On-Demand Positioning Reference Signals for Adaptive 5G Resource Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing positioning methods in wireless communication systems, such as those in 5G networks, suffer from inefficient use of resources due to static and always-on configurations of Downlink Positioning Reference Signals (DL-PRS), leading to unnecessary bandwidth and energy consumption, and inability to dynamically adjust to varying positioning requirements.

Innovation Solution

Implementing on-demand DL-PRS techniques that allow networks to dynamically vary configuration parameters like bandwidth, periodicity, and spatial direction based on specific use cases, enabling UEs to request suitable configurations through a new Assistance Data Information Element (IE) and modify DL-PRS resources as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If 'always-on' positioning reference signal configuration is used, then positioning availability is improved, but resource waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning availabilityVSAvoidresource waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic PRS configuration where the network can modify PRS parameters (bandwidth, duration, frequency) based on real-time positioning requirements. This allows the system to transition from static 'always-on' configuration to adaptive configuration that activates resources only when needed, resolving the contradiction between continuous availability and resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables modification of PRS configuration parameters including bandwidth, duration, and frequency based on positioning demands. By allowing dynamic parameter changes rather than fixed configuration, the system achieves both reliable positioning when required and reduced resource consumption when positioning is not needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If 'always-on' positioning reference signal configuration is used, then positioning coverage is improved, but transmission overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning coverageVSAvoidtransmission overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic PRS transmissions where reference signals are sent at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. This periodic approach maintains positioning coverage availability while significantly reducing transmission overhead by eliminating unnecessary continuous transmissions during periods when positioning is not required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts PRS transmission based on positioning requirements, modifying configuration parameters such as bandwidth, duration, and frequency. This dynamic adaptation ensures adequate coverage when positioning is needed while minimizing transmission overhead during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If static positioning reference signal configuration is used, then system complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration complexityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic modification of PRS parameters including bandwidth, duration, and frequency based on positioning requirements. This parameter adaptability improves positioning accuracy by optimizing signal characteristics for specific scenarios while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized modification procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Speed

If positioning reference signals are transmitted continuously, then positioning responsiveness is improved, but resource efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning responsivenessVSAvoidresource efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic PRS transmissions with configurable intervals, allowing the system to maintain positioning responsiveness by transmitting signals at appropriate frequencies while improving resource efficiency by eliminating continuous transmissions. The periodic approach enables timely positioning updates without wasteful resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12523736B2On-demand positioning reference signal configuration

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Techniques are discussed herein for providing on-demand positioning reference signals (PRS) to user equipment (UE). An example method for determining a location of a user equipment according to the disclosure includes receiving a first assistance data associated with a first positioning reference signal configuration, transmitting a request to modify one or more parameters of the first positioning reference signal configuration, receiving a second assistance data associated with a second positioning reference signal configuration, wherein the second positioning reference signal configuration is based at least in part on the request to modify the one or more parameters of the first positioning reference signal configuration, obtaining measurements from one or more positioning reference signals based at least in part on the second assistance data, and determining the location based at least on part on measurements obtained from the one or more positioning reference signals.