Multi-Radio Positioning Using a Low-Power Wake-Up Radio

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and latency during positioning and radio frequency sensing operations due to the assumption of a single radio configuration, which limits the utilization of low-power wake-up radios for reduced power consumption and monitoring in sleep modes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a multi-radio user equipment (UE) with a main radio and a low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR) to monitor wake-up signals while the main radio is in sleep mode, allowing for flexible and mixed-radio specific resource configurations for positioning and RF sensing operations, enabling on-demand resource set configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single radio configuration is used for positioning and RF sensing operations, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption increases and latency is worsened due to inability to utilize low-power wake-up radios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio configuration complexityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The radio system is segmented into two distinct components: a main radio for full-function communication and a low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR) for monitoring and positioning. This segmentation allows each radio to be optimized for its specific function, with the LP-WUR consuming significantly less power while the main radio can enter sleep mode during positioning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic radio resource configuration where the system can flexibly switch between using the main radio and LP-WUR for positioning operations based on current operational requirements. This dynamic allocation allows the system to adapt power consumption levels to actual needs, reducing overall energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single radio configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but latency increases during positioning operations due to inability to monitor in sleep mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio configuration complexityVSAvoidpositioning latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the radio functions into main radio and LP-WUR, the system enables continuous monitoring capability through the LP-WUR even when the main radio is in sleep mode. This segmentation allows positioning operations to proceed without waking the main radio, thereby reducing latency while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The LP-WUR acts as an intermediary that handles positioning and monitoring tasks during periods when the main radio is inactive. This intermediary component bridges the gap between sleep mode operation and continuous monitoring requirements, enabling low-latency positioning without requiring the main radio to remain active.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If low-power wake-up radio is utilized for positioning operations, then power consumption is reduced, but resource configuration complexity increases due to mixed-radio specific resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidresource configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal resource configuration framework that can accommodate both main radio and LP-WUR operations. The resource configuration is designed to be multi-functional, supporting positioning, sensing, and communication tasks across different radio types, thereby managing complexity through standardized interfaces and procedures.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes resource allocation parameters based on which radio is active. When LP-WUR is used for positioning, specific resource parameters are adjusted to match its capabilities, while maintaining compatibility with main radio operations when needed. This parameter-based flexibility manages configuration complexity while enabling power-efficient operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If flexible and mixed-radio specific resource configurations are implemented, then positioning and RF sensing capabilities are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning and RF sensing capabilityVSAvoidresource configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resource configuration system is designed with universal principles that allow the same framework to support multiple radio types and multiple functions (positioning, sensing, communication). This multi-functionality is achieved through standardized resource allocation procedures that adapt to different radio capabilities without requiring separate complex configuration systems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic resource configuration that adapts to current operational needs and available radio resources. Rather than requiring complex static configurations for all possible scenarios, the system dynamically adjusts resource allocation based on which radio is active and what operations are required, thereby enhancing capability while managing complexity through runtime adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12593273B2Cross-radio configuration for positioning and sensing
Publication Date: 2026.03.31 QUALCOMM INC
  • US12593273B2 patent drawing
  • US12593273B2 patent drawing
  • US12593273B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques are provided for configuring a multi-radio user equipment (UE) for positioning or radio frequency (RF) sensing operations. An example method for obtaining radio frequency signal measurements based on a cross-radio downlink resource includes receiving radio resource configuration information including one or more radio resources configured to be received by a low-power wake-up radio or a main radio, selecting the low-power wake-up radio or the main radio to receive a radio frequency signal based on the radio resource configuration information, and obtaining one or more measurements based on the radio frequency signal.