Antenna Array Phase Compensation for Broad Beam Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile communication systems face challenges in achieving accurate positioning due to dynamic antenna array phase center offsets, which compromise centimeter-level accuracy in broad beam configurations, particularly in 5G networks.

Innovation Solution

A network-assisted procedure for dynamic antenna array phase deviation compensation, where user equipment (UE) reports time of departure compensation values and estimated accuracy values to a serving gNB and/or location management function (LMF), enabling precise calibration of positioning calculations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If broad beam configurations are used in 5G networks, then coverage area and signal robustness are improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to dynamic antenna array phase center offsets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the phase deviation compensation values based on beam index, angle of arrival, and antenna array configuration. The network node calculates and signals compensation parameters that correct the phase center offsets specific to each broad beam configuration, enabling centimeter-level positioning accuracy while maintaining broad beam coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical/mechanical phase alignment adjustments with signal processing-based compensation. Instead of physically repositioning antenna elements or mechanically adjusting phase centers, the system uses computational methods to calculate and apply phase deviation compensation values, substituting mechanical alignment with electronic correction.

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

2Measurement precision

If dynamic antenna array phase deviation compensation is implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional calculation and signaling requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and signaling the phase deviation compensation values to the user equipment before positioning measurements are taken. The network node determines the compensation parameters based on the broad beam configuration and signals them in advance, allowing the UE to apply corrections without real-time computational burden during the positioning measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network node acts as a mediator that calculates the complex phase deviation compensation values and provides them to the user equipment. This intermediary approach centralizes the computational complexity in the network node, simplifying the UE's processing requirements while maintaining high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If centimeter-level positioning accuracy is achieved through phase deviation compensation, then positioning performance is improved, but signaling overhead increases due to transmission of compensation values and accuracy information

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by transmitting phase deviation compensation values and accuracy information specifically tailored to each broad beam configuration and user equipment scenario. Rather than universal signaling, the compensation parameters are localized to specific beams, angles of arrival, and antenna configurations, reducing redundant signaling while maintaining precision where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4726434A2Dynamic antenna array angular phase deviation compensation for broad beam positioning
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4726434A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4726434A2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4726434A2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, comprising: transmitting, by a user equipment, an indication of a capability to report one or more time of departure compensation values for one or more reference signals, wherein the one or more time of departure compensation values are associated with a positioning procedure; determining the one or more time of departure compensation values for the one or more reference signals; and transmitting a report that comprises the one or more time of departure compensation values for the one or more reference signals.