Cellular Positioning Reference Signals Across Multiple Frequencies

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of positioning zero-power devices in cellular communication systems is exacerbated by limited power consumption and cost, making it impractical to use large-bandwidth positioning reference signals for measuring Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) or Rx-Tx time difference.

Innovation Solution

The AMP device sends reference signals on multiple frequency domain resources to enable positioning or ranging, utilizing phase features of these signals to determine the device's position or distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If large-bandwidth positioning reference signal is used to measure RSTD or Rx-Tx time difference, then positioning accuracy is improved, but power consumption and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of bandwidth by using multiple frequency domain resources instead of a single large-bandwidth signal. This allows the system to achieve positioning functionality while reducing the bandwidth requirement for each individual reference signal, thereby reducing power consumption and device cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the positioning reference signal into multiple smaller bandwidth components transmitted on different frequency domain resources. Instead of using one large-bandwidth signal, the system divides the positioning function across multiple frequency resources, which reduces the power consumption and cost while maintaining positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional positioning methods are used for zero-power devices, then positioning functionality is achieved, but device cost and power consumption become impractical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning functionalityVSAvoiddevice cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the positioning system by using multiple frequency domain resources with reduced bandwidth requirements. This parameter change enables zero-power devices to perform positioning functions without requiring expensive large-bandwidth signal processing capabilities, making the devices more cost-effective and practical for mass deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If multiple frequency domain resources are used for reference signals, then positioning accuracy is maintained or improved, but signal complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the reference signal structure universal by using a standardized format that can be transmitted across multiple frequency domain resources. This universal structure simplifies the processing complexity because the same signal processing algorithms can be applied to each frequency resource independently, rather than requiring complex handling of a single large-bandwidth signal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4701238A1Wireless communication method and device
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4701238A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4701238A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4701238A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A wireless communication method and a device. The method comprises: an ambient power (AMP) device sends a reference signal on a plurality of frequency domain resources, wherein the reference signal sent on the plurality of frequency domain resources is used for determining the location of the AMP device or a receiving end device of the reference signal; and/or the reference signal sent on the plurality of frequency domain resources is used for determining the distance between the AMP device and the receiving end device of the reference signal.