Dynamic Sidelink PRS Transmission Outside Network Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in providing accurate positioning services for user equipment (UEs) in areas with limited or no network coverage, such as tunnels or urban canyons, where Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals are unavailable, and existing UL/DL positioning methods fail to meet Quality of Service (QoS) requirements.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dynamic activation of anchors or network nodes with Sidelink (SL) functionality to transmit Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) based on UE detection, using RSUs to detect the presence and mobility of UEs via their SL transmissions, and proactively configure SL PRS transmissions along predicted trajectories, enabling efficient positioning even outside network coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Positioning Reference Signals are continuously transmitted by all anchors, then positioning coverage and availability are improved, but energy consumption and network interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic activation and deactivation of Positioning Reference Signal transmissions based on real-time detection of UE presence. Anchors transition between active and inactive states depending on whether UEs are detected in their coverage areas, thereby adapting energy consumption to actual positioning demand while maintaining service availability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables anchors to autonomously detect UE presence through sidelink communications and self-manage their PRS transmission states without continuous network control. This self-service mechanism allows anchors to activate transmissions only when UEs are present, reducing overall network energy consumption while maintaining positioning reliability
2Use of energy by moving object
If Positioning Reference Signals are transmitted only when needed, then energy consumption is reduced, but positioning latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of UE presence through sidelink communications before activating PRS transmissions. By continuously monitoring for UE presence indicators and proactively preparing to activate transmissions when UEs are detected, the system minimizes positioning latency while maintaining energy efficiency, as the activation decision is made rapidly upon detection rather than waiting for positioning requests
3Measurement precision
If more anchors transmit Positioning Reference Signals, then positioning accuracy is improved, but network complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each anchor to independently detect UE presence in its local coverage area and autonomously activate PRS transmissions based on local conditions. This distributed decision-making approach improves positioning accuracy by coordinating multiple local anchors without requiring complex centralized coordination, as each anchor operates independently based on local UE detection while contributing to overall positioning precision
Data Source
AI summary
A method for positioning in a sidelink communication. The method includes detecting, by an anchor component, a presence of at least one user equipment; and activating, by the anchor component, a transmission of a positioning reference signal to the user equipment responsive to the detected presence of the at least one user equipment.