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SonyGranted patentNetworks & wirelessInterest 6/10

Sony patents way to locate phones without a full connection

Sony has been granted a patent for a method that allows a phone or device to be located by a wireless network even when it is not fully connected. The device receives a specific paging message asking it to send out positioning signals, then transmits those signals after a set time delay while staying in an unconnected state.

Why it mattersThis could improve how networks track devices for emergency services or location-based features without requiring the constant data connection that drains battery.

In the filing’s own words

Devices and methods for facilitating positioning of a user equipment, UE ( 10), while the UE remains unconnected to a wireless network. In one aspect, a method performed by the UE is provided, comprising: receiving (S 510), from the wireless network ( 100), a first message ( 81,84) associated with paging of the UE, wherein said first message identifies a positioning request to transmit uplink positioning signals; transmitting (S 540), after expiry of a predetermined first time limit (T 1), uplink positioning signals for reception in the wireless network.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A method for facilitating positioning of a user equipment (UE) performed by the UE while being unconnected to a wireless network, the method comprising: receiving, from the wireless network while being unconnected to the wireless network, a first message associated with paging of the UE, wherein said first message identifies a positioning request to transmit uplink positioning signals and a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) transmission type for positioning; transmitting, after expiry of a predetermined first time limit, uplink positioning signals for reception in the wireless network; and conducting SRS transmission, after expiry of the predetermined first time limit, while maintaining being unconnected to the wireless network.

Facts

Company
Sony (Sony Group Corporation)
Official title
Methods and devices for positioning of a user equipment in a wireless network
Patent number
US12739776B2
Application number
18029604
Filed
Sep 29, 2021
Granted
Sep 15, 2026
Inventors
8
Claims
20

Classified under

H04W 64/00 Electricity & electronicsH04W 68/00 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.