Beacon Position Reference Signal Configuration for Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing OTDOA solutions face limitations in positioning accuracy due to resource constraints and high deployment costs of network nodes for PRS transmission, as the primary nodes are designed for data transmission rather than positioning, and the number of deployed nodes may not be sufficient for accurate location detection.

Innovation Solution

Deploying low-cost, low-complexity beacons that broadcast position reference signals, which are configured and controlled by a network control node to transmit their geographical location and PRS configuration information, allowing for central management and coordination with other nodes to reduce interference and enhance positioning accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If more network nodes are deployed for PRS transmission to improve positioning accuracy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but deployment costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidnetwork node complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by deploying low-cost beacons instead of expensive, complex network nodes for PRS transmission. These beacons are simple devices that can be deployed in large numbers without significant capital investment, providing the necessary positioning reference signals while keeping individual unit costs low and total deployment expenses manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses this principle by having beacons transmit PRS signals that are copies of the positioning reference signals normally transmitted by network nodes. This allows the positioning function to be replicated using simpler devices that don't require full network node capabilities, reducing complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If more network nodes are deployed for PRS transmission to improve positioning accuracy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but deployment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddeployment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by deploying low-cost beacons instead of expensive, complex network nodes for PRS transmission. These beacons are simple devices that can be deployed in large numbers without significant capital investment, providing the necessary positioning reference signals while keeping individual unit costs low and total deployment expenses manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If beacons broadcast PRS signals without central coordination, then deployment is simpler and faster, but signal interference increases and positioning accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by implementing a configuration management mechanism where beacons report their deployment status and received PRS signals to a network controller, which then provides feedback with optimized configuration parameters. This closed-loop control allows the system to maintain high positioning accuracy by coordinating beacon transmissions while preserving the simplicity and speed of beacon deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If beacons transmit PRS signals with high power to improve detection reliability, then signal detection reliability is improved, but interference to other signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal detection reliabilityVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by dynamically adjusting PRS transmission parameters including power level, time slots, and frequency resources based on network conditions and interference levels. The network controller optimizes these parameters to ensure sufficient signal detection reliability while minimizing interference to other communications, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions without fixed high-power transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11343788B2Transmission of position reference signals within wireless telecommunication network
Publication Date: 2022.05.24 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • US11343788B2 patent drawing
  • US11343788B2 patent drawing
  • US11343788B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method performed at a beacon for broadcasting position reference signals and a method performed at a network control node, a beacon, a network control node and a computer program are disclosed. The method performed at the beacon comprises: transmitting a network access signal indicative of a geographical location of the beacon; receiving a network control signal from a network control node, the network control signal comprising a configuration control signal indicative of configuration information for broadcast of the position reference signals; and broadcasting position reference signals in accordance with the configuration information.