5G UE Positioning via Multi-TRP PRS Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless networks face challenges in efficiently managing resources and providing acceptable bandwidth and response times due to multiple devices sharing resources, with limitations from communication protocols and hardware bandwidth, especially when operating with both new and legacy protocols.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of advanced network architectures, including 3GPP, 5G, and New Radio networks, that utilize advanced signaling methods and positioning reference signals to optimize resource allocation and user positioning, allowing for efficient communication across diverse devices and protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices share the same wireless network resources, then network coverage and device connectivity are improved, but resource contention and bandwidth limitations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments wireless resources by introducing multiple Transmission Reception Points (TRPs) that independently transmit Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) on different time-frequency resources. This segmentation allows multiple user equipment to simultaneously perform positioning measurements without contending for the same resources, thereby improving both device connectivity and resource availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends positioning capability from traditional two-dimensional GPS-based positioning to three-dimensional positioning by utilizing vertical deployment of multiple TRPs at different heights and locations. This dimensional expansion enables more accurate positioning while distributing the positioning load across multiple TRPs, reducing resource contention.
2Measurement precision
If user equipment performs positioning measurements using PRS from multiple TRPs, then positioning accuracy is improved, but measurement complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network configures user equipment with advance information about multiple TRP locations, PRS transmission timing, and resource allocations before positioning measurements begin. This preliminary configuration enables UE to efficiently plan and execute measurements across multiple TRPs without real-time decision complexity, reducing processing burden while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
3Reliability
If positioning reference signals are transmitted from multiple TRPs simultaneously, then positioning reliability is improved, but signal interference and resource conflict worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of Positioning Reference Signals from multiple TRPs in a coordinated manner, where each TRP transmits PRS in alternating time slots or according to a predefined periodic pattern. This periodic transmission ensures that positioning measurements can be performed reliably from multiple TRPs while avoiding simultaneous transmission conflicts and reducing signal interference.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a Next Generation Node-B (gNB) and User Equipment (UE) are generally described herein. The gNB may transmit control signaling to configure transmission of position reference signals (PRSs) by a plurality of transmit-receive points (TRPs). The gNB may receive, from the UE, for each of the TRPs, a set of signal location parameters (SLPs). The gNB may perform an iterative process to estimate a position of the UE. For a current iteration, the gNB may: determine a current estimate of the position of the UE based on a current plurality of sets of SLPs; and determine a cost function for each of the current plurality of sets of SLPs. The gNB may determine, based on the cost functions, a next plurality of sets of SLPs for a next estimate of the position of the UE.