Carrier Phase Measurement Position Estimation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately determining the position of user equipment (UEs) due to limitations in supporting carrier phase measurements of positioning reference signals (PRSs) at multiple carrier frequencies.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where a wireless node determines its capability to support carrier phase measurements of PRSs at one or more carrier frequencies and transmits this capability to a position estimation entity. The position estimation entity then sends a message to the UE, which selects a subset of wireless nodes for a carrier phase measurement-based PRS procedure and performs the necessary measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If carrier phase measurements of PRSs are performed at multiple carrier frequencies, then position estimation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and measurement processing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition estimation accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement support capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the carrier phase measurement process by introducing separate measurement quantities (RPhi and TPhi) for different frequency directions (uplink and downlink). This segmentation allows the system to handle multi-frequency measurements in a structured manner, managing complexity while maintaining accuracy. The position estimation is then performed separately for each frequency and combined to achieve high-precision results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary measurement quantities (RPhi for downlink carrier phase and TPhi for uplink carrier phase) that serve as mediators between the raw PRS measurements and the final position estimation. These intermediaries simplify the processing by breaking down the complex multi-frequency measurement problem into manageable components that can be processed independently and then combined.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If carrier phase measurements are performed at multiple carrier frequencies, then position estimation accuracy is improved, but measurement processing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition estimation accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement processing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the carrier phase measurement process by introducing separate measurement quantities (RPhi and TPhi) for different frequency directions (uplink and downlink). This segmentation allows the system to handle multi-frequency measurements in a structured manner, managing complexity while maintaining accuracy. The position estimation is then performed separately for each frequency and combined to achieve high-precision results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary measurement quantities (RPhi for downlink carrier phase and TPhi for uplink carrier phase) that serve as mediators between the raw PRS measurements and the final position estimation. These intermediaries simplify the processing by breaking down the complex multi-frequency measurement problem into manageable components that can be processed independently and then combined.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If capability indication for carrier phase measurements is transmitted, then adaptability of positioning system is improved, but communication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning system adaptabilityVSAvoidcommunication overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having wireless nodes pre-indicate their capability to support carrier phase measurements of PRS before the actual positioning procedure begins. This capability indication allows the position estimation entity to plan and configure the measurement procedure in advance, optimizing resource allocation and reducing unnecessary communication overhead during the actual positioning process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by enabling the positioning system to adjust its operation based on the indicated capabilities of wireless nodes. The position estimation entity can dynamically select which nodes participate in carrier phase measurements and configure appropriate measurement parameters, optimizing the balance between positioning accuracy and communication overhead based on real-time capability information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250193839A1Carrier phase measurement-based position estimation

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Disclosed are techniques for communication. In an aspect, a wireless node transmits an indication of a capability of the wireless node to support carrier phase measurements of positioning reference signals (PRSs) at one or more carrier frequencies for position estimation of user equipments (UEs). In an aspect, a position estimation entity receives the indication and transmits a message associated with carrier phase measurement-based PRS procedure of a UE. In an aspect, the UE receives the message and determines a subset of plurality of wireless nodes for a carrier phase measurement-based PRS procedure. In an aspect, the UE transmits at least one measurement report associated with the carrier phase measurement-based PRS procedure to a position estimation entity.