5G NR UE Positioning Using Uplink Angle of Arrival

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing positioning methods in 5G NR systems are inadequate as they rely solely on uplink time difference of arrival (UTDOA) and lack high-precision positioning solutions, necessitating alternative approaches.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize uplink angle of arrival (UAOA) measurements from multiple network elements to determine the location of user equipment (UE) in a 5G NR system, reducing signaling overheads and enhancing accuracy by using uplink angles of arrival without additional parameters like uplink timing advance (TA).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If uplink time difference of arrival (UTDOA) measurement is used for positioning, then positioning procedure can be implemented in LTE system, but positioning precision is insufficient for 5G NR system requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidpositioning method applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from time difference of arrival to angle of arrival (AOA). By measuring the angle at which uplink reference signals arrive at multiple network elements, the system achieves higher positioning precision suitable for 5G NR requirements while maintaining broad applicability across different network configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the time-based positioning mechanism with an angle-based positioning mechanism. Instead of measuring signal arrival times and calculating position from time differences, the system measures signal arrival angles using antenna arrays and applies geometric methods to determine position, achieving superior precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple positioning parameters are measured to improve positioning accuracy, then positioning precision can be enhanced, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and uses only the angle of arrival parameter from the received reference signals, discarding the need for additional positioning parameters like uplink timing advance. By focusing on a single measurement type (AOA) from existing uplink signals, the system achieves high positioning accuracy without increasing signaling overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the existing uplink reference signals serve multiple functions: both for normal communication and for positioning measurements. The same reference signals used for channel estimation and communication are also used for AOA measurement, eliminating the need for separate positioning signals and reducing overall signaling overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3855818B1Positioning method and device
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3855818B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3855818B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3855818B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Embodiments of this application disclose a positioning method and a device, and relate to the communications field. In a 5G NR system, UE may be positioned only by measuring an uplink angle of arrival. The method includes: obtaining, by a location management function network element, a positioning measurement parameter set, where the positioning measurement parameter set at least includes at least two uplink angles of arrival that are obtained by measuring a reference signal sent by a terminal device; and determining, by the location management function network element, a location of the terminal device based on the at least two uplink angles of arrival in the positioning measurement parameter set.