Neighbor-Cell PRS Beam Refinement for FR2 Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In FR2 systems, the hearability of positioning reference signals (PRS) from neighboring cells is challenging due to the lack of RRC connection, leading to inefficient and wasteful use of network resources and computing power, and existing beam refinement methods are limited to the serving cell.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic and on-demand PRS transmission with beam refinement for neighboring cells using a dual-level threshold to determine the need for beam refinement, allowing for efficient allocation of PRS resources based on UE detection capabilities and network signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PRS transmission is performed to neighboring cells without beam refinement, then network resource allocation is simplified, but measurement accuracy and UE detection capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The UE autonomously determines whether beam refinement is needed by comparing PRS measurement results against thresholds and self-triggering the beam refinement process for neighboring cells, eliminating the need for network-controlled beam refinement procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts PRS transmission parameters including beam direction, bandwidth, and power based on measured signal quality and UE position, optimizing measurement accuracy while adapting to changing channel conditions
2Reliability
If beam refinement is applied to all neighboring cells, then UE detection capability is improved, but network resource consumption and computing power increase
Solution Approach 1:
Beam refinement is selectively applied only to specific neighboring cells that meet predefined criteria such as signal strength thresholds or positioning accuracy requirements, rather than uniformly to all neighboring cells
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs beam refinement only when measurement accuracy requirements are not met or when positioning accuracy deteriorates below acceptable levels, avoiding unnecessary refinement operations
3Productivity
If dynamic and on-demand PRS transmission is implemented, then network resource efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
PRS transmission is dynamically activated or deactivated based on real-time positioning accuracy requirements, UE mobility state, and channel conditions, with the network configuring on-demand PRS resources that are allocated only when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The same PRS resources and beam refinement mechanisms are used for both serving cell and neighboring cell positioning measurements, creating a unified positioning framework that reduces overall system complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for positioning-specific beam refinement for neighbor cell positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission are provided. For example, some embodiments described herein provide for beam refinement in neighboring (or nearby) cells used for dynamic and/or 5 on-demand PRS transmission. A method may be deployed for identifying whether a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) beam (or a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) beam) from a non-serving cell is sufficient for transmitting a PRS, and if not, whether an additional operation can be performed to increase the hearability of a PRS via beam refinement. The method may 10 apply a dual-level threshold, corresponding to whether an SSB beam is sufficient to be used as is and whether an SSB beam is detectable, yet not strong enough, such that a refined CSI-RS beam needs to be used within the coverage area of that SSB beam.