Positioning Reference Signal Priority in 5G Collision Handling

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing positioning methods in 5G wireless networks face challenges in efficiently prioritizing the acquisition of positioning reference signals (PRS) due to collisions with other signals, leading to reduced reliability and increased latency in location determination.

Innovation Solution

A technique for prioritizing positioning reference signals based on explicit and implicit priority indications, considering factors such as signal structure and collision handling, to ensure reliable processing of PRS over other channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the user equipment processes multiple positioning signals simultaneously without prioritization, then the positioning service coverage is maintained, but the processing time increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning service availabilityVSAvoidsignal processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic prioritization of positioning signals by adjusting processing queues based on signal types and current system conditions. Different positioning signals (e.g., GNSS, Wi-Fi, cellular) are assigned different priorities that can change dynamically based on service requirements and resource availability, allowing the system to adapt processing order rather than treating all signals equally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the processing parameter of signal priority by modifying queue assignment parameters based on signal characteristics. The network device can adjust priority parameters dynamically, changing which signals are processed first based on predefined policies or real-time conditions, thereby optimizing processing time without sacrificing positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the user equipment processes multiple positioning signals simultaneously without prioritization, then all positioning data is captured, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiduser equipment power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic prioritization of positioning signals by adjusting processing queues based on signal types and current system conditions. Different positioning signals (e.g., GNSS, Wi-Fi, cellular) are assigned different priorities that can change dynamically based on service requirements and resource availability, allowing the system to adapt processing order rather than treating all signals equally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the processing parameter of signal priority by modifying queue assignment parameters based on signal characteristics. The network device can adjust priority parameters dynamically, changing which signals are processed first based on predefined policies or real-time conditions, thereby optimizing processing time without sacrificing positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the network device provides detailed positioning assistance data for multiple signals, then the positioning precision is improved, but the data transmission volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidassistance data volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the level of assistance data provided for different signal types. The network device can modify data granularity, transmission frequency, and detail level based on the specific positioning signal being used and current service requirements, optimizing the balance between precision and data volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4128891B1Positioning signal prioritization

Publication Date: 2026.05.20 QUALCOMM INC

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AI summary

A UE includes a processor configured to determine whether to prioritize processing of a first reference signal relative to a priority reference that comprises a second reference signal and/or a priority reference channel. The first reference signal comprises a positioning reference signal. To determine whether to prioritize processing the processor is at least one of: configured to determine whether to measure, absent a measurement gap, the first reference signal (a first downlink reference signal) instead of the second reference signal; or configured to determine whether to measure, absent the measurement gap, the first downlink reference signal instead of a downlink channel; or configured to determine whether to transmit the first reference signal, comprising a first uplink reference signal, instead of a second uplink reference signal; or configured to determine whether to transmit the first uplink reference signal instead of transmitting on the priority reference channel.