OTDOA Timing Quantization for Beam-Aware Position Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face challenges in determining precise timing measurements for position estimation due to propagation loss and beamforming issues, particularly in mmW frequency bands and MIMO systems, where beams with the highest received signal strength may not be optimal for tasks requiring precise timing.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining timing resolution and range of reported timing measurements by receiving positioning beacons, measuring OTDOA, quantizing the measurements based on signal parameters, and transmitting a report to a network entity, which involves configuring transmitters to use beamforming to enhance signal directionality and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If beamforming is used to enhance signal directionality and coverage, then signal strength is improved, but timing measurement precision deteriorates because beams with highest signal strength may not correspond to shortest propagation paths
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple beams with different timing resolutions before measurement. The UE is instructed to measure OTDOA for multiple beams and select the appropriate beam based on timing requirements, not just signal strength. This preliminary configuration allows the system to avoid selecting beams that would compromise timing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter selection criterion from signal strength alone to a combination of signal strength and timing resolution requirements. The network entity configures different timing resolutions for different beams, and the UE selects beams based on whether their timing resolution meets the positioning accuracy requirements, thereby decoupling signal strength optimization from timing measurement optimization.
2Measurement precision
If multiple beams are measured for position estimation, then positioning accuracy is improved, but measurement complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of measuring all available beams, the system performs partial measurement by selecting only those beams whose timing resolution meets the positioning accuracy requirements. The UE receives configuration information indicating which beams to measure and their corresponding timing resolutions, allowing it to skip measurements on beams that would not contribute meaningfully to positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the beam measurement process into multiple stages: first, the UE measures a subset of beams configured by the network entity; second, the UE selects beams based on timing resolution criteria; third, the UE performs final positioning calculation using only the selected beams. This segmentation reduces the computational burden and measurement complexity compared to evaluating all beams.
3Measurement precision
If timing resolution is increased for precise position estimation, then position accuracy is improved, but the range of measurable timing differences is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing resolution based on the specific positioning requirements and signal conditions. Different beams are configured with different timing resolutions, allowing the system to use high timing resolution for nearby nodes where precision is critical, and lower timing resolution for distant nodes where the absolute timing difference is larger. This dynamic configuration optimizes both precision and range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different timing resolution qualities to different beams and measurement scenarios. Instead of using a uniform timing resolution across all measurements, the system configures appropriate timing resolutions locally for each beam based on its propagation characteristics and importance for positioning. This allows high precision where needed while maintaining adequate range for other measurements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for determining a timing resolution and a range of reported timing measurements used for position estimation. For example, in various embodiments, a user equipment (UE) may receive positioning beacons from multiple network nodes (e.g., different base stations, distant transmission points belonging to one base station, etc.), measure an observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) between the received positioning beacons, and quantize the measured OTDOA according to a timing resolution and/or a range that depend at least in part on one or more signal parameters associated with the received positioning beacons. Accordingly, the UE may then transmit a report containing the quantized OTDOA to a network entity, which may correspond to one or more of the network nodes from which the positioning beacons were received (e.g., a serving base station) or a location server.