Antenna configuration selection

Abstract

An apparatus, method, and computer program are described including determining an angular radiation space of interest for communication between a user equipment and a network node of a mobile communication system; obtaining a positioning metric for each of a plurality of available antenna configurations for communication between the user equipment and the network node in the angular radiation space of interest, wherein the positioning metric is based at least in part on average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for the user equipment; selecting one of the plurality of antenna configurations based on the obtained positioning metrics for use in transmitting a positioning signal from the user equipment to the network node or for use in receiving a positioning signal at the user equipment from the network node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to the selection of antenna configurations for communication between user equipment and network nodes in mobile communication systems. Background Technology

[0002] Some mobile communication systems offer multiple antenna configurations for communication between user equipment and network nodes. Further development remains needed in this area. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, this specification describes an apparatus comprising components for performing the following operations: determining an angle-of-interest radiation space for communication between a user equipment (UE) and a network node for a mobile communication system; obtaining a positioning metric for each of a plurality of available antenna configurations for communication between the UE and the network node in the angle-of-interest radiation space, wherein the positioning metric is based at least in part on average antenna phase center offset data and phase center offset variance data for a vector UE; and selecting one of the plurality of antenna configurations based on the obtained positioning metric for transmitting a positioning signal from the UE to the network node or for receiving a positioning signal from the network node at the UE. In some example embodiments, the apparatus is the UE.

[0004] The component for performing the selection of one of the plurality of antenna configurations can be configured to: select the antenna configuration with the lowest average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data among the plurality of antenna configurations.

[0005] Some example embodiments also include components for performing the following operations: determining whether a beam for communication between a user equipment and a network node is identified, and if so, defining the angle of interest radiation space as the direction of the beam, and if not, defining the angle of interest radiation space as a wide beam angle space.

[0006] Positioning metrics can be based on pre-measured or simulated antenna phase center offset vectors and variance data.

[0007] Positioning metrics can include the average power-weighted antenna phase center offset vector and variance data.

[0008] The positioning metric may include antenna phase center offset vector and variance data combined into multiple individual data points. Furthermore, each of the multiple individual data points may include the average of antenna phase center offset vector data points and corresponding antenna phase center offset variance data points in the relevant angular radiation space.

[0009] The positioning metric may include average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for the user equipment for a first polarization, a second polarization, and a combination of the first and second polarizations. Furthermore, in some example embodiments, the apparatus may also include components for performing the operation of determining whether a power signal level is sufficient for transmitting or receiving the positioning signal using an antenna configuration with single polarization, wherein the components for selecting one of the plurality of antenna configurations perform the selection accordingly.

[0010] The positioning metric may include average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for the user equipment for: a first combination of first and second polarizations that are phase-off with each other, and a second combination of first and second polarizations that are not phase-off with each other. Furthermore, in some example embodiments, the apparatus may also include components for performing the following operations: determining whether a power signal level is sufficient for transmitting or receiving the positioning signal using an antenna configuration with single polarization, wherein the components for selecting one of the plurality of antenna configurations perform the selection accordingly.

[0011] The positioning metric may include average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for user equipment in different antenna beam control directions.

[0012] The positioning signal may include at least one of a positioning reference signal and a detection reference signal.

[0013] In the first aspect described above, the component may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to cause the execution of the device together with the at least one processor.

[0014] In a second aspect, this specification describes a method comprising: determining an angle-of-interest radiation space for communication between a user equipment (UE) and a network node for a mobile communication system; obtaining a positioning metric for each of a plurality of available antenna configurations for communication between the UE and the network node in the angle-of-interest radiation space, wherein the positioning metric is based at least in part on average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for the UE; and selecting one of the plurality of antenna configurations based on the obtained positioning metric for transmitting a positioning signal from the UE to the network node or for receiving a positioning signal from the network node at the UE. In some example embodiments, the method is implemented (at least in part) at the UE.

[0015] Selecting one of the plurality of antenna configurations may include selecting an antenna configuration among the plurality of antenna configurations that has the lowest average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data.

[0016] The method may further include: determining whether a beam for communication between a user equipment and a network node is identified, and if so, defining the angle of interest radiation space as the direction of the beam, and if not, defining the angle of interest radiation space as a wide beam angle space.

[0017] Positioning metrics can be based on antenna phase center offset vectors and variance data that have been measured or simulated in advance.

[0018] Positioning metrics can include the average power-weighted antenna phase center offset vector and variance data.

[0019] The positioning metric may include antenna phase center offset vector and variance data combined into multiple individual data points. Furthermore, each of the multiple individual data points may include the average of antenna phase center offset vector data points and corresponding antenna phase center offset variance data points in the relevant angular radiation space.

[0020] The positioning metric may include average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for the user equipment for a first polarization, a second polarization, and a combination of the first and second polarizations. Furthermore, in some example embodiments, the method further includes determining whether a power signal level is sufficient for transmitting or receiving the positioning signal using an antenna configuration with single polarization, wherein the selection of one of the plurality of antenna configurations is performed accordingly.

[0021] The positioning metric may include average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for a user equipment for the following: a first combination of first and second polarizations that are phase-off with each other, and a second combination of first and second polarizations that are not phase-off with each other. Furthermore, in some example embodiments, the method may also include determining whether a power signal level is sufficient for transmitting or receiving the positioning signal using an antenna configuration with single polarization, wherein the selection of one of the plurality of antenna configurations is performed accordingly.

[0022] The positioning metric may include average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for user equipment in different antenna beam steering directions.

[0023] The positioning signal may include at least one of a positioning reference signal and a detection reference signal.

[0024] In a third aspect, this specification describes computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform (at least) any of the methods described with reference to the second aspect.

[0025] In a fourth aspect, this specification describes a computer-readable medium (such as a non-transient computer-readable medium) comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing (at least) any of the methods described with reference to the second aspect.

[0026] In a fifth aspect, this specification describes an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform (at least) any of the methods described with reference to the second aspect.

[0027] In a sixth aspect, this specification describes a computer program including instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following operations: determining an angle-of-interest radiation space for communication between a user equipment (UE) and a network node for a mobile communication system; obtaining a positioning metric for each of a plurality of available antenna configurations for communication between the UE and the network node in the angle-of-interest radiation space, wherein the positioning metric is based at least in part on average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for the UE; and selecting one of the plurality of antenna configurations based on the obtained positioning metric for transmitting a positioning signal from the UE to the network node or for receiving a positioning signal from the network node at the UE. In some example embodiments, the computer program may be provided at the UE. Selecting the one of the plurality of antenna configurations may include selecting the antenna configuration with the lowest average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data. The positioning signal may include at least one of a positioning reference signal and a detection reference signal.

[0028] The computer program may include instructions for causing the device to perform the following operations: determining whether a beam for communication between a user equipment and a network node is identified, and if so, defining the angle of interest radiation space as the direction of the beam, and if not, defining the angle of interest radiation space as a wide beam angle space.

[0029] In a seventh aspect, this specification describes: a first module (such as a processor or some other component) for determining the angle-of-interest radiation space for communication between a user equipment and a network node for a mobile communication system; a second module (such as a database or some other component) for obtaining a positioning metric for each of a plurality of available antenna configurations for communication between the user equipment and the network node in the angle-of-interest radiation space, wherein the positioning metric is based at least in part on average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for the user equipment; and a third module (such as a control module, processor, or some other component) for selecting one of the plurality of antenna configurations based on the obtained positioning metric for transmitting a positioning signal from the user equipment to the network node or for receiving a positioning signal from the network node at the user equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The example embodiments will now be described by way of example only, referring to the following schematic diagrams, wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 It is a block diagram of a system in which aspects of the example embodiments can be used;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a user equipment according to an example embodiment;

[0033] Figure 3 It is a display Figure 2 Drawing of the function lines of user equipment;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the system used in the example embodiment;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating a user equipment with a measurement arrangement according to an example embodiment;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a drawing illustrating data according to an example embodiment;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a process according to an example embodiment;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a process according to an example embodiment;

[0039] Figures 9 to 11 This is a drawing illustrating data according to an example embodiment;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment;

[0041] Figure 13This is a flowchart illustrating a process according to an example embodiment;

[0042] Figure 14 and Figure 15 This is a drawing illustrating data according to an example embodiment;

[0043] Figure 16 This is a block diagram of the components of a system according to an example embodiment; and

[0044] Figure 17 An example of a tangible medium for storing computer-readable code is shown, which, when run by a computer, can perform methods according to the above example embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The scope of protection sought by the various embodiments of the present invention is defined by the independent claims. Embodiments and features described in the specification that are not within the scope of the independent claims (if any) are to be interpreted as examples for understanding the various embodiments of the invention.

[0046] Throughout the specification and drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0047] Figure 1 It is a block diagram of a system in which aspects of the exemplary embodiments can be used, generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

[0048] System 10 includes a user equipment (UE) 12 that communicates with a first base station, a second base station, and a third base station (gNB) 14 to 16, one of which is the serving gNB. The UE and the gNB can provide data to a location management function (LMF) 18, which can be used to estimate the location of the UE 12.

[0049] One method for determining the UE's location is through downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) estimation. DL-TDOA can be UE-assisted or UE-based. For UE-assisted positioning, UE 12 measures the Location Reference Signal (PRS) Time of Arrival (TOA) data received from gNBs 14 to 16 and reports the Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) to LMF 18 for UE location calculation. For UE-based positioning, UE 12 receives information about the locations of all involved gNBs in the positioning assistance data, and the UE can estimate its own location based on this information and the PRS Time of Arrival (TOA) measurement.

[0050] Multi-cell round-trip time (Multi-RTT) is another positioning method that relies on uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) measurements / signals. At higher layers, this method operates by having multiple gNBs send DL PRS to UE 12, and then the UE sends a sounding reference signal (SRS) to the gNBs. The UE measures the UE Rx-Tx time difference for each cell, while each gNB measures the gNB Rx-Tx time difference for the UE. All measurements are reported to LMF 18, which can then estimate the round-trip time (RTT) from UE 12 to each gNB, and thus estimate the UE's location.

[0051] The above positioning method is provided as an example only. Technical personnel will be aware of other positioning methods that can be used.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of user equipment 20 according to an example embodiment. User equipment 20 can be used as the UE 12 described above.

[0053] At user equipment 20, accurate assessment of the downlink positioning reference signal (PRS) time of arrival (TOA) and / or uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) time of departure (TOD) may be required to obtain accurate positioning measurements. To obtain accurate TOA / TOD measurements, accurate measurements of the phase reference position of the signals received or transmitted via the UE antenna are needed.

[0054] refer to Figure 2 This phase reference position is the antenna phase center. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the antenna phase center may not always be aligned with the physical antenna reference point (ARP), but may be located at an offset.

[0055] The phase center position of the UE antenna array (i.e., phase center offset) is typically dynamic and sensitive to a range of factors, such as:

[0056] • UE form factor design (current is affected by physical dimensions, adjacent components, materials, etc.).

[0057] • Antenna array coverings, such as PC-ABS, glass;

[0058] • Locate the AOA / AOD and polarization of the reference signal.

[0059] • Beams configured on the antenna array (beam steering angle);

[0060] Figure 3This is a drawing generally indicated by reference numeral 30, which shows the phase center offset (in mm) of an example UE with a 1:8 antenna array and co-polarization over the beam steering angle range. The measured values ​​of the phase center offset are plotted in each of the xy and z dimensions.

[0061] Specifically, for beam steering angles of -60 degrees or -50 degrees, the phase center offsets in the x, y, and z dimensions for angles of arrival between -35 degrees and +35 degrees are shown in Figures 32a, 32b, and 32c, respectively. For beam steering angles of 0 degrees, the phase center offsets in the x, y, and z dimensions for angles of arrival between -60 degrees and +60 degrees are shown in Figures 34a, 34b, and 34c, respectively. And for beam steering angles of +50 degrees or +60 degrees, the phase center offsets in the x, y, and z dimensions for angles of arrival between -35 degrees and +35 degrees are shown in Figures 36a, 36b, and 36c, respectively.

[0062] As shown in Figure 30, the phase center of the antenna array can dynamically change by several centimeters. This can lead to errors, for example:

[0063] • Tx Timing Error: From the perspective of signal transmission, there will be a time delay between the time it takes to generate a digital signal in the baseband and the time it takes to transmit an RF signal from the Tx antenna. The phase center offset of the Tx antenna is a component of this error.

[0064] • Rx Timing Error: From the signal reception perspective, there will be a time delay between the arrival of the RF signal at the Rx antenna and the time it takes for the signal to be digitized and timestamped in baseband. Similarly, the phase center offset of the Rx antenna is a component of this error.

[0065] As discussed in detail below, both the absolute phase offset delay variation (referred to as the PCO vector) and the statistical variance of the phase offset (PCO variance) will vary as a function of the angle of arrival (AoA) and / or departure angle (AoD) of the positioning reference signal. If AoA and AoD are known, the phase center offset can be compensated for, but this is not always the case.

[0066] The severity of PCO vector and variance depends on many factors, including the placement of the antenna array, the form factor of the user equipment, and the configured array beams.

[0067] The PCO vector and variance depend not only on the configured beam shape but also on the chosen polarization (common polarization, cross polarization, or both). For example, Figure 4It is a block diagram of the system used in the example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 40, in which common polarization (Co-Po) and cross polarization (Cross-Pol) can be configured for transmission and reception.

[0068] In many situations, dual polarization may be a suitable configuration for receiving and transmitting data, as using two polarizations generally improves the quality of both received and transmitted signals. Furthermore, some UEs may need to utilize all the power amplifiers on both polarizations to transmit at maximum UE-EL power. However, in some cases, alternative polarization options may be preferred due to PCO vector and variance considerations.

[0069] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating a user equipment 50 with a measurement arrangement according to an example embodiment. Specifically, user equipment 50 shows an angular sampling direction, generally indicated by reference numeral 52, for measuring or simulating the PCO vector and variance. The sampling direction may correspond to a line-of-sight beam configuration that can be used to transmit or receive positioning reference signals. The example angular sampling direction 52 involves different line-of-sight beam configurations with a sample space ranging from ±90° ϴ to ±9° Φ, and a granularity of 3°. Of course, many other sampling configurations are also possible.

[0070] Figure 6 This is a plot illustrating data according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 60. Data 60 includes PCO vector data (plotted above) and PCO variance data (plotted below) for different beam configurations in different angular directions, and can be collected using the user equipment 50 described above.

[0071] Data 60 shows that the additional delay caused by the PCO vector of the line-of-sight beams in these configurations will be as large as ±50 mm for many angular directions and even higher in some specific angular directions. The same can be observed with the variance of the absolute PCO vector values, which is greater than 70 mm. Clearly, selecting an appropriate beam configuration for the positioning reference signal can be important. This is especially true when the UE is unaware of the positioning signal AoA / AoD.

[0072] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a process, typically indicated by reference numeral 70, according to an example embodiment.

[0073] Process 70 begins with operation 72, in which the angle of interest (ROI) radiation space for communication between the user equipment and network nodes of the mobile communication system is determined. The ROI radiation space may be the direction of the serving base station of the user equipment. It should be noted that in some example embodiments, this direction may be unknown, and therefore the ROI radiation space corresponds to a wide-beam signal.

[0074] In operation 74, a positioning metric is determined for each of the available antenna configurations used for communication between the user equipment and network nodes in the radiation space at the angle of interest. As discussed in detail below, the positioning metric may include average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for the user equipment. The positioning metric may be based on PCO vector and variance data that have been measured or simulated in advance.

[0075] In operation 76, one of several antenna configurations is selected based on the obtained positioning metrics for transmitting positioning signals from the user equipment to the network node or for receiving positioning signals from the network node at the user equipment. As discussed further below, the array beam configuration with the lowest average PCO vector and variance evaluated in the radiation space of the angle of interest can be selected.

[0076] In operation 76, the beam configuration selected for the positioning reference signal will in many cases differ from the optimal beam configuration for receiving and / or transmitting data, because the PCO vector or variance is generally not important for the beam configured for the data.

[0077] It should also be noted that operation 76 may include determining whether the power signal level is sufficient for transmitting or receiving the positioning signal using an antenna configuration with single polarization, wherein the component for selecting one of the plurality of antenna configurations makes the selection accordingly. Further details regarding the use of single polarization and dual polarization are provided below.

[0078] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a process according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 80. Process 80 illustrates an example arrangement for generating positioning measurements that can be obtained in operation 74 outlined above. It should be noted that the steps shown in process 80 are provided by way of example only. The functionality of process 80 can be implemented in other ways; for example, some or all of the steps can be combined.

[0079] Procedure 80 begins with operation 82, in which PCO data, such as the PCO vector and variance data 60 described above, are collected. Sample data 60 contains numerous samples, which may ultimately complicate the evaluation of which beam configuration should be selected in operation 76 (e.g., which beam selection will result in the lowest overall average PCO vector and variance). Additionally, each angle point is evaluated within a 1° radius, which is a very small angular area compared to the expected angular spread observed in a typical channel between the gNB and the UE. As discussed further below, this procedure processes the data collected in operation 82 in an attempt to provide a more suitable positioning metric for use in operation 76.

[0080] In operations 84 and 82, the data collected is normalized. For example, the PCO vector and variance for each angle evaluation point can be normalized to the antenna power.

[0081] Figure 9 This is a plot illustrating data according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 90. Plot 90 shows example normalized data that may be generated in operation 84.

[0082] Operation 84 normalizes the PCO vector and variance data to the maximum antenna gain of the selected evaluation beam configuration. Power normalization / weighting reduces the PCO vector and variance values ​​for the configured beams at angles with lower antenna gain, as the contributions from these angle points will be smaller.

[0083] Normalization itself can be a simple and straightforward process, where the maximum gain point is weighted at 1, the angle point where the antenna gain decreases by 3 dB is weighted at 0.5, the angle point where the antenna gain decreases by 6 dB is weighted at 0.25, and so on.

[0084] Plot 90 shows the power-weighted results for the PCO vector (top plot) and variance (bottom plot). Comparing plots 60 and 90, it can be seen that the power weighting tends to reduce many of the larger values. Plot 90 can also represent a more realistic channel because it will simulate a certain amount of angular spread of the positioning reference signal.

[0085] In operation 86 of process 80, a power-weighted average (PWA) of the normalized PCO vector and variance data over the defined region is generated. As discussed further below, the output of operation 86 can be the average power-weighted antenna PCO and variance data.

[0086] Figure 10 This is a drawing illustrating data according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 100. Drawing 100 illustrates example data that may be generated in operation 86.

[0087] Operation 86 generates a power-weighted average (PWA) of the PCO vector and variance over the defined region.

[0088] Simulated or measured values ​​in an anechoic chamber will theoretically have no angular spread (e.g., less than 2°), but this is not always the case for the actual propagation channel between the relevant gNB and UE. However, the best position estimate can be obtained using only the line-of-sight (LoS) signal, which is expected to have a limited angular spread in real-life measurements. This is reflected in operation 86 by performing a power-weighted average (PWA) over a selected 6°x6° area centered on the local maximum antenna gain. This results in PWA PCO vectors and variance values ​​for each ϴ angle (±42°), as shown in Figure 100.

[0089] When using PWA in a specific area, it is generally easier to assess the impact of PCO vectors and variances of different line-of-sight beam configurations, and it can make it easier for the UE to quickly select the best array configuration for positioning reference signals, depending on whether the PCO vectors or variances have the highest priority for the configured beams.

[0090] In operation 88 of process 80, the power-weighted PCO vector and variance data are combined into a single metric (which may be the metric considered in operation 76 above). This single metric may include multiple data points, which are the average of the antenna phase center offset vector data points and the corresponding antenna phase center offset variance data points in the relevant angular radiation space.

[0091] Figure 11 This is a drawing illustrating data according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 110. Drawing 110 illustrates example data that can be generated in operation 88.

[0092] Figure 110 shows the PCO vector and variance data combined into a single metric (PWA_PCO_vv), which the UE can use (in operation 76) to select the optimal combined array configuration for locating the reference signal.

[0093] To generate example data 110, use the following formula to combine the data:

[0094] PWA_PCO_vv = abs(PWA PCO vector) + (PWA PCO variance) / 2

[0095] The results were normalized to the maximum PWA PCO vector and variance, and then converted to percentages.

[0096] Of course, different formulas can be used to combine PCO vectors and variance data to generate different sets of multiple single-location metrics.

[0097] For each line-of-sight beam configuration with many different antenna configurations, the global average of the values ​​generated by the example implementation of operation 88 is shown in Table 1 below.

[0098] Table 1: PCO vector and variance for power-weighted average (6°x6°) combinations of different line-of-sight beam configurations in different angular directions.

[0099]

[0100] As can be seen from Table 1, in this example, the globally optimal line-of-sight beam configuration that can be selected for the highest positioning accuracy is a full array (1x8) configured for a single common polarization (or two polarizations if an additional 3 dB gain is required).

[0101] The above examples involve line-of-sight beam configurations. The combined power-weighted average PCO vector and variance were also calculated for different steering angles of the 1x8 full antenna array, as shown in Table 2 below:

[0102] Table 2: PWA and PCO vectors and variances for different array configurations of a 1x8 full array.

[0103]

[0104] As can be clearly seen from Table 2, in this example, the optimal array configuration for achieving the highest positioning accuracy varies as a function of the beam steering angle. This information can be used to improve the overall positioning accuracy for UEs that do not know their AoA / AoD.

[0105] Figure 12 This is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 120. System 120 includes an out-of-phase (OoP) polarization arrangement, rather than a typical in-phase polarization.

[0106] If two polarizations are required due to gain requirements stipulated by the link budget, the achievable positioning accuracy will often be affected. This is a possible scenario because a large number of gNBs are needed for accurate positioning estimation, and some of these gNBs may be located far from the device. Furthermore, some devices may not be able to switch between single-polarization and dual-polarization configurations.

[0107] It has been found that, in some cases, positioning accuracy can be improved for dual-polarization configurations by shifting the phase of one of the two polarizations by 180°, as illustrated in system 120.

[0108] An updated selection table is shown in Table 3 below, which includes the PWA PCO vectors and variance values ​​for the out-of-phase array configuration.

[0109] Table 3: PWA and PCO vectors and variance values ​​for different array configurations of a 1x8 full array (including out-of-phase configurations).

[0110]

[0111] In this example, using the out-of-phase feeding method would be the overall best choice for some beam configuration settings, and in most cases the best choice for dual-polarized beam configurations.

[0112] In some example implementations of process 70 described above, the positioning metrics available in operation 76 include average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for the user equipment for the first polarization, the second polarization, and combinations of the first and second polarizations. Furthermore, the positioning metrics may include average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for the user equipment for: a first combination of first and second polarizations that are phase-off with each other, and a second combination of first and second polarizations that are not phase-off with each other.

[0113] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a process generally indicated by reference numeral 130 according to an exemplary embodiment. Process 130 is an exemplary implementation of process 70 described above and can be used for antenna configuration selection.

[0114] In step 1, the user equipment (such as UE 12 or 20 mentioned above) receives a request to receive or transmit a positioning reference signal.

[0115] In step 2, the user equipment determines whether to identify a narrow beam for the intended gNB based on the expected positioning reference signal. If yes, the process proceeds to step 4; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 3.

[0116] In step 3, the user equipment does not identify a narrow beam pointing toward the gNB; therefore, the user equipment does not know the angular orientation of the gNB. The user equipment then configures an optimal wide beam for locating the reference signal, which can be common polarization, cross polarization, or a choice between the two polarizations.

[0117] In step 4, the user equipment has identified a narrow beam configuration covering the gNB (however, for example, there is no information about the AoA / AoD orientation within the beam coverage area). The user equipment finds the optimal array configuration for that particular search space using a positioning metric such as the PWAPCO vector and variance data generated using process 70 described above.

[0118] In step 5, the user equipment determines whether the optimal array configuration is single-polarized (yes) or dual-polarized (no). If the optimal array configuration is single-polarized, the process proceeds to step 7. If the optimal array configuration is dual-polarized, the process proceeds to step 6.

[0119] In step 6, the user equipment configures a dual-polarized beam for locating the reference signal.

[0120] In step 7, the user equipment determines whether the link budget can support a single-polarized array configuration with a 3 dB power reduction. If yes, the process proceeds to step 8; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 6 (where dual-polarized beams are configured).

[0121] In step 8, the user equipment configures a single-polarized beam for locating the reference signal.

[0122] In an optional step (not shown in the flowchart), if the user equipment is configured for a time-based positioning scheme based on absolute time values, the user equipment can compensate for ToD / ToA with the time value applied by the average PCO for the selected beam configuration.

[0123] Most of the data discussed above relates to different line-of-sight beam configurations. Tables 1 through 3 discussed above also include data related to different beam steering angles (i.e., in addition to the line of sight). Some additional data related to some of those scenarios are discussed below.

[0124] Figure 14 This is a plot illustrating data according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 140. Data 140 shows combined single-metric power-weighted PCO vector and variance data for a 7.5° beam configuration.

[0125] Similarly, Figure 15 This is a plot illustrating data according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 150. Data 150 shows combined single-metric power-weighted PCO vector and variance data for a 30.0° beam configuration.

[0126] For clarity, data for other beam steering angles have been omitted.

[0127] For completeness, Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of components of one or more example embodiments previously described, which are collectively referred to below as processing system 300. Processing system 300 may be, for example, an apparatus involved in embodiments of this disclosure.

[0128] The processing system 300 may include a processor 302, a memory 304 coupled to the processor and including random access memory (RAM) 314 and read-only memory (ROM) 312, and (optionally) a user input 310 and a display 318. The processing system 300 may include one or more network / device interfaces 308 for connection to a network / device, such as a wired or wireless modem. The network / device interface 308 may also operate as a connection to other devices, such as devices that are not network-side devices. Therefore, direct connections between devices / devices without network involvement are possible.

[0129] The processor 302 is connected to each of the other components in order to control their operation.

[0130] Memory 304 may include non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The ROM 312 of memory 304 stores the operating system 315 and may also store software applications 316. Processor 302 uses the RAM 314 of memory 304 to temporarily store data. The operating system 315 may contain code that, when executed by the processor, implements aspects of the methods and processes 70, 80, and 130 described above. Note that in the case of small devices / apparatus, memory may be best suited for small size applications, i.e., hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs) are not always used.

[0131] The processor 302 can take any suitable form. For example, it can be a microcontroller, multiple microcontrollers, a processor, or multiple processors.

[0132] The processing system 300 can be a standalone computer, server, console, or its network. The processing system 300 and the necessary structural components can all be embedded within a device such as an IoT device, i.e., in a very small size.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the processing system 300 may also be associated with external software applications. These may be applications stored on a remote server device / app and may run partially or exclusively on the remote server device / app. These applications may be referred to as cloud-hosted applications. The processing system 300 may communicate with the remote server device / app to utilize the software applications stored there.

[0134] Figure 17 A tangible medium for storing computer-readable code is illustrated, particularly a removable memory unit 365, which, when run by a computer, can execute the methods according to the example embodiments described above. The removable memory unit 365 may be a memory stick, such as a USB flash drive, having internal memory 366 for storing computer-readable code. The computer system can access the internal memory 366 via a connector 367. Other forms of tangible storage media may be used. The tangible medium can be any device / apparatus capable of storing data / information that can be exchanged between devices / apparatus / networks.

[0135] Embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in software, hardware, application logic, or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. The software, application logic, and / or hardware can reside on memory or any computer medium. In example embodiments, the application logic, software, or instruction set is maintained on any of a variety of conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, "memory" or "computer-readable medium" can be any non-transient medium or component that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer.

[0136] In the relevant context, references to “computer-readable medium,” “computer program product,” “tangible computer program,” or “processor” or “processing circuitry” should be understood to encompass not only computer architectures with different architectures, such as single / multiprocessor architectures and sequencer / parallel architectures, but also special-purpose circuits, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices / apparatus, and other devices / apparatus. References to computer programs, instructions, code, etc., should be understood to express software used in programmable processor firmware, such as programmable content of hardware devices / apparatus as processor instructions or configured or configured settings for fixed-function devices / apparatus, gate arrays, programmable logic devices / apparatus, etc.

[0137] If desired, the different functions discussed herein can be executed in different orders and / or simultaneously with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the aforementioned functions can be optional or can be combined. Similarly, it should be understood that... Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 13 The flowchart is merely an example and the various operations depicted therein can be omitted, reordered, and / or combined.

[0138] It should be understood that the above-described exemplary embodiments are purely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention. Other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this specification.

[0139] Furthermore, the disclosure of this application should be understood to include any novel feature or any combination of novel features or any generalization thereof, whether expressly or implicitly disclosed herein, and new claims may be formulated to cover any such feature and / or combination of such features during the examination of this application or any application derived therefrom.

[0140] Although various aspects of the invention are set forth in the independent claims, other aspects of the invention include other combinations of features from the described exemplary embodiments and / or dependent claims with features of the independent claims, and not only combinations expressly set forth in the claims.

[0141] It should also be noted in this document that while various examples have been described above, these descriptions should not be considered limiting. Rather, many changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for communication, comprising components for performing the following operations: Determine the angle of interest radiation space for communication between user equipment and network nodes in a mobile communication system; A positioning metric is obtained for each of a plurality of available antenna configurations for communication between the user equipment and the network node in the radiation space of the angle of interest, wherein the positioning metric is based at least in part on average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for the user equipment; as well as Based on the obtained positioning metrics, one of the plurality of antenna configurations is selected for transmitting positioning signals from the user equipment to the network node or for receiving positioning signals from the network node at the user equipment.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the component for performing the selection of one antenna configuration among the plurality of antenna configurations is configured to: select the antenna configuration among the plurality of antenna configurations having the lowest average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising components for performing the following operations: Determine whether a beam for communication between the user equipment and the network node is identified, and if so, define the angle of interest radiation space as the direction of the beam; if not, define the angle of interest radiation space as a wide beam angle space.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the positioning metric is based on antenna phase center offset vector and variance data that have been measured or simulated in advance.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the positioning metric comprises an average power-weighted antenna phase center offset vector and variance data.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the positioning metric comprises an antenna phase center offset vector and variance data combined into a plurality of single data points.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of single data points comprises the average of an antenna phase center offset vector data point in the relevant angular radiation space and a corresponding antenna phase center offset variance data point.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the positioning metric includes average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for the user equipment for a first polarization, a second polarization, and a combination of the first polarization and the second polarization.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the positioning metric comprises average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for the user equipment for the following: a first combination of a first polarization and a second polarization that are phase-off with respect to each other, and a second combination of the first polarization and the second polarization that are not phase-off with respect to each other.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a component for performing the following operations: Determining whether the power signal level is sufficient for transmitting or receiving the positioning signal using an antenna configuration with single polarization, wherein the component for selecting one of the plurality of antenna configurations makes the selection accordingly.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the positioning metric includes average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for the user equipment in different antenna beam steering directions.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the positioning signal includes at least one of a positioning reference signal and a detection reference signal.

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is the user equipment.

14. A communication method, comprising: Determine the angle of interest radiation space for communication between user equipment and network nodes in a mobile communication system; A positioning metric is obtained for each of a plurality of available antenna configurations for communication between the user equipment and the network node in the radiation space of the angle of interest, wherein the positioning metric is based at least in part on average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for the user equipment; as well as Based on the obtained positioning metric, one of the plurality of antenna configurations is selected for transmitting a positioning signal from the user equipment to the network node or for receiving a positioning signal from the network node at the user equipment.

15. A computer program product comprising computer instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to: Determine the angle of interest radiation space for communication between user equipment and network nodes in a mobile communication system; A positioning metric is obtained for each of a plurality of available antenna configurations for communication between the user equipment and the network node in the radiation space of the angle of interest, wherein the positioning metric is based at least in part on average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for the user equipment; as well as Based on the obtained positioning metric, one of the plurality of antenna configurations is selected for transmitting a positioning signal from the user equipment to the network node or for receiving a positioning signal from the network node at the user equipment.

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