NR Positioning Timing Error Mitigation for Low-Latency Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NR positioning technologies face challenges in achieving sub-meter level accuracy and low latency required for industrial internet-of-things (IIoT) use cases, particularly due to UE/gNB Rx/Tx timing errors and NLOS conditions, which affect the precision and efficiency of positioning measurements.
Innovation Solution
Introduce Timing Error Groups (TEG) to mitigate UE/gNB Rx/Tx timing errors, enhance DL-AoD measurements through two-stage beam sweeping, and utilize configured grants for reduced latency in measurement reporting, along with NLOS mitigation techniques like LOS/NLOS indicators and soft decision reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional NR positioning methods are used, then basic positioning requirements are met, but sub-meter level accuracy and low latency required for IIoT use cases cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning measurement process into multiple stages: first performing coarse positioning using downlink PRS with beam sweeping, then performing fine positioning using uplink SRS with TEG-based timing error mitigation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve sub-meter accuracy while maintaining low latency by performing high-precision measurements only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring TEGs and performing initial coarse positioning measurements before the final fine positioning measurement. The network pre-establishes timing error groups and beam sweeping configurations, allowing the UE to perform rapid fine measurements without repeating the entire positioning sequence, thus reducing latency while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If UE/gNB Rx/Tx timing errors are present, then positioning measurements can be performed, but precision and accuracy are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports timing error group information back to the network, and the network uses this feedback to adjust positioning measurements. The LMF receives TEG information from the gNB and uses it to compensate for timing errors in the positioning calculation, continuously improving accuracy while accounting for reliability concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces Timing Error Groups (TEGs) as an intermediary mechanism between the UE/gNB timing errors and the final positioning measurement. TEGs act as mediators that collect, categorize, and provide corrected timing information to the positioning algorithm, effectively isolating the impact of raw timing errors from the final position calculation.
3Measurement precision
If NLOS conditions exist, then positioning measurements can be obtained, but position accuracy is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful NLOS condition into a beneficial opportunity for improvement by implementing LOS/NLOS indicators and soft decision reporting. When NLOS conditions are detected, the system uses this information to weight or discard affected measurements, and the soft decision reporting allows the network to make intelligent decisions about which measurements to trust, ultimately improving position accuracy by explicitly accounting for NLOS errors rather than being misled by them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical timing measurements with a more sophisticated information-processing approach. Instead of relying solely on raw timing differences that are vulnerable to NLOS, the system substitutes these with processed timing information that includes NLOS indicators, beam direction data, and soft decision reports, allowing the positioning algorithm to intellectually compensate for NLOS effects.
4Loss of time
If measurement reporting is performed using traditional methods, then positioning data can be transmitted, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring configured grants for measurement reporting before the actual measurement occurs. The network pre-establishes the reporting mechanism and timing, allowing the UE to perform measurements and report results without waiting for dynamic scheduling, thus reducing latency while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment mechanisms where the reporting configuration can be adapted based on real-time conditions. The system dynamically adjusts measurement reporting parameters such as timing, frequency, and content based on current network conditions and positioning requirements, optimizing the balance between latency and operational efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and methods are disclosed for reducing Rx/Tx timing errors in a wireless network for latency of positioning measurements. Additionally, a system and methods are disclosed for increasing positioning accuracy by mitigating NLOS errors and/or by performing two-stage beam sweeping for DL-AoD. Further, a system and methods are disclosed for performing M-sample positioning measurements to improve latency reporting in connection with positioning reporting.