PRS Pattern Adaptation for UE Positioning Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing positioning reference signals (PRS) for accurate UE positioning, particularly in 5G networks, due to limitations in PRS resource management and measurement prioritization, leading to suboptimal power consumption and performance.

Innovation Solution

Adapting PRS time and frequency patterns for user equipment (UE) to optimize power saving by dynamically managing PRS resources and prioritizing measurements, allowing UEs to select appropriate PRS resources within a single set for accurate positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If PRS measurements are performed with high accuracy and frequent updates, then positioning accuracy is improved, but UE power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidUE power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the PRS measurement configuration adaptive rather than static. The network dynamically adjusts measurement parameters based on UE mobility state, signal conditions, and positioning requirements. This allows the system to increase measurement frequency and accuracy when needed (e.g., during high mobility or when entering new areas) while reducing power consumption during low-activity periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes multiple parameters including PRS measurement periodicity, measurement accuracy requirements, and resource allocation based on real-time conditions. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between positioning accuracy and power consumption, ensuring high accuracy when required while minimizing energy usage during stable conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple PRS resources are configured for comprehensive positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidPRS resource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments PRS resources into different sets and categories based on their characteristics and usage requirements. By organizing resources in a structured manner with different priority levels and measurement types, the system manages complexity through systematic classification rather than treating all resources uniformly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-configuring PRS resource sets, priorities, and measurement parameters before actual positioning operations. This advance preparation reduces real-time processing complexity and enables more efficient resource management during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If PRS measurement frequency is increased for better positioning performance, then positioning accuracy is improved, but UE battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by using variable measurement periodicity rather than continuous measurements. The measurement frequency is adjusted based on UE mobility state, signal conditions, and positioning requirements, allowing the system to perform measurements at optimal intervals that balance accuracy with battery conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by having the UE autonomously determine when measurements are needed based on its own mobility state and positioning requirements. This self-assessment mechanism prevents unnecessary measurements during low-activity periods while ensuring accurate positioning when the UE is mobile or entering new areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4214531B1Positioning reference signal (PRS) time and frequency pattern adaptation for user equipment (UE) power saving
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4214531B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4214531B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4214531B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Disclosed are techniques for wireless positioning. In an aspect, a user equipment (UE) reports, to a network entity, a minimum number of symbols of a positioning reference signal (PRS) resource of a first transmission-reception point (TRP) of a pair of TRPs based on a reference signal time difference (RSTD) uncertainty parameter for the pair of TRPs, wherein the minimum number of symbols is less than a total number of symbols allocated for the PRS resource, and performs a positioning measurement of the minimum number of symbols of the PRS resource.