5G Positioning Reference Signal Configuration for Resource Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G standards lack specific guidelines for using reference signals in positioning, leading to challenges in ensuring effective positioning without incurring unnecessary resource overhead or affecting original signal functions.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves determining and configuring a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) and supplementary reference signals, such as CSI-RS, to enhance positioning accuracy while minimizing resource overhead. This includes transmitting configuration information for these signals between nodes to enable precise positioning measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reference signals are configured for positioning in 5G without specific standard guidelines, then positioning functionality can be implemented, but resource overhead increases and original signal functions may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning effectivenessVSAvoidresource overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing reference signals (CSI-RS, SRS) to serve dual purposes: their original functions plus positioning measurements. The transmitting node configures these signals with both original usage parameters and positioning-specific parameters (resource collections, muting configurations), allowing the same physical signals to fulfill multiple roles without requiring dedicated positioning-only resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by configuring reference signals with adjustable parameters optimized for positioning. The transmitting node sets specific parameters including resource collection configurations, muting sequences, and time-frequency resource allocations that transform generic reference signals into positioning-optimized signals. These parameter adjustments enable precise positioning measurements while controlling resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If dedicated positioning reference signals are introduced, then positioning accuracy improves, but system complexity and resource overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent avoids introducing entirely new dedicated positioning reference signals by making existing signals multi-functional. The same CSI-RS and SRS resources used for channel state information and uplink sounding are also configured for positioning measurements, eliminating the need for separate signal definitions and reducing system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges positioning functionality with existing reference signal frameworks. By combining positioning measurement requirements with the established CSI-RS and SRS signal structures, the system achieves positioning accuracy without the overhead of separate dedicated positioning signal definitions, processing chains, and management protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If existing reference signals are used for positioning, then resource overhead is reduced, but positioning-specific optimization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource overheadVSAvoidpositioning signal optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves positioning-specific optimization through detailed parameter configuration of existing signals. The transmitting node configures resource collections with specific time-frequency allocations, applies muting sequences to reduce interference, and sets precise measurement parameters. These parameter adjustments transform generic reference signals into positioning-optimized signals without requiring additional resource overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the configuration of reference signals into distinct functional components: original signal parameters, positioning resource collection parameters, and muting configuration parameters. This segmentation allows independent optimization of positioning characteristics while maintaining the original signal functions, enabling precise control over positioning performance without affecting overall resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3944684B1Information transmission method and device, node, and server
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 ZTE CORP
  • EP3944684B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3944684B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3944684B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An information transmission method and device, a node, a server and a computer-readable storage medium. The method comprises: a transmitting node determining a reference signal used for positioning, and transmitting, to a positioning server, configuration information of the reference signal used for positioning, wherein the reference signal used for positioning comprises at least a positioning reference signal (PRS); and the transmitting node transmitting the reference signal according to the configuration information.