Preconfigured PRS Signaling for On-Demand 5G Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently managing and optimizing the transmission of positioning reference signals (PRS) in a split-node architecture, particularly in 5G networks, which affect positioning accuracy and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves methods for a UE to receive and select PRS configurations based on various characteristics and parameters, and request PRS transmission from RAN nodes, optimizing the selection process to meet positioning quality of service thresholds and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PRS transmission is continuously performed to improve positioning accuracy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements on-demand PRS transmission where the network node selectively activates PRS transmission based on received requests from UEs. Instead of continuous transmission, PRS is transmitted periodically only when positioning services are required, as indicated by UE requests. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining positioning accuracy when needed while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption during periods when positioning is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE autonomously determines when positioning services are needed and sends requests to the network node accordingly. The network node then activates PRS transmission based on these self-initiated requests. This self-service mechanism ensures PRS transmission occurs only when actually required by UEs, optimizing both positioning accuracy and energy consumption by eliminating unnecessary transmissions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple PRS configurations are maintained to improve positioning accuracy under different network conditions, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic PRS configuration where the network node stores multiple PRS configurations and selectively activates appropriate configurations based on received UE requests and current network conditions. The configuration parameters such as bandwidth, periodicity, and frequency layers are dynamically adjusted rather than maintaining all configurations simultaneously active. This resolves the contradiction by providing positioning accuracy adaptability while reducing the complexity of managing multiple configurations through on-demand selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node changes PRS configuration parameters (bandwidth, periodicity, frequency layers, resource sets) based on received UE requests and network conditions. Instead of maintaining fixed complex configurations, the system dynamically modifies parameters to match current positioning requirements. This approach provides accurate positioning under different conditions while simplifying configuration management through parameter adaptation rather than maintaining multiple complete configuration sets.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Embodiments include methods for a user equipment (UE) configured for positioning in a radio access network (RAN). Such methods include receiving the following from a positioning node associated with the RAN: a plurality of configurations for positioning reference signals, PRS, transmitted by the RAN, and a corresponding plurality of configuration indices associated with the plurality of configurations. Such methods include determining a need for receiving PRS, selecting one or more of the plurality of configurations based on one or more selection rules, and transmitting to the positioning node one or more requests for PRS transmission by the RAN. The one or more requests include the one or more configuration indices that are associated with the selected one or more configurations. Other embodiments include complementary methods for the positioning node and for a RAN node, as well as UEs, positioning nodes, and RAN nodes configured to perform such methods.