Aperiodic Positioning Reference Signal Triggering in 5G Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, face challenges in accurately triggering aperiodic or semi-periodic positioning reference signals (PRS) for precise UE positioning, which affects the efficiency and accuracy of location services.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a mechanism to dynamically trigger aperiodic or semi-periodic positioning reference signals (PRS) based on specific conditions or requests, allowing for more precise and efficient positioning procedures in wireless communication systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If periodic positioning reference signals are transmitted continuously, then positioning coverage is improved, but signaling overhead and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning coverageVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements semi-persistent positioning reference signals that are transmitted periodically only when needed, rather than continuously. The network can activate or deactivate these signals based on positioning requirements, creating a periodic transmission pattern that balances coverage availability with energy savings during non-positioning periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic triggering mechanisms where the positioning reference signal transmission is activated or deactivated based on real-time positioning requests. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt transmission behavior to actual needs, improving energy efficiency while maintaining positioning capability when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If aperiodic positioning reference signals are triggered on-demand, then energy efficiency is improved, but positioning latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidpositioning latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-configures positioning reference signal resources and parameters before actual positioning requests occur. By having resources ready in advance but not actively transmitting until needed, the system can quickly activate transmissions when positioning is required, reducing latency while maintaining energy efficiency during non-positioning periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If positioning reference signal transmission is activated frequently, then positioning accuracy is improved, but network signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and separates the positioning reference signal transmission from continuous periodic transmission, activating it only when positioning requests are received. This selective activation reduces unnecessary signaling overhead while maintaining the ability to provide accurate positioning when needed, by transmitting signals only in response to actual positioning demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4190053B1Triggering of an aperiodic or semi-periodic positioning reference signal procedure

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 QUALCOMM INC

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AI summary

In an aspect, a UE obtains a plurality of positioning reference signal (PRS) configurations. The UE receives, from a BS, an L1 or L2 message that indicates one of the plurality of PRS configurations, which in turn triggers an aperiodic or semi-periodic PRS procedure in accordance with the indicated PRS configuration.