Methods and apparatuses for positioning based on signal correlation function characteristics feedback

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and system are provided for facilitating positioning based on signal correlation function characteristic feedback. In an embodiment, the method may involve steps performed by a network node in communication with a wireless communication device (WCD) and a plurality of base stations. The network node receives, from the WCD, location information including position reference signal (PRS) correlation function characteristics of a cross-correlation between a received downlink signal and a transmitted PRS for each base station from the plurality of base stations. The network node determines a position of the WCD using the PRS correlation function characteristics. The WCD may initiate the transmission of the PRS correlation function characteristics on its own, or in response to a request to do so from the network node.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method performed in a wireless communication device (WCD) in communication with a network having a plurality of base stations, the method comprising:
 the WCD determining, for each base station from the plurality of base stations, a reference time lag and a first time lag, the reference time lag and the first time lag being determined based on a signal received from the base station;   the WCD transmitting a report to the network, the report comprising a relative time lag for each base station from the plurality of base stations, wherein the relative time lag represents a difference between the first time lag and the reference time lag.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein, for each base station, the reference time lag and the first time lag are determined based on candidate times of arrival of the signal and wherein the candidate times of arrival represent multiple paths of the signal. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein, for each base station, the reference time lag and the first time lag are determined based on peaks in a cross-correlation function between the signal received from the base station and a stored representation of the signal. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein, for each base station, the reference time lag is a time lag of one of a first peak above a predefined threshold, the largest peak above the predefined threshold, and the last peak above the predefined threshold. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the report further includes a reference signal time difference (RSTD) for each neighbor cell relative to a reference cell. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 the WCD receiving a request for location information in response to a determination that a predetermined condition is met, wherein the determining of the reference time lag and the first time lag is performed in response to receiving the request.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the report is a location information report. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the report further comprises a width of one or more peaks in the cross-correlation function. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the report further comprises a level of one or more peaks in the cross-correlation function. 
     
     
         30 . A wireless communication device (WCD) configured to communicate with a network having a plurality of base stations, the wireless communication device comprising:
 a transceiver;   a processing circuit; and   a storage storing instructions that, when executed by the processing circuit, cause the WCD to:
 determine, for each base station from the plurality of base stations, a reference time lag and a first time lag, the reference time lag and the first time lag being determined based on a signal received from the base station, and 
 transmit a report to the network, the report comprising a relative time lag for each base station from the plurality of base stations, wherein the relative time lag represents a difference between the first time lag and the reference time lag. 
   
     
     
         31 . The WCD of  claim 30 , wherein, for each base station, the reference time lag and the first time lag are determined based on candidate times of arrival of the signal and wherein the candidate times of arrival correspond to multiple paths of the signal. 
     
     
         32 . The WCD of  claim 30 , wherein, for each base station, the reference time lag and the first time lag are determined based on peaks in a cross-correlation function between the signal received from the base station and a stored representation of the signal. 
     
     
         33 . The WCD of  claim 30 , wherein, for each base station, the reference time lag is a time lag of one of a first peak above a predefined threshold, the largest peak above the predefined threshold, and the last peak above the predefined threshold. 
     
     
         34 . The WCD of  claim 30 , wherein the report further includes a reference signal time difference (RSTD) for each neighbor cell relative to a reference cell. 
     
     
         35 . The WCD of  claim 30 , wherein the WCD is further configured to receive a request for location information in response to a determination that a predetermined condition is met and wherein the determining of the reference time lag and the first time lag is performed in response to receiving the request. 
     
     
         36 . The WCD of  claim 30 , wherein the report is a location information report. 
     
     
         37 . The WCD of  claim 32 , wherein the report further comprises a width of one or more peaks in the cross-correlation function. 
     
     
         38 . The WCD of  claim 32 , wherein the report further comprises a level of one or more peaks in the cross-correlation function. 
     
     
         39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . (canceled) 
     
     
         41 . A network node in a communication network having a plurality of base stations, the network node being configured to communicate with a wireless communication device (WCD), the network node comprising:
 a processing circuit,   a computer readable medium coupled to the processing circuit, said computer readable medium containing instructions executable by the processing circuit, whereby the network node is operative to:   receive, from the WCD, a report comprising a relative time lag for each base station from the plurality of base stations, wherein the relative time lag represents a difference between a first time lag and a reference time lag determined at the WCD based on a positioning reference signal transmitted from the base station; and   determine a position of the WCD using the relative time lags.   
     
     
         42 . The network node of  claim 41 , wherein the network node is a location server.