NR Positioning Reference Signal Configuration for Beamforming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radio standards for New Radio (NR) positioning face challenges in beam-based operation, particularly at higher frequencies, due to the need for efficient reference signal utilization and accurate RSTD measurements, which are hindered by the complexity of beamforming and increased implementation costs.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a positioning reference design that leverages SSB, NZP/ZP-CSI-RS, and DMRS resource configurations, enabling efficient RSTD measurements by configuring SSB and CSI-RS resources for multi-beam downlink channel control, and utilizing these resources for interference coordination and beam management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If beam-based operation is used for NR positioning at higher frequencies, then positioning capability is enabled, but reference signal overhead increases and implementation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes SSB resources serve dual purposes: both for initial access and for positioning measurements. By configuring SSB as positioning reference signal, the system eliminates the need for separate PRS resources, thereby reducing overhead and complexity while maintaining positioning capability in beam-based operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the initial access function and positioning function into a single SSB resource configuration. The SSB that is used for cell search and initial access is also used for RSTD measurements, combining multiple functions into one resource to reduce system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If beam-based operation is used for NR positioning at higher frequencies, then positioning capability is enabled, but reference signal overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidreference signal overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes SSB resources serve dual purposes: both for initial access and for positioning measurements. By configuring SSB as positioning reference signal, the system eliminates the need for separate PRS resources, thereby reducing overhead and complexity while maintaining positioning capability in beam-based operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the positioning function from the traditional separate PRS configuration and integrates it into the existing SSB framework, removing the need for additional dedicated positioning resources and reducing overall reference signal overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If cell-specific PRS is used for OTDOA positioning, then positioning is achieved, but beam-based operation compatibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRSTD measurement accuracyVSAvoidbeam-based operation compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic configuration of SSB resources for positioning purposes, allowing the system to adapt beam directions and SSB transmissions based on UE capabilities and positioning requirements. This dynamic approach enables RSTD measurements to work effectively with beam-based operation while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by configuring SSB resources with specific properties suitable for positioning measurements. The SSB is configured with appropriate time-frequency resources, beam directions, and transmission parameters that optimize RSTD measurement accuracy in the context of beam-based operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3861806B1Method for positioning reference design
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3861806B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3861806B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3861806B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method includes receiving, at a terminal device, from at least one network device, positioning assistance information based on a predetermined resource configuration framework for positioning reference signals in a beamforming operation. The method also includes receiving a request for at least one measurement from the at least one network device, and determining the at least one measurement based on the predetermined resource configuration framework. The method further includes reporting, in response to the request, the at least one measurement based on the predetermined resource configuration framework.