Positioning Reference Signal Beam Sweeping for Lower FR2 Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
The overhead issue in positioning reference signal transmission, particularly in high frequency bands, is exacerbated by the need for narrower beams, which require more resources, and the use of high frequency ranges like FR2 necessitates multiple array antennas and wide frequency bands, leading to increased overhead.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for reducing overhead by transmitting positioning reference signals through a two-step beam sweeping process, involving the transmission of wide beams followed by narrow beams, with UE and base station coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If narrower beams are used for positioning reference signal transmission to enhance accuracy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but resource overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam transmission process into two distinct stages: wide beam transmission for initial coverage and positioning, and narrow beam transmission for refined positioning. This segmentation allows the system to use narrow beams only when necessary (after wide beam identification), thereby improving positioning accuracy while reducing overall resource overhead compared to continuous narrow beam transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by first transmitting wide beams to identify the general direction and coarse position of the user equipment. Based on the feedback from wide beam measurements, the system then performs preliminary identification of the optimal wide beam before proceeding to narrow beam transmission. This preliminary action reduces the search space for subsequent narrow beam positioning, reducing resource overhead.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple array antennas and wide frequency bands are used in high frequency ranges (FR2), then communication capability is improved, but overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation to frequency band utilization by dividing the wide frequency band into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs). Each BWP can be independently configured and activated based on positioning requirements. This allows the system to use only the necessary portion of the wide frequency band for positioning reference signals, improving communication capability across multiple bands while reducing overhead by avoiding unnecessary wideband transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation by allowing the base station to dynamically select and switch between different bandwidth parts and beam configurations based on real-time positioning requirements and channel conditions. This dynamic approach enables the system to optimize the balance between communication capability and overhead, using more resources when needed and reducing resources when sufficient positioning accuracy is already achieved.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If periodic transmission of positioning reference signals is performed, then positioning coverage is improved, but frequency overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action with variable periods by configuring different repetition factors for wide beam and narrow beam positioning reference signals. Wide beams can be transmitted with longer periods since they provide broader coverage, while narrow beams can be transmitted less frequently after the initial wide beam identification. This variable periodic approach maintains positioning coverage while reducing frequency overhead compared to uniform periodic transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary wide beam transmission as a preparatory action before narrow beam transmission. The wide beam periodic transmissions establish initial positioning coverage and identify candidate directions. Once the optimal wide beam is identified, the system transitions to narrower periodic transmissions in that specific direction. This preliminary action reduces the need for continuous wide-area periodic transmissions, thereby reducing frequency overhead while maintaining coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to a method and a device for reducing an overhead of positioning reference signal transmission, the method comprising the steps of: receiving configuration information for a positioning reference signal from a base station; receiving, from the base station, a plurality of wide beams through which the positioning reference signal is transmitted, on the basis of the configuration information; reporting information on an optimal wide beam determined from among the plurality of wide beams to the base station; and receiving, from the base station, a plurality of narrow beams through which the positioning reference signal is transmitted, on the basis of the optimal wide beam.