Multi-Cell Reference Signal Configuration for Inactive Terminal Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The frequent transition of terminals to a connected state to obtain valid SRS configuration due to TA validation failures in the inactive state leads to high power consumption and reduced battery life.

Innovation Solution

A method for configuring uplink positioning reference signals that extends their validity across multiple cells, using indication and configuration information to manage resources and reduce the need for frequent state transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the terminal frequently transitions to connected state to obtain valid SRS configuration, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network device pre-configures multiple valid SRS configurations corresponding to different cells before the terminal needs positioning. When the terminal is in inactive state, it can directly use these pre-configured SRS resources without needing to transition to connected state, thus maintaining positioning accuracy while reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of SRS configuration validity from single-cell to multi-cell scope. By extending the validity range of SRS configuration across multiple cells, the terminal can maintain positioning functionality while staying in inactive state, avoiding frequent state transitions and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the terminal frequently transitions to connected state to obtain valid SRS configuration, then positioning functionality is maintained, but battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning functionalityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network device provides multiple valid SRS configurations in advance, allowing the terminal to maintain positioning functionality throughout its battery cycle without frequent reconnections. The terminal can switch between pre-configured SRS resources based on current cell, ensuring continuous positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The SRS configuration is designed to be universally valid across multiple cells rather than being cell-specific. This multi-functionality allows the terminal to use the same SRS configuration regardless of which cell it is currently in, maintaining positioning reliability while extending battery life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the SRS configuration is valid only for a single cell, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but the terminal must frequently reconnect when moving between cells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration complexityVSAvoidpositioning continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the scope parameter of SRS configuration from single-cell to multi-cell validity. Each SRS configuration is associated with multiple cell identifiers, allowing the terminal to use the same configuration across different cells without increasing overall system complexity, thus maintaining positioning continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the SRS configuration into multiple valid configurations, each associated with specific cells. The terminal selects the appropriate configuration based on current cell identification, maintaining manageable complexity while ensuring positioning continuity during mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Use of energy by moving object

If the terminal remains in inactive state to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but positioning accuracy may deteriorate due to TA validation failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The network device pre-configures multiple valid SRS configurations with associated timing advance parameters before the terminal enters inactive state. The terminal can perform TA validation using these pre-configured parameters while remaining in inactive state, maintaining positioning accuracy without the power penalty of frequent connected state transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4686133A1Reference signal configuration method, terminal, network device and storage medium

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 CHINA MOBILE COMM GRP CO LTD

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AI summary

A reference signal configuration method, a terminal, a network device, and a storage medium are provided in embodiments of the present disclosure. The method includes: receiving first information sent by a network, wherein the first information includes at least one of the followings: first indication information, used to determine an uplink positioning reference signal resource for transmitting, by the terminal in an inactive state, an uplink positioning reference signal; second indication information, used to indicate at least one cell; first configuration information, used to configure at least one uplink positioning reference signal resource for the at least one cell; or second configuration information, used to configure at least one downlink reference signal resource for the at least one cell.