PRS Resource Block Identification for 5G Beam Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G networks, receiving nodes struggle to identify Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) blocks due to beam scanning, as multiple PRS resource blocks transmit the same information, leading to ambiguity in determining service beams.

Innovation Solution

A method of allocating time-frequency resources to PRS resource blocks with unique resource block identification (ID) information, allowing the receiving node to determine the transmission beam by correlating the ID with the beam used, and generating specific PRS sequences for the first and last symbols in each block.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple PRS resource blocks transmit the same information through beam scanning, then signal coverage is improved, but receiving nodes cannot identify received PRS blocks leading to beam determination ambiguity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal coverageVSAvoidbeam identification information
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the originally identical PRS resource blocks by inserting unique identification information into different resource blocks. Each PRS resource block is divided into reference signal ports with distinct identification sequences, allowing receiving nodes to differentiate between multiple beams while maintaining comprehensive coverage through beam scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different identification information to different local positions (resource blocks) within the PRS burst. Each resource block maintains the same basic PRS structure for coverage, but incorporates unique local identification characteristics that enable receiving nodes to identify specific beams without affecting overall signal coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-generated harmful factors

If PRS resource blocks use identical information for beam scanning, then interference to surrounding areas is reduced, but receiving nodes cannot determine service beams

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference to surrounding areasVSAvoidbeam determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains homogeneous PRS signals across different resource blocks to minimize interference, while simultaneously introducing local identification variations that enable precise beam determination. Each resource block contains PRS signals with the same power and structure to reduce interference, but includes unique identification sequences at specific positions that allow receiving nodes to accurately identify service beams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetry in the identification information structure while maintaining symmetry in the overall PRS signal characteristics. The PRS resource blocks use identical transmission power and basic structure to reduce interference, but incorporate asymmetric identification patterns that enable receiving nodes to distinguish between different beams and determine service beams accurately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Measurement precision

If unique ID information is added to each PRS resource block, then beam identification accuracy is improved, but signal structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam identification accuracyVSAvoidsignal structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the PRS resource block structure by allocating specific resource elements for identification information while maintaining separate reference signal port structures. This segmentation allows the system to incorporate unique ID information without fundamentally changing the overall PRS signal structure, thereby improving beam identification accuracy while limiting complexity increases to specific segmented portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring identification information sequences and their positions within PRS resource blocks before transmission. The identification information is embedded in predetermined resource elements, and receiving nodes are pre-configured with the corresponding identification sequences, enabling accurate beam identification without requiring complex real-time processing or structure modifications during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3926878B1Transmitting and receiving methods and devices for positioning reference signal, and transmitting and receiving nodes
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 ZTE CORP
  • EP3926878B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3926878B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3926878B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided are a transmission method and apparatus for a positioning reference signal (PRS), a reception method and apparatus for a PRS, a transmitting node, a receiving node, and a computer-readable storage medium. The transmission method comprises: allocating a time-frequency resource to PRS resource blocks according to a subcarrier interval; and according to the allocated time-frequency resource, transmitting the PRS resource blocks, wherein each PRS resource block comprises resource block identification information.