Devices and methods for retrieving and providing phase or phase shift information in particular from a user equipment in a wireless communications network

Abstract

A device and a method for retrieving phase or phase shift information in particular from a user equipment (102) in a wireless communications network (100), wherein the method comprises sending a first message (202) to the user equipment (102) requesting the phase or phase shift information, and receiving a second message (204) comprising the phase or phase shift information. A device (102) and a method in for providing phase or phase shift information in particular to a wireless communications network (100).

Description

[0001] R.414623

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] Title

[0005] Devices and methods for retrieving and providing phase or phase shift information in particular from a user eguipment in a wireless communications network

[0006] Background

[0007] The invention relates to devices and methods for retrieving and providing phase or phase shift information in particular from a user eguipment in a wireless communications network.

[0008] Phase or phase shift information is useful for triangulation of a position in the wireless communications network. The phase or phase shift information is usable in artificial intelligence (Al) or machine learning (ML) models for determining the position.

[0009] Disclosure of the invention

[0010] A method for retrieving phase or phase shift information in particular from a user eguipment in a wireless communications network comprises sending a first message to the user eguipment (for) reguesting the phase or phase shift information, and receiving a second message comprising the phase or phase shift information. This method is the network part of a messaging protocol between the network and the user eguipment. The messaging protocol mitigates increased signal overhead, or computational demands, and provides an efficient exchange of the information between the user eguipment and the network. This selective phase or phase shift information reporting supports advanced AI / ML- based positioning without reguiring extensive changes to established procedures. R.414623

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[0012] By integrating phase or phase shift information into AI / ML positioning models, the messaging protocol allows to use the phase or phase shift information as data input for training and inference, leading to improved model accuracy and reliability. The selective reporting mechanism ensures a balance between accuracy and efficiency, optimizing their performance and efficiency.

[0013] The method may comprise sending a third message to the user equipment (for) requesting an adjustment of a threshold for measuring or reporting the phase or phase shift information. This interface allows adjustments to the threshold for balancing between positioning accuracy and efficiency.

[0014] The method may comprise determining a characteristic of the network, in particular a current network load, and / or a characteristic of the user equipment, in particular a capability of the user equipment, and / or a characteristic of a positioning accuracy requirement, and / or a characteristic of a network management decision, and determining the adjustment depending on the (determined) characteristic(s).

[0015] According to an example, the method comprises determining the characteristic of the positioning accuracy requirement, wherein the characteristic indicates whether the information received in the second message is sufficient or insufficient for achieving the accuracy requirement, and determining the adjustment to lower the threshold upon determining that the characteristic indicates that the information is insufficient and maintaining or increasing the threshold otherwise.

[0016] According to an example, the method comprises determining the characteristic of the network that indicates the current network load, and determining the adjustment to increase the threshold upon determining that the current network load exceeds a network load limit and maintaining or decreasing the threshold otherwise.

[0017] A method in particular in the user equipment for providing phase or phase shift information in particular to the wireless communications network, comprises receiving the first message from the network requesting the phase or phase shift information, and sending the second message comprising the phase or phase R.414623

[0018] - 3 - shift information to the network. This method is the user equipment part of the messaging protocol between the network and the user equipment. This means the messaging protocol concerns the transmission. The phase or phase shift information is already available.

[0019] The method may comprise measuring or reporting the phase or phase shift information in accordance with the threshold, receiving the third message from the network requesting the adjustment of the threshold, adjusting the threshold according to the requested adjustment, and measuring or reporting the phase or phase shift information in accordance with the adjusted threshold.

[0020] A device for retrieving phase or phase shift information in particular from the user equipment in the wireless communications network is configured to execute the method for retrieving.

[0021] A device in particular the user equipment, for providing phase or phase shift information in particular to the wireless communications network is configured to execute the method for providing.

[0022] A computer program may be provided, wherein the computer program comprises computer readable instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer and / or a device, cause the computer and / or the device to perform the method(s) according to the disclosure.

[0023] Some examples relate to a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer and / or a device, cause the computer and / or the device to perform the method(s) according to the disclosure.

[0024] Some examples relate to a data carrier signal carrying and / or characterizing the computer program according to the disclosure.

[0025] Further exemplary embodiments are derived from the following description and the drawing. In the drawing:

[0026] Fig. 1 schematically depicts a wireless communications network, R.414623

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[0028] Fig. 2 depicts a flowchart comprising steps of a method for providing a measurement, in particular for an artificial intelligence or machine learning based positioning of an entity in the communication network.

[0029] Figure 1 schematically depicts a wireless communications network 100, in particular a cellular communication network 100.

[0030] The wireless communications network 100 may be based on and / or adheres at least partially to at least one third generation partnership project, 3GPP, radio standard such as 4G (fourth generation), 5G (fifth generation), or 6G (sixth generation), or to another other radio access technology.

[0031] The wireless communications network 100 is configured to provide a user equipment (UE) 102 access to the communications network 100, in particular to a network entity 104 that provides an artificial intelligence (Al) or machine learning (ML) based positioning function.

[0032] Figure 2 schematically depicts a sequence diagram of a messaging protocol that facilitates the selective exchange of phase information, alongside timing and power data, between the UE 102 and the network 100.

[0033] The design of the messaging protocol facilitates the selective exchange of phase information, alongside timing and power data, between the UE 102 and the network 100. This protocol aims to support the requirements of AI / ML-based positioning systems by providing enriched data inputs without overwhelming the network infrastructure or the UE's 102 processing capabilities.

[0034] The method supports the collection of the necessary data to perform carrier phase positioning. Carrier phase positioning includes the sending of a signal, the measured phase shift, the signaling of this phase information and then the calculation of the pseudo-range once the necessary information, in particular including the measured phase shift, is collected.

[0035] The phase data, in particular including the measured phase shift, may be fed into an Al-based algorithm that is performing the ambiguity resolution and as a result calculates a pseudo-range. In the process, the Al-based algorithm is adapting the R.414623

[0036] - 5 - required input depending on the varying accuracy requirements and network conditions.

[0037] The messaging protocol focuses on the interface between the UE 102 and the network 100, specifically, the network entity 104 that provides an artificial intelligence (Al) or machine learning (ML) based positioning function.

[0038] The messaging protocol supports AI / ML-based positioning systems by integrating phase information into AI / ML models, which enhances the training and inference processes for positioning algorithms. This integration facilitates more accurate and reliable positioning solutions, leveraging the strengths of AI / ML to resolve ambiguities and improve overall system performance.

[0039] Initialization:

[0040] The messaging begins when the network 100 identifies a need for enhanced positioning accuracy.

[0041] The need is for example triggered by an application requirement or a network management decision.

[0042] The network 100 then sends a Phase Information Request (PIR) message 202 to the UE 102, indicating the start of a phase information reporting session.

[0043] PIR Message 202:

[0044] The PIR message 202 contains parameters that define the conditions under which the UE 102 should report phase information. Parameters include the desired accuracy level, environmental context (e.g., urban, suburban, indoor), and any specific signal characteristics of interest. The PIR message 202 serves to activate the UE's 102 selective reporting mechanism without immediately demanding data, allowing the UE 102 to prepare and optimize its sensing and processing capabilities.

[0045] According to an example, the PIR message 202 not only activates the UE's 102 selective reporting mechanism but also includes instructions for integrating the R.414623

[0046] - 6 - reported data into AI / ML models in the AI / ML based positioning function. This ensures that the phase information is utilized effectively in the training and inference processes.

[0047] The PIR message 202 from the network 100 to the UE 102, is a request for a phase information report. The request is sent under specific conditions, ensuring that phase data is only transmitted when it is likely to significantly impact positioning accuracy.

[0048] Selective Phase Information Reporting (SPIR) Message 204:

[0049] Upon receiving the PIR message 202 and under the conditions specified therein, the UE 102 begins to collect and selectively enhance phase information. The SPIR message 204 is structured to include only the most relevant phase information, determined by the UE's 102 internal algorithms based on the criteria specified in the PIR message 202. This selective reporting mechanism ensures that only data with the highest potential impact on positioning accuracy is transmitted, reducing unnecessary network traffic.

[0050] According to an example, the SPIR message 204 enriches the AI / ML model inputs with selectively enhanced phase information, which Al-based algorithms in the AI / ML based positioning function use for ambiguity resolution and positioning accuracy enhancement. This targeted approach maximizes the utility of phase data within the AI / ML framework in the AI / ML based positioning function.

[0051] The SPIR message 204 allows the UE 102 to report selectively enhanced phase information based on predefined criteria, such as signal path relevance and environmental context.

[0052] Adaptive Reporting Threshold Adjustment (ARTA) Message 206:

[0053] Depending on the network's 100 analysis of the received SPIR message 204 or SPIR messages 204 and a current network load, the network 100 may send the ARTA message 206 or ARTA messages 206 to the UE 102. The ARTA message 206 adjusts or the ARTA messages 206 adjust the reporting criteria in real-time, optimizing the balance between data volume and positioning accuracy. R.414623

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[0055] For example, if the network 100 determines that the current data is insufficient for high-accuracy positioning, it may lower the reporting threshold, prompting the UE 102 to send additional phase information.

[0056] According to an example, the ARTA message 206 dynamically adjusts reporting thresholds based on AI / ML model feedback, ensuring continuous optimization of data inputs and enhancing the model's adaptability to changing conditions.

[0057] The ARTA message 206 is sent dynamically from the network 100 to the UE 102 for adjusting the criteria for phase information reporting based on current network load, UE 102 capabilities, and positioning accuracy requirements.

[0058] Session Closure 208:

[0059] Once the network 100 has collected sufficient phase information for accurate positioning or if the application requirement changes, it sends a session closure signal to the UE 102, terminating the phase information reporting session. This mechanism ensures that the UE 102 does not continue to expend resources on collecting and processing phase information unnecessarily.

[0060] The messaging protocol provides an efficient data exchange. By focusing on the selective exchange of phase information, the protocol minimizes unnecessary data transmission, reducing network load and processing requirements on the UE 102.

[0061] The messaging protocol provides dynamic adaptability. The protocol dynamically adjusts reporting thresholds and criteria based on real-time conditions, optimizing the balance between positioning accuracy and system efficiency.

[0062] The messaging protocol provides enhanced positioning accuracy. The selective inclusion of phase information, guided by the novel messaging protocol, enables significant improvements in positioning accuracy for AI / ML-based positioning systems.

[0063] The messaging protocol may relate to signaling in 3GPP in the following way: R.414623

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[0065] Initialization:

[0066] The network 100 sends a PIR message 202 to the UE 102, leveraging existing RRC and LPP signaling frameworks. This PIR message 202 indicates the start of a phase information reporting session, seamlessly integrating with current UE 102 capabilities.

[0067] PIR Message 202:

[0068] The PIR message 202 uses existing parameters and structures defined in 3GPP, e.g., Release 18, extended to include criteria for selective phase information reporting. Parameters encompass desired accuracy level, environmental context (e.g., urban, suburban, indoor), and specific signal characteristics of interest, ensuring compatibility with current UE 102 and network 100 configurations.

[0069] SPIR Message 204:

[0070] The UE 102 utilizes the existing reporting framework to selectively enhance and transmit phase information, adhering to criteria specified in the PIR message 202. This method ensures minimal disruption to current reporting procedures while enriching the data inputs for the AI / ML models.

[0071] ARTA Message 206:

[0072] Building on existing dynamic adjustment mechanisms, the ARTA message 206 refines reporting thresholds in real-time based on network analysis, optimizing the balance between data volume and positioning accuracy without overburdening the network 100 or UE 102.

[0073] According to an exemplary message structure, the PIR Message 202 comprises fields for accuracy requirements, environmental context, signal characteristics of interest, and initial reporting thresholds.

[0074] According to an exemplary message structure, the SPIR Message 204 comprises selectively enhanced phase information, the criteria used for selection (e.g., R.414623

[0075] - 9 - signal path relevance, environmental factors), and any additional context information that supports the phase data.

[0076] According to an exemplary message structure, the ARTA Message 206 Comprises fields for adjusted reporting thresholds and criteria, based on realtime network analysis and conditions.

[0077] The adjustment of the threshold may be in real-time, e.g., to change how frequently the measurement is performed or reported.

[0078] The adjustment of the threshold may be in accordance with a characteristic of the network 100.

[0079] The characteristic of the network 100 for example indicates the current network load. Determining the adjustment may comprise to increase the threshold upon determining that the current network load exceeds a network load limit and maintaining or decreasing the threshold otherwise.

[0080] The adjustment of the threshold may be in accordance with a characteristic of a positioning accuracy requirement. The characteristic of the positioning accuracy requirement for example indicates whether the information received in the second message 204 is sufficient or insufficient for achieving the accuracy requirement.

[0081] The adjustment is for example to lower the threshold upon determining that the characteristic indicates that the information is insufficient and to maintain or increase the threshold otherwise.

[0082] The adjustment of the threshold may be in accordance with a characteristic of the user equipment 102. The characteristic of the user equipment 102 is for example a capability of the user equipment 102, e.g., that defines how frequently measurements can be measured or reported.

[0083] The adjustment of the threshold may be in accordance with a characteristic of a network management decision, e.g., that defines how frequently measurements shall be measured or reported. R.414623

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[0085] The adjustment of the threshold is for example determined depending on the characteristic. Lowering the threshold for example means performing or reporting measurements more frequently than a currently. Increasing the threshold for example means performing or reporting measurements less frequently than currently.

[0086] For example, the user equipment 102 receives the third message 206 from the network 100 requesting the adjustment of the threshold, and adjusts the threshold according to the requested adjustment. Then the user equipment 102 measures or reports the phase or phase shift information in accordance with the adjusted threshold.

Claims

R.414623- 11 -Claims1 . A method for retrieving phase or phase shift information from a user equipment (102) in a wireless communications network (100), characterized in that the method comprises sending a first message (202) to the user equipment (102) requesting the phase or phase shift information, and receiving a second message (204) comprising the phase or phase shift information.

2. The method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the method comprises sending a third message (206) to the user equipment (102) requesting an adjustment of a threshold for measuring or reporting the phase or phase shift information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the method comprises determining a characteristic of the network (100), in particular a current network load, and / or a characteristic of the user equipment (102), in particular a capability of the user equipment (102), and / or a characteristic of a positioning accuracy requirement, and / or a characteristic of a network management decision, and determining the adjustment depending on the characteristic(s).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the method comprises determining the characteristic of the positioning accuracy requirement, wherein the characteristic indicates whether the information received in the second message (204) is sufficient or insufficient for achieving the accuracy requirement, and determining the adjustment to lower the threshold upon determining that the characteristic indicates that the information is insufficient and maintaining or increasing the threshold otherwise.R.414623- 12 -5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the method comprises determining the characteristic of the network (100) that indicates the current network load, and determining the adjustment to increase the threshold upon determining that the current network load exceeds a network load limit and maintaining or decreasing the threshold otherwise.

6. A method in particular in a user equipment (102) for providing phase or phase shift information to a wireless communications network (100), characterized in that the method comprises receiving a first message (202) from the network (100) requesting the phase or phase shift information, and sending a second message (204) comprising the phase or phase shift information to the network (100).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the method comprises measuring or reporting the phase or phase shift information in accordance with a threshold, receiving a third message (206) from the network (100) requesting an adjustment of the threshold, adjusting the threshold according to the requested adjustment, and measuring or reporting the phase or phase shift information in accordance with the adjusted threshold.

8. A device (104) for retrieving phase or phase shift information in particular from a user equipment (102) in a wireless communications network (100), characterized in that the device is configured to execute the method according to one of the claims 1 to 5.

9. A device (102), in particular a user equipment (102), for providing phase or phase shift information in particular to a wireless communications network (100), characterized in that the device is configured to execute the method according to one of the claims 6 or 7.R.414623- 13 -10. A computer program, characterized in that the computer program comprises computer readable instructions that, when executed by a computer and / or the device (104) according to claim 8, cause the computer and / or the device (104) to execute the method according to one of the claims 1 to 5, and / or when executed by a computer and / or the device (102) according to claim 9, cause the computer and / or the device (102) to execute the method according to one of the claims 6 or 7.R.414623- 14 -11 . A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer and / or the device (104) according to claim8, cause the computer and / or the device (104) to execute the method according to one of the claims 1 to 5, and / or - when executed by a computer and / or the device (102) according to claim9, cause the computer and / or the device (102) to execute the method according to one of the claims 6 or 7.

12. A data carrier signal carrying and / or characterizing the computer program of claim 10.

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