NB-IoT PRS Configuration Across Subframes for Narrowband Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing technologies for NB-IoT lack a detailed method for configuring the time resource in which a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) is transmitted, affecting positioning performance due to interference and limited bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for configuring PRS in an NB-IoT environment by supporting subframe configuration, resource allocation, and sequence configuration, which efficiently maps the PRS to time-frequency resources, reducing interference and improving positioning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If NB-IoT uses a very narrow bandwidth (single Resource Block), then device cost and power consumption are reduced, but positioning performance deteriorates due to limited time-frequency resources for PRS transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends PRS transmission from the frequency dimension (single RB) to the time dimension by utilizing multiple subframes. This allows the system to maintain narrowband operation while securing sufficient resources for accurate positioning measurements through temporal expansion rather than spectral expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic PRS transmission across multiple subframes with specific periodicity patterns. This periodic structure enables the receiver to accumulate positioning measurements over time, improving positioning accuracy while maintaining the narrowband constraint through structured temporal repetition.
2Quantity of substance
If NB-IoT transmits PRS in a single PRB, then bandwidth usage is minimized, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to insufficient time-frequency resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for limited frequency resources by expanding into the time dimension, utilizing multiple subframes for PRS transmission. This dimensional transition allows the system to maintain minimal bandwidth usage while achieving sufficient positioning accuracy through extended temporal observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous PRS transmission across multiple subframes, creating an uninterrupted sequence of positioning reference signals. This continuity allows the receiver to accumulate measurements over an extended period, improving positioning accuracy without requiring additional frequency resources.
3Measurement precision
If more subframes are used for PRS transmission in NB-IoT, then positioning performance improves, but system complexity increases due to detailed subframe configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages complexity by parameterizing the subframe configuration through standardized patterns and periodicity definitions. Rather than individually configuring each subframe, the system uses high-level parameters (periodicity, offset, duration) to control multiple subframes, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining positioning performance.
4Use of energy by moving object
If PRS is transmitted in narrow bandwidth, then device power consumption is reduced, but interference from other signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves PRS transmission from the frequency domain to the time domain by utilizing multiple subframes. This dimensional shift allows the narrowband signal to be separated from concurrent frequency-dependent interference through time-domain orthogonality and periodic structure, reducing interference impact while maintaining low power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specific subframe configuration patterns and periodicity structures as intermediaries between the narrowband transmission constraint and the interference problem. These structured temporal patterns create predictable interference characteristics that can be mitigated through synchronization and averaging techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of processing a positioning reference signal are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes determining a narrow-band (NB) positioning reference signal (PRS) bitmap indicating a pattern selecting NB PRS subframes, wherein each NB PRS subframe comprises an NB PRS for positioning an NB user equipment (UE), transmitting, to the NB UE, NB PRS configuration information for the NB UE, the NB PRS configuration information comprising the NB PRS bitmap, determining, by a reference cell and based on the NB PRS bitmap, NB PRS subframes of the reference cell, mapping, by the reference cell, a first NB PRS in the NB PRS subframes of the reference cell, and receiving, from the NB UE and in response to the first NB PRS, a reference signal time difference (RSTD) measurement.