Antenna Configuration Selection for Accurate Mobile Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication systems face challenges in selecting optimal antenna configurations for accurate positioning due to dynamic phase centre offsets and variances, which affect timing errors and signal quality in positioning reference signals.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining an angular radiation space of interest and obtaining positioning metrics based on antenna phase centre offset vector and variance data to select the best antenna configuration for sending or receiving positioning signals, considering factors like beam steering, polarization, and power signal levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple antenna configurations are available for positioning communications, then positioning accuracy can be improved by selecting optimal configurations, but device complexity increases due to the need to evaluate multiple configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores positioning metrics for multiple antenna configurations before actual positioning operations. These metrics, which include phase centre offset vectors and variances, are computed in advance and stored for quick retrieval during positioning, eliminating the need for real-time complex calculations when selecting antenna configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex real-time mechanical/electrical evaluation of antenna configurations with a data-processing approach. Instead of physically testing or complexly evaluating each antenna configuration during positioning, the system uses pre-computed positioning metrics stored in memory, substituting physical evaluation with information retrieval and comparison.
2Measurement precision
If antenna phase centre offset variations are considered for positioning metric calculation, then positioning accuracy improves, but calculation complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates positioning metrics that incorporate antenna phase centre offset vectors and variances for all available antenna configurations before positioning operations begin. These comprehensive metrics are stored in memory for rapid access during actual positioning, avoiding complex real-time calculations while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified representations (copies) of complex antenna behavior through positioning metrics. Instead of directly using complex phase centre offset variations in real-time calculations, the system creates pre-computed metric values that capture the essential positioning characteristics, making the data manageable and easy to process during positioning operations.
3Measurement precision
If beam steering directions are evaluated for antenna configuration selection, then positioning accuracy in specific directions improves, but the time required for configuration selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-evaluates positioning metrics for all beam steering directions and antenna configurations before positioning operations. The positioning metrics are calculated in advance for different beam directions and stored in memory, enabling rapid selection of optimal configurations during actual positioning without time-consuming real-time evaluations.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method and computer program is described comprising: determining an angular radiation space of interest for communications between a user device 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 device and the network node in the angular radiation space of interest, wherein said positioning metrics are based, at least in part, on average antenna phase center offset vector data and phase center offset variance data for the user device; and selecting one of said plurality of antenna configurations, based on the obtained positioning metrics, for sending positioning signals from the user device to the network node or for receiving positioning signals at the user device from the network node.