Multiple RTT Estimation Across Base Stations With Coordinated Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately estimating multiple round-trip times (RTTs) between user equipment (UE) and multiple nodes in wireless networks, particularly in 5G networks, which require enhanced spectral efficiency and reduced latency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining multiple RTTs by sending and receiving RTT measurement signals between a master node and UE, and other nodes, utilizing predefined symbols of a downlink subframe, and adjusting for timing parameters to calculate RTTs between the UE and multiple nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple RTT measurement signals are transmitted between UE and multiple nodes, then RTT estimation accuracy is improved, but system complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RTT measurement process into distinct phases: downlink RTT measurement signal transmission from multiple nodes, uplink RTT response signal transmission from UE, and separate measurement of arrival times at different nodes. This segmentation allows multiple RTT measurements to be performed systematically without overwhelming system complexity, as each phase is handled independently with dedicated resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring RTT measurement resources, including predefined symbols for downlink RTT measurement signals and uplink RTT response signals, before actual RTT estimation is performed. Timing parameters and resource allocations are established in advance, allowing the system to perform multiple RTT measurements without dynamic negotiation overhead during the measurement process.
2Loss of time
If RTT measurement signals are transmitted frequently to reduce latency, then response time is improved, but spectral efficiency deteriorates due to increased signaling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple RTT measurement operations into a coordinated sequence where a single downlink RTT measurement signal from multiple nodes triggers a single uplink RTT response signal from the UE. This merging approach allows the system to obtain multiple RTT measurements (one from each node) through one exchange cycle rather than requiring separate exchanges with each node, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining low latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The uplink RTT response signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acknowledges receipt of the downlink RTT measurement signal, provides timing information for RTT calculation, and enables multiple nodes to independently measure RTT to the UE. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated signaling messages, improving spectral efficiency while maintaining accurate RTT estimation.
3Measurement precision
If timing parameters are adjusted for precise RTT measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having each node and the UE autonomously measure and report their respective arrival times of RTT measurement signals without requiring central coordination for timing adjustment. The UE measures arrival times of downlink RTT measurement signals from multiple nodes, and each node measures arrival time of the uplink RTT response signal, with all measurements performed independently using pre-configured timing parameters. This autonomous measurement approach reduces the complexity of centralized timing management while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for determining round-trip times (RTTs) between a user equipment (UE) and multiple base stations. In an aspect, the UE transmits an RTT measurement signal whose arrival time is measured by each of the base stations, and each of the base stations returns an RTT response signal whose arrival times are measured by the UE. In another aspect, the base stations each transmit an RTT measurement signal and the UE returns an RTT response signal. The receiver of the RTT measurement signal may include the measured arrival time in a payload of the RTT Response signal. Alternatively, the measured arrival time(s) of the RTT Measurement signal(s) and the transmission time(s) of the RTT Response signal(s) are sent in a separate message. The RTT signals can be wideband signals using low reuse resources.