Beam-Switching Capability Indication for mmW Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems, particularly those using beamforming at high frequency bands like mmW, face significant propagation loss and challenges in positioning due to heavy path-loss, which existing methods are not adequately equipped to handle.
Innovation Solution
A method where user equipment (UE) determines and communicates its beam-switching capabilities to a network node, allowing for optimized transmission and reception of signals across multiple beams, enhancing positioning accuracy by indicating the number of beam switches supported per slot based on slot type and other capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beamforming is used to address propagation loss in mmW systems, then signal coverage and throughput are improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to inability to distinguish LOS from NLOS paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam measurement information into different categories (LOS-indicative beams and NLOS-indicative beams) and processes them separately. The positioning function is divided into multiple stages: beam measurement, beam classification, and positioning calculation, allowing distinct handling of different path types to maintain positioning accuracy while using beamforming for coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality assessment criteria to different beams based on their characteristics. LOS-indicative beams are evaluated using timing-based metrics (RSTD, ToA), while NLOS-indicative beams are evaluated using signal strength metrics (RSRP). This local quality differentiation enables accurate positioning by selecting appropriate measurement criteria for each beam type.
2Device complexity
If traditional positioning methods are used in beamformed networks, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to heavy path-loss at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic beam switching capabilities where the UE can switch between different beams and the network can dynamically select which beams to use for positioning measurements. The system adapts beam selection based on slot type, UE capability, and measured signal conditions, enabling accurate positioning in mmW environments while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beam measurement information as an intermediary between the raw RF signals and the positioning calculation. This intermediary layer processes beam-specific measurements (RSRP, RSTD, ToA) and provides classified beam information to the positioning function, bridging the gap between beamformed transmissions and traditional positioning algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If the number of beam switches per slot is increased to improve positioning accuracy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of beam-switching capability from a fixed system limitation to a configurable UE capability that can be indicated to the network. The network adjusts the number of beam switches per slot based on UE capability indication, slot type (DL/UL/Flexible), and positioning accuracy requirements, optimizing the balance between positioning accuracy and device complexity.
4Loss of information
If beam switching capability is not indicated to the network, then signaling overhead is reduced, but the network cannot optimize transmission for the UE's capabilities leading to reduced spectral efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs self-assessment of its beam-switching capability and autonomously indicates this capability to the network. The network uses this self-provided information to optimize beam switching configuration without requiring extensive network-side measurement or complex negotiation, minimizing signaling overhead while enabling capability-based optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for enhanced positioning methods that are suitable for use in a wireless network that utilizes beamformed communication. More particularly, a user equipment (UE) may determine a capability for a number of beam switches that the UE supports per slot for one or more slot types and transmit, to a network node, capability information indicating the capability for the number of beam switches that the UE supports per slot in slots having the one or more slot types. As such, the network node may transmit and the UE may receive one or more signals across a number of beams based on the capability indicated in the capability information for the number of beam switches per slot based on a slot type associated with a slot in which the one or more signals are transmitted.