5G NR Positioning Assistance Data Flexibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning assistance data procedures in New Radio (NR) wireless communication systems lack flexibility and efficiency in handling various use cases, particularly in determining the location of user equipment (UE) in 5G networks, where the requester and positioning engine may be located differently compared to LTE systems.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a UE requesting positioning assistance data from a positioning entity, which includes identifying the serving cell and neighboring cells, and receiving assistance data to perform positioning operations, allowing for more flexible and efficient positioning procedures by using NR-specific protocols and data formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LTE positioning procedures are used in NR systems, then existing protocols can be maintained, but flexibility and efficiency for NR-specific use cases are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning system into distinct NR-specific components: NR positioning assistance data, NR positioning protocol messages, and NR positioning reference signals. This segmentation allows NR positioning procedures to be independently optimized without being constrained by LTE protocols, thereby improving flexibility while maintaining clear boundaries that prevent unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements in NR positioning procedures, including variable timing configurations for positioning reference signals, adaptable assistance data content based on deployment scenarios, and flexible message exchange patterns. These dynamic capabilities enable the system to adapt to different use cases (e.g., indoor vs. outdoor, high mobility vs. low mobility) without requiring a completely new positioning framework, balancing flexibility with manageable complexity.
2Productivity
If NR-specific positioning procedures are implemented, then positioning efficiency and accuracy are improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs NR positioning assistance data and protocol messages to serve multiple functions simultaneously. For example, the positioning reference signals are configured to support both positioning measurements and channel quality estimation, while assistance data messages convey both positioning-related parameters and radio resource configuration information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signaling messages, thereby improving positioning efficiency without proportionally increasing signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of positioning parameters through assistance data provided before actual positioning measurements. By pre-configuring positioning reference signal resources, timing configurations, and neighbor cell information in advance, the system enables faster positioning execution without requiring extensive real-time signaling exchange during the measurement phase, thus improving efficiency while controlling overhead.
3Measurement precision
If positioning assistance data is provided for multiple neighboring cells, then positioning accuracy is improved, but data transmission volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing positioning assistance data with differentiated detail levels for different neighbor cells based on their relevance to the current positioning scenario. For example, cells in the immediate vicinity or those with stronger signal strength receive more detailed assistance data including precise timing and frequency offsets, while distant or weaker cells receive simplified information. This selective approach maintains positioning accuracy for critical cells while reducing the overall data volume compared to providing uniform detailed information for all cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by providing positioning assistance data for a subset of neighbor cells that are most relevant to the current positioning context, rather than exhaustive data for all possible cells. The system dynamically determines which neighbor cells require assistance data based on signal measurements, geographic location, and positioning accuracy requirements, thereby achieving sufficient positioning precision with reduced data transmission compared to providing complete cell information.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for performing positioning operations. In an aspect, a user equipment (UE) transmits, to a positioning entity, a request for positioning assistance data message, the request for positioning assistance data message identifying a serving cell of the UE and one or more neighboring cells of the UE with which the UE is attempting to perform a positioning procedure, and receives, from the positioning entity, a positioning assistance data message in response to the request.