Beam Ranking for Positioning Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downlink positioning in wireless networks, such as 3G and 4G, faces accuracy degradation due to multipath propagation, where conventional beam management procedures based on reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements may select beams with high RSRP but not corresponding to the shortest distance, leading to inaccurate positioning, especially in scenarios with obstructed line-of-sight directions.
Innovation Solution
A network node device and client device system that transmits a beam ranking indication with specific reference data and criteria for downlink transmission beams, allowing the client device to select beams based on spatial separation, time of flight, and signal quality, and enabling transmission power boosting for selected beams to improve positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beams are selected based on RSRP measurements, then signal quality is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to multipath propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the beam selection parameter from RSRP (signal strength) to spatial separation metrics such as angle of arrival (AoA) and time of flight (ToF). This parameter change allows the system to select beams based on geometric properties rather than signal strength, thereby avoiding multipath interference while maintaining reliable signal quality through power boosting on selected beams.
2Measurement precision
If spatially separated beams are prioritized for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but signal quality may deteriorate due to lower RSRP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by applying transmission power boosting specifically to the spatially separated beams selected for positioning, rather than uniformly boosting all beams. This targeted approach enhances signal quality only where needed (on the selected positioning beams) while maintaining the spatial separation benefit for accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node performs preliminary beam ranking based on spatial separation criteria before actual positioning measurements. This preliminary action identifies the optimal spatially separated beams in advance, allowing the system to prepare appropriate power boosting strategies to ensure sufficient signal quality on these selected beams.
3Measurement precision
If beam ranking criteria include multiple parameters (spatial separation, time of flight, signal quality), then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam ranking process into distinct stages: first ranking beams based on spatial separation (angular resolvability), then applying power boosting to enhance signal quality on selected beams. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple parameters in a structured manner, reducing computational complexity compared to simultaneously optimizing all parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, methods and computer program products for beam ranking for positioning purposes are disclosed. A network node device transmits to a client device a beam ranking indication comprising beam specific first reference data and beam ranking criteria for positioning for downlink transmission beams between the network node device and the client device. In response to a received downlink transmission beam selection indication indicating a downlink transmission beam selected by the client device based on the transmitted beam ranking indication, the network node device transmits second reference data to the client device with at least one downlink transmission beam according to the received downlink transmission beam selection indication.