Aperiodic, Semi-Persistent PRS Activation for Lower-Latency 5G NR Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G NR positioning methods lack the ability to efficiently activate aperiodic and semi-persistent positioning reference signals (PRS) on demand, leading to inefficiencies and increased latency in UE location determination.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where a base station transmits a mapping of code points to activate aperiodic or semi-persistent PRSs from multiple TRPs, using DCI for aperiodic PRS and MAC-CE for semi-persistent PRS, and introducing a measurement bandwidth part (M-BWP) for PRS measurements to reduce latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If periodic PRS configuration is used, then positioning capability is maintained, but on-demand positioning efficiency is reduced and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static periodic PRS configuration into a dynamic on-demand activation mechanism. The network can dynamically activate aperiodic or semi-persistent PRS transmissions based on actual positioning needs, allowing the system to adapt between periodic and on-demand modes flexibly, thereby reducing latency when positioning is required without maintaining continuous transmission overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of PRS transmission from fixed periodic intervals to variable on-demand timing. By introducing aperiodic and semi-persistent PRS modes with configurable activation timing and duration, the system can adjust transmission parameters dynamically based on positioning requests, achieving faster response times while maintaining positioning accuracy
2Productivity
If aperiodic or semi-persistent PRS activation is implemented, then on-demand positioning efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PRS activation mechanism into distinct components: code point mapping for signal identification, separate activation indications for aperiodic and semi-persistent modes, and dedicated timing information elements. This segmentation allows each component to be managed independently, simplifying the overall complexity while enabling flexible on-demand activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces code points as intermediaries between the network and UE for PRS activation. These code points serve as compact identifiers that map to specific PRS configurations, simplifying the signaling process and reducing the complexity of direct configuration messages while maintaining the ability to activate multiple PRS types on demand
3Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are used for PRS measurement, then positioning can be performed, but measurement time is extended and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring aperiodic or semi-persistent PRS transmissions to occur immediately or shortly after activation indication, rather than waiting for scheduled measurement gaps. The network can prepare and transmit PRS signals in advance or on-demand, allowing the UE to perform measurements without waiting for periodic gap openings, thereby reducing measurement latency while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the fixed periodic measurement gap structure with flexible aperiodic and semi-persistent PRS transmission patterns. This allows measurements to be performed at optimal times based on actual positioning needs rather than being constrained by rigid periodic schedules, reducing the time required for positioning while maintaining measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
A base station of a network is configured to transmit a first indication to a user equipment (UE) of a mapping of code points, wherein each code point maps to one or more corresponding aperiodic or semi-persistent positioning reference signals (PRS) to be transmitted from one or more transmission and reception points (TRP), transmit a second indication to the UE of a first one of the mapped code points to activate the one or more corresponding PRSs for reception at the UE and transmit the one or more activated PRSs to the UE.