5G UE Positioning via PRS and QCL Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless positioning technologies face challenges in efficiently determining the location of user equipment (UE) in 5G networks due to increased complexity and the need for improved spectral efficiency, reduced latency, and enhanced signaling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of enhanced positioning reference signals (PRS) and beam management techniques, including quasi-co-location (QCL) relations, to optimize downlink and uplink measurements for accurate UE positioning in 5G networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional wireless positioning methods are used in 5G networks, then basic positioning functionality is maintained, but spectral efficiency is insufficient and latency is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring positioning reference signals (PRS) with quasi-co-location (QCL) relations before actual positioning measurements are needed. The gNB prepares measurement configurations including TCI state indications that establish QCL relationships in advance, allowing the UE to perform measurements more efficiently without requiring complex real-time configuration, thereby reducing positioning latency while improving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the configuration of positioning reference signals through TCI (Transmission Configuration Indicator) states. By changing the QCL parameter relationships between downlink and uplink signals, the system enables more efficient measurements. The TCI state parameters indicate QCL relations that help the UE quickly determine measurement parameters without extensive processing, thus improving productivity while reducing time loss
2Loss of time
If measurement configuration is simplified for faster positioning, then latency is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces TCI states as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the configuration complexity and measurement precision requirements. The TCI state acts as a pre-defined configuration object that encapsulates QCL relationships, allowing the system to refer to complex measurement parameters through a simple indicator. This intermediary approach reduces measurement latency by avoiding complex real-time configuration while maintaining precision through the detailed QCL relationships stored in the TCI state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing QCL relationships through TCI state configurations before measurements are performed. The measurement configuration includes pre-defined TCI state indications that set up the relationship between downlink and uplink signals in advance. This preliminary setup reduces the complexity and time required for actual measurements while ensuring that precise QCL relationships are already in place to maintain measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If complex beam management techniques are implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by using TCI states to copy and reuse measurement configurations across multiple measurement scenarios. Instead of defining complex QCL relationships separately for each measurement, the system creates a TCI state that copies the essential configuration parameters and reuses it through TCI state indications. This copying approach maintains positioning accuracy by preserving the detailed QCL relationships while reducing device complexity by avoiding redundant configuration definitions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing TCI states as multi-functional configuration objects that serve multiple purposes. A single TCI state can represent QCL relationships for different signal pairs (downlink and uplink) and can be referenced by multiple measurement configurations. This universal TCI state structure enables complex beam management and precise positioning while reducing overall system complexity by consolidating configuration management into a unified, reusable framework
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for wireless positioning. In an aspect, a user equipment (UE) receives a request location information message from the network entity, the request location information message including one or more start measurement time parameters indicating a start time of a measurement period during which the UE is expected to perform one or more positioning measurements, and performs the one or more positioning measurements of one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) resources on a first positioning frequency layer during the measurement period, wherein a start of the measurement period is based on the one or more PRS resources, a reception time, and the one or more start measurement time parameters.