On-Demand UE Positioning via Dynamic PRS Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly those using new radio (NR) technology, face challenges in efficiently managing user equipment (UE) positioning for improved communication services, especially in scenarios requiring low latency and high reliability, such as mission-critical communications, due to the need for continuous transmission of positioning reference signals which consume network energy and may not guarantee accurate UE location determination.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of on-demand UE positioning techniques, where positioning reference signals (PRS) are transmitted only when requested by the UE, allowing for dynamic configuration based on service requirements and radio resource control states, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring accurate UE location estimation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If positioning reference signals are transmitted continuously, then UE location determination accuracy is maintained, but network energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE location determination accuracyVSAvoidnetwork energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic transmission of positioning reference signals (PRS) based on positioning occasions rather than continuous transmission. The network configures periodic PRS resources that are transmitted only at specific intervals when positioning is actually needed, allowing the system to maintain positioning capability while significantly reducing energy consumption during non-positioning periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic PRS resource allocation where the network can adaptively configure and activate positioning reference signals based on real-time service requirements and radio resource control states. When positioning services are needed, PRS resources are dynamically allocated; when not needed, transmission is suspended, making the system flexible and energy-efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by stationary object

If positioning reference signals are transmitted on-demand, then network energy consumption is reduced, but positioning latency may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork energy consumptionVSAvoidpositioning latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-configures positioning reference signal resources and parameters before actual positioning occasions. The network provides PRS configuration information in advance through RRC signaling, so that when positioning is triggered, the signals can be transmitted immediately without extensive setup delays, reducing positioning latency while maintaining on-demand energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous positioning capability by maintaining pre-configured PRS resources that can be rapidly activated. The system keeps positioning functionality ready through advance configuration, allowing seamless transition to active positioning mode when needed, thus maintaining low latency while avoiding continuous transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If positioning reference signals are transmitted continuously, then positioning accuracy is ensured, but service adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidservice adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal positioning framework where the same PRS configuration mechanism serves multiple services and scenarios. The on-demand PRS system can adapt to different service requirements (e.g., mission-critical communications, enhanced mobile broadband) by dynamically allocating resources based on service type, making the positioning system versatile across various 5G NR applications.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic adjustment of PRS parameters such as bandwidth, periodicity, and resource allocation based on service requirements. For mission-critical services requiring high accuracy, the system can allocate more frequent and wider bandwidth PRS resources, while for less demanding services, fewer resources are allocated, providing service-level adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3577962B9Methods and apparatus for on-demand user equipment positioning
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3577962B9 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3577962B9 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3577962B9 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for on-demand UE positioning. For example a method may include transmitting a request, to at least one of a plurality of base stations of a network, to participate in at least one of an uplink UE positioning procedure or a downlink UE positioning procedure, and receiving a configuration for the at least one of the uplink UE positioning procedure or the downlink UE positioning procedure in response to the request.