Directional PRS Beamforming for Multipath-Resilient Mobile Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination methods for mobile devices in wireless networks are impaired by errors and multipath effects, leading to reduced accuracy in positioning due to reflections and scattering of PRS signals by obstacles.
Innovation Solution
Generating and transmitting directional positioning reference signals (PRS) with unique signal characteristics and directions using controllable antenna arrays to beamform each PRS, enabling accurate location determination through methods like OTDOA, AOD, and ECID.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) are transmitted omnidirectionally to cover all areas, then location coverage is improved, but location accuracy deteriorates due to multipath effects from signal reflections and scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the omnidirectional PRS transmission into multiple directional beams, each covering a specific spatial sector. By dividing the coverage area into discrete directional segments, the system can transmit focused PRS signals along specific paths, reducing the impact of multipath effects while maintaining comprehensive area coverage through coordinated transmission from multiple base stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by transmitting PRS signals with direction-specific characteristics tailored to each spatial sector. Each directional PRS beam is optimized for its specific transmission path and coverage area, allowing the system to adapt signal properties locally to mitigate multipath effects in specific directions while maintaining overall network coverage.
2Measurement precision
If directional beamforming is implemented to improve location accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to controllable antenna arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal beamforming capabilities that serve multiple functions: positioning, timing synchronization, and channel estimation. The controllable antenna arrays are designed to perform directional PRS transmission while also supporting standard cellular communication functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated hardware and lowering overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic beamforming where the antenna array configuration can be adjusted in real-time based on mobile device locations, network conditions, and required precision levels. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to achieve high measurement precision only when and where needed, rather than maintaining maximum complexity continuously, thus optimizing the trade-off between accuracy and device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances location accuracy by mitigating multipath effects and improving measurement precision through unique directional PRS transmission, facilitating precise positioning of mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting the each of the plurality of directional PRSs within the at least one cell, such that each of the plurality of directional PRSs is transmitted in the direction of transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for positioning of a mobile device in a wireless network using directional positioning reference signals (PRS), also referred to as PRS beamforming. In an example method, a plurality of directional PRSs are generated for at least one cell for a base station, such that each of the plurality of directional PRSs comprises at least one signal characteristic and a direction of transmission, either or both of which may be distinct or unique. The plurality of directional PRSs is transmitted within the at least one cell, such that each of the plurality of directional PRSs is transmitted in the direction of transmission. A mobile device may acquire and measure at least one of the directional PRSs which may be identified using the associated signal characteristic. The measurement may be used to assist position methods such as OTDOA and ECID and to mitigate multipath.