Physical Layer Signaling for Dynamic Positioning Resource Allocation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently provisioning positioning resources for devices, particularly in 3GPP NR communications, which can lead to inadequate positioning accuracy, high latency, and excessive power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implementing physical layer signaling between base stations and user equipment (UE) to dynamically request and adjust positioning resources, allowing for optimized allocation of bandwidth and measurement periods, thereby enhancing positioning accuracy and reducing latency while conserving power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If positioning resources are increased to improve positioning accuracy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of positioning resources based on real-time device needs and network conditions. The base station can modify positioning resource allocation (time, frequency, power) dynamically rather than using fixed allocations, allowing the system to optimize between positioning accuracy and power consumption according to actual requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters of positioning resources including time resources, frequency resources, and power levels. By adjusting these parameters dynamically based on device requests and network conditions, the system can achieve different positioning accuracy levels while controlling power consumption accordingly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If positioning resources are increased to reduce positioning latency, then positioning latency is reduced, but network overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts positioning resource allocation based on real-time needs. When a device requires fast positioning, the base station can allocate additional time and frequency resources dynamically, allowing the system to respond to latency requirements without permanently increasing network overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic positioning resource allocation patterns. Instead of continuous resource allocation, the system uses periodic scheduling where positioning resources are allocated in specific time periods, reducing overall network overhead while maintaining low latency when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Quantity of substance

If positioning resources are reduced to decrease network overhead, then network overhead is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts positioning resource allocation based on real-time device needs and network conditions. When positioning accuracy is critical, the base station can allocate additional resources dynamically; when accuracy requirements are lower, resources are reduced, thereby optimizing the balance between positioning accuracy and network overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Quantity of substance

If current positioning resources are used, then network overhead is minimized, but positioning accuracy and latency requirements cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic resource adjustment capabilities that allow the base station to respond to changing positioning requirements. When devices indicate higher accuracy or lower latency needs, the system can dynamically allocate additional resources without permanently increasing overall network overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where devices report their positioning requirements and measurement results to the base station. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust positioning resource allocation based on actual performance needs, ensuring reliability requirements are met while minimizing unnecessary network overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11910350B2Physical layer signaling by base stations for provisioning positioning-resources

Publication Date: 2024.02.20

AI summary

Improved positioning resolution and latency may be achieved via physical layer signaling between a mobile device (UE) and a base station. The physical layer procedures may aid target UEs in enhancing their positioning accuracy and latency, and/or reducing network overhead while boosting UE power efficiency. Accordingly, a base station may receive, via physical layer signaling from a UE, a request for positioning-resources, for example in response to a determination that current positioning-resources of the UE need to be adjusted. The base station may responsively transmit, via physical layer signaling to the UE, an indication of adjusted positioning-resources, and may optionally transmit an indication of corresponding allocated grant-resources. The base station may receive, via physical layer signaling from the UE, positioning information resulting from positioning measurements performed by the UE according to the adjusted positioning-resources. The base station may optionally receive the positioning information on the corresponding allocated grant-resources.