path. [0101] The Ellipsoid point with uncertainty circle is an ellipsoid point with an associated circular area that represents the uncertainty around the exact location. The circle indicates that the exact location could be anywhere within this radius.

[0102] The Ellipsoid point with uncertainty ellipse similar to the uncertainty circle, but the area of uncertainty is shaped like an ellipse, providing a more refined representation of the location's uncertainty, taking into account directional variations in the location's precision.

[0103] The Polygon is multisided geometric shape that encloses a specific area on the Earth's surface, used to represent the UE's location as an area rather than a single point.

[0104] The Ellipsoid point with Altitude is a point on the Earth's ellipsoid surface that includes an altitude value, providing a three-dimensional location (latitude, longitude, and altitude).

[0105] The Ellipsoid point with altitude and uncertainty ellipsoid is a three-dimensional point with altitude that also includes an ellipsoid shaped area of uncertainty, indicating that the UE's exact location could be anywhere within this 3D volume.

[0106] Continuing further, in cases where LMF receives RSRP measurement only from the serving radio access node, the processing unit [304], along with the determination unit [306], may determine and provide the GAD shape as Ellipsoid Arc. In another example, in cases where LMF receives RSRP measurement from a serving radio access node and distinct neighbouring radio access node, the GAD shape may be Ellipse.

[0107] However, it may be noted that such examples are only exemplary, and provided only for the sake of understanding. Any other examples would also lie within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary method flow diagram [500] for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure is shown. In an implementation the method [500] is performed by the system [300], Further, in an implementation, the system [300] may be present in a server device to implement the features of the present disclosure. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the method [500] starts at step [502], [0109] At step [504], the method comprises receiving, by a transceiver unit [302] at a Location Management Function (LMF), a location request from at least one network function (NF), the location request comprising at least one or more parameters associated with a UE.

[0110] In operation, a User Equipment (UE) may be present and operating in the telecommunication network. For example, the UE may moving across different geographical locations and communicating with the telecommunication network. During the course of movement, the UE may keep connecting and communicating with the base station. In the context of the telecommunication network being a 5^th Generation (5G) network, the UE, during the course of its movement, may connect with different gNodeB.

[0111] During operation, the UE may transmit a plurality of parameters, associated with the UE, to the gNodeB. Examples of such parameters may include may include, but are not limited to, serving cell ID, neighbouring cell ID, timing advance of the serving cell, serving cell RSRP, neighbouring cell RSRP, Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) of the UE, Quality of Service (QoS), Service ID, and a combination thereof.

[0112] As would be understood, the serving cell may refer to the cell in which the UE is operating, and the cells adjacent to the serving cell of the UE may be referred to as neighbouring cells.

[0113] The gNodeB, on obtaining the one or more parameters from the UE, may transmit the same to the 5GC.

[0114] At step [506], the method comprises, processing, by a processing unit [304], the location request and the corresponding one or more parameters to identify at least one of a serving radio access node and at least one neighbouring radio access node associated with the UE, and further identify one or more Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurements from the serving radio access node and at least one neighbouring radio access node.

[0115] For example, the transceiver unit, at the LMF, may receive the location request from the gNodeB via a Network Function. The location request referred herewith is a signal or command sent by the gNodeB to the 5GC to initiate the process of determining the UE’s location. Further, examples of parameters associated with the UE, included within the location request, may include, but are not limited to, serving cell ID, neighbouring cell ID, timing advance of the serving cell, serving cell RSRP, neighbouring cell RSRP, Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) of the UE, Quality of Service (QoS), Service ID, amfld, correlationlD, locationQoS details, NCGI, and a combination thereof.

[0116] Continuing further, in one example, the network function may be Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). In such cases, the gNodeB may transmit the location request to the AMF, and the transceiver unit [302], at the LMF, may receive the location request from the AMF.

[0117] Based on the one or more parameters included in the location request, the LMF may choose which positioning method to initiate. Such parameters associated with the UE (received from the gNodeB via the NF) may aid in selection of appropriate and most suitable positioning criteria and method. In one example, the LMF may include a set of pre-defined positioning criteria to select based on the relevant parameters. In another example, based on specifically QoS and Service ID, the LMF may select the positioning method. In yet another example, based on the location request and the one or more parameters included therein, the LMF may initiate E-CID (Enhanced Cell ID) positioning method.

[0118] In the case of the positioning method being E-CID, the LMF may select either Uplink E- CID or Downlink E-CID. As would be understood, Uplink E-CID may refer to a positioning method where measurements or parameters are provided by the gNodeB, using NR positioning protocol A (NRPPa) procedures or based on the uplink signals (i.e., signals sent from the UE to the gNodeB). Further, Downlink E-CID may refer to a positioning method where measurements are provided by the UE using LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) procedures or based on the downlink signals (i.e., signals sent from the gNodeB to the UE).

[0119] Continuing further, as a part of ECID positioning method, the processing unit [304] may thereafter process the location request and the corresponding one or more parameters associated with the UE to identify at least one of a serving radio access node and at least one neighbouring radio access node. The processing unit [304] may also identify one or more measurements from the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node.

[0120] As would be understood, the serving radio access node may be referred to as the primary node providing service to the UE. Further, the neighbouring nodes may be referred to as the nodes adjacent to the serving node, which are also involved in providing network coverage. [0121] For example, as described previously, the UE, while sending parameters and measurements to the gNodeB, may transmit the IDs and corresponding RSRP measurements of the serving radio access node, as well as at least one neighbouring radio access node. The processing unit [304] may process these parameters to identify the serving radio access node, at least one neighbouring radio access node associated with the UE, and corresponding RSRP measurements associated with these nodes.

[0122] Further, as would be noted, these measurements are taken from both the serving radio access node, which is the primary node providing service to the UE, and at least one neighbouring radio access node. This data, i.e., the measurements helps in determining the location of the UE by assessing the signal strengths from various nodes.

[0123] In an example, the serving radio access node may have a stronger RSRP measurement value than the at least one neighbouring radio access node. The RSRP stands for Reference Signal Received Power that indicates the measurement of the power level of reference signals received by the UE from radio access nodes, used to evaluate signal strength.

[0124] At step [508], the method comprises, determining, by a determination unit [306] at the LMF, one or more location areas of the UE based on the obtained one or more RSRP measurements.

[0125] In an implementation of the present disclosure, the one or more location areas of the UE refers to the possible geographical regions or zones where the user equipment (UE) may be located.

[0126] Further, the determination of the location areas may be made using the measurements of Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) that were collected from the serving radio access node and the neighbouring radio access nodes associated with the UE.

[0127] At step [510], the method comprises, determining, by the determination unit [306] at the LMF, a commonly shared location area based on the determined one or more location areas of the UE, wherein the commonly shared location area is determined based on an intersection of the one or more location areas of the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node. [0128] In an implementation of the present disclosure, the commonly shared location area refers to a specific geographical region where the user equipment (UE) is likely to be located. The area is identified by overlapping the location areas determined from different radio access nodes.

[0129] The initial location areas are identified based on measurements from both the serving radio access node (the primary node providing service to the UE) and at least one neighbouring radio access node (adjacent nodes).

[0130] The intersection of the one or more areas is the process of finding a common area that overlaps between the location areas. This intersection represents a more accurate location of the UE.

[0131] At step [512], the method comprises, providing, by the processing unit [304] at the LMF, a Geographical Area Description (GAD) shape based on the determined commonly shared location area of the UE.

[0132] In one example, the GAD shapes can take various forms, such as points, polygons, or ellipses. The GAD shape is generated using the previously identified commonly shared location area. This area may be determined by finding the intersection of the location areas from the serving and neighbouring radio access nodes.

[0133] In an example, the GAD shape is selected from a group comprising of an Ellipsoid Point, Ellipsoid Arc, Ellipsoid point with uncertainty circle, Ellipsoid point with uncertainty ellipse, polygon, Ellipsoid point with Altitude, Ellipsoid point with altitude and uncertainty ellipsoid.

[0134] Continuing further, in cases where LMF receives RSRP measurement only from the serving radio access node, the processing unit [304], along with the determination unit [306], may determine and provide the GAD shape as Ellipsoid Arc. In another example, in cases where LMF receives RSRP measurement from a serving radio access node and distinct neighbouring radio access node, the GAD shape may be Ellipse.

[0135] Thereafter, the method terminates at step [514],

[0136] The present disclosure further discloses a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions for determining a location of a User Equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network, the instructions include executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system [300], causes a transceiver unit [302] of the system [300] to receive a location request at a Location Management Function (LMF) from at least one network function (NF), the location request comprising at least one or more parameters associated with a UE. Further, the instructions include executable code which, when executed causes a processing unit [304] to process the location request and the corresponding one or more parameters to identify at least one of: a serving radio access node and at least one neighbouring radio access node associated with the UE; and one or more Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurements from the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node. Further, the instructions include executable code which, when executed causes a determination unit [306] to determine one or more location areas of the UE based on the identified one or more RSRP measurements. Further, the instructions include executable code which, when executed causes the determination unit [306] to determine a commonly shared location area based on the determined one or more location areas of the UE, wherein the commonly shared location area is determined based on an intersection of the one or more location areas of the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node. Further, the instructions include executable code which, when executed causes the processing unit [304] to provide a Geographical Area Description (GAD) shape based on the determined commonly shared location area of the UE.

[0137] As is evident from the above, the present disclosure provides a technically advanced solution in determining positioning of a user equipment by utilising multiple measurements from serving and neighbouring cell information and also, dynamically generating GAD shapes based on shared location area.

[0138] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the disclosed implementations, it will be appreciated that many implementations can be made and that many changes can be made to the implementations without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. These and other changes in the implementations of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, whereby it is to be understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented is illustrative and non-limiting.

[0139] Further, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is to be acknowledged that the functionality described for the various components/units can be implemented interchangeably. While specific embodiments may disclose a particular functionality of these units for clarity, it is recognized that various configurations and combinations thereof are within the scope of the disclosure. The functionality of specific units as disclosed in the disclosure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Consequently, alternative arrangements and substitutions of units, provided they achieve the intended functionality described herein, are considered to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A method [500] for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network, the method comprising: receiving [504], by a transceiver unit [302] at a Location Management Function (LMF) [132], a location request from at least one network function (NF), the location request comprising at least one or more parameters associated with a UE; processing [506], by a processing unit [304], the location request and the corresponding one or more parameters to identify at least one of: a serving radio access node and at least one neighbouring radio access node associated with the UE, and one or more Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurements from the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node; determining [508], by a determination unit [306] at the LMF, one or more location areas of the UE based on the identified one or more RSRP measurements; determining [510], by the determination unit [306] at the LMF, a commonly shared location area based on the determined one or more location areas of the UE, wherein the commonly shared location area is determined based on an intersection of the one or more location areas of the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node; and providing [512], by the processing unit [304] at the LMF, a Geographical Area Description (GAD) shape based on the determined commonly shared location area of the UE.

2. The method [500] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters associated with the UE comprise at least one of serving cell ID, neighbouring cell ID, timing advance of the serving cell, serving cell RSRP, neighbouring cell RSRP, Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) of the UE, Quality of Service (QoS), Service ID, and a combination thereof.

3. The method [500] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the GAD shape is selected from a group comprising of Ellipsoid Point, Ellipsoid Arc, Ellipsoid point with uncertainty circle, Ellipsoid point with uncertainty ellipse, polygon, Ellipsoid point with Altitude, Ellipsoid point with altitude and uncertainty ellipsoid.

4. The method [500] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the serving radio access node has a stronger RSRP measurement value than the at least one neighbouring radio access node.

5. A system [300] for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network, the system [300] comprising: o a transceiver unit [302] configured to receive a location request at a Location Management Function (LMF) from at least one network function (NF), the location request comprising at least one or more parameters associated with a UE; o a processing unit [304] connected at least with the transceiver unit [302], the processing unit [304] configured to:

■ process the location request and the corresponding one or more parameters to identify at least one of:

■ a serving radio access node and at least one neighbouring radio access node associated with the UE, and

■ one or more Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurements from the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node; o a determination unit [306] connected at least with the transceiver unit [302] and the processing unit [304], the determination unit [306] configured to:

■ determine one or more location areas of the UE based on the identified one or more RSRP measurements;

■ determine a commonly shared location area based on the determined one or more location areas of the UE, wherein the commonly shared location area is determined based on an intersection of the one or more location areas of the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node; and o the processing unit [304] further configured to provide a Geographical Area Description (GAD) shape based on the determined commonly shared location area of the UE.

6. The system [300] as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more parameters associated with the UE comprise at least one of serving cell ID, neighbouring cell ID, timing advance of the serving cell, serving cell RSRP, neighbouring cell RSRP, Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) of the UE, Quality of Service (QoS), Service ID, and a combination thereof.

7. The system [300] as claimed in claim 5, wherein the GAD shape is selected from a group comprising of Ellipsoid Point, Ellipsoid Arc, Ellipsoid point with uncertainty circle, Ellipsoid point with uncertainty ellipse, polygon, Ellipsoid point with Altitude, Ellipsoid point with altitude and uncertainty ellipsoid.

8. The system [300] as claimed in claim 5, wherein the serving radio access node has a stronger RSRP measurement value than the at least one neighbouring radio access node.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for determining a location of a user equipment (UE) in a telecommunication network, the instructions comprising executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system [300], causes: a transceiver unit [302], at a Location Management Function (LMF) [132], to receive a location request from at least one network function (NF), the location request comprising at least one or more parameters associated with a UE; a processing unit [304] to process the location request and the corresponding one or more parameters to identify at least one of: a serving radio access node and at least one neighbouring radio access node associated with the LTE, and one or more Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurements from the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node; a determination unit [306], at the LMF, to determine one or more location areas of the UE based on the identified one or more RSRP measurements; the determination unit [306], at the LMF, to determine a commonly shared location area based on the determined one or more location areas of the UE, wherein the commonly shared location area is determined based on an intersection of the one or more location areas of the serving radio access node and the at least one neighbouring radio access node; and the processing unit [304], at the LMF, to provide a Geographical Area Description (GAD) shape based on the determined commonly shared location area of the UE.