DRX Cycle Alignment with PRS Configurations for 5G Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles in 5G wireless networks often misalign with network-transmitted positioning reference signals (PRS), leading to significant latency in UE positioning measurements and accuracy issues.

Innovation Solution

The method involves configuring UE DRX cycles to match specific PRS configurations, allowing for optimal trade-offs between positioning latency and energy consumption by selecting from predefined PRS configurations based on quality of service (QoS) targets, including high accuracy and low latency, medium accuracy and latency, and low accuracy with high latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If DRX cycles are used to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but positioning measurement latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidpositioning measurement latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the DRX cycle configuration adaptive rather than fixed. The network can dynamically adjust DRX cycle lengths and activate different PRS configurations based on UE positioning requirements and energy state, allowing the system to transition between low-power and high-performance modes as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters including DRX cycle duration, PRS periodicity, and bandwidth configurations. By adjusting these parameters, the system can optimize the balance between energy consumption and positioning latency - longer DRX cycles reduce power usage while shorter PRS periodicities reduce measurement latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If DRX cycles are configured to align with PRS transmissions, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates multi-functional PRS configurations that serve both positioning and energy management purposes. The same DRX-PRS configuration framework handles multiple objectives: reducing power consumption, improving positioning accuracy, and managing network resources, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added alignment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the configuration into standardized templates with predefined DRX cycle-PRS transmission patterns. These segmented configuration templates can be selectively applied based on service requirements, making the complex alignment process manageable through modular configuration rather than custom setup for each case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple PRS configurations are provided for different QoS targets, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes to differentiate between multiple PRS configurations, each optimized for specific QoS targets. By systematically varying key parameters (periodicity, bandwidth, DRX cycle length) across different configurations, the system achieves high adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through consistent parameter families.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs lightweight configuration indicators and compact signaling mechanisms to manage multiple PRS configurations. Rather than maintaining complex full configuration sets, the system uses streamlined indication methods that reference pre-defined configuration templates, reducing the overhead and complexity of managing multiple configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20250105963A1Positioning Reference Signals Configuration based on Discontinuous Reception

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method for a user equipment (UE) for positioning in a radio access network (RAN). The UE receives from a positioning node, a plurality of configurations for positioning reference signals (PRS) transmitted by a RAN node and a mapping between the plurality of PRS configurations and one or more of the following: a plurality of sets of one or more UE discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles, and a plurality of sets of one or more positioning quality of service (pQoS) targets. The UE obtains one of the following based on the mapping: a PRS configuration based on a DRX cycle configured for the UE by the RAN node: or a DRX cycle based on a first pQoS target or on a PRS configuration to be used for positioning measurements; and performs positioning measurements on PRS transmitted by the RAN node according to the obtained PRS configuration and on the DRX cycle.