Position Reference Signal Transmission Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LTE and new radio positioning protocols face challenges in measurement gap-less positioning reference signal transmission, leading to potential interference with communication links and unacceptable latencies due to unclear resource allocation and prioritization schemes.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution enhances LTE and new radio positioning protocols by enabling measurement gap-less positioning reference signal transmission through the exchange of new information elements between the location management function and network entities, allowing for the classification of resource blocks for PRS transmission, variable TX power assignment, and configuration of positioning processing windows to avoid interference and optimize resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If measurement gap-less positioning reference signal transmission is implemented without clear resource allocation rules, then positioning latency is reduced, but interference with communication links increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning latencyVSAvoidinterference with communication links
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the network entity pre-assign specific resource blocks for positioning reference signal transmission before the actual positioning measurement occurs. This advance allocation ensures that positioning resources are reserved and isolated from communication resources, preventing interference while enabling immediate positioning measurements without measurement gaps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the frequency spectrum by designating specific resource blocks exclusively for positioning reference signals, separate from those used for communication data. This segmentation creates distinct resource pools that can operate simultaneously without interference, allowing measurement gap-less positioning while protecting communication links.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If resource blocks are allocated for positioning reference signal transmission, then positioning accuracy is improved, but resource utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the network entity can flexibly assign and reassign resource blocks for positioning based on current network conditions, traffic patterns, and positioning requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize the balance between positioning accuracy and resource utilization efficiency in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of resource block assignment from static to dynamic by introducing mechanisms for the network entity to adjust which resource blocks are allocated for positioning based on varying conditions. This allows the system to maintain positioning accuracy while improving overall resource utilization by allocating positioning resources only when and where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If variable transmit power is assigned to positioning reference signals, then power efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by enabling variable transmit power levels for positioning reference signals based on conditions such as UE location, traffic patterns, and interference levels. The network entity can adjust the transmit power parameter dynamically to optimize power efficiency while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the network entity receives information about positioning measurement quality and resource utilization, then uses this feedback to adjust transmit power levels for positioning reference signals. This closed-loop control improves power efficiency while managing system complexity through automated decision-making based on measured conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240155401A1Position reference signal transmission
Publication Date: 2024.05.09 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • US20240155401A1 patent drawing
  • US20240155401A1 patent drawing
  • US20240155401A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In accordance with example embodiments as disclosed herein there is at least an apparatus and method to perform receiving, from a network entity, a request for assessing utilization of a set of resource blocks outside a measurement gap of a terminal device; performing measurements indicative of the utilization of the set of resource blocks based on the request; and transmitting, to the network entity, a report of the measurements. Also perform indicating, to a network device, a set of resource blocks outside a measurement gap of a terminal device; obtaining, from the network device, information relating to channel occupancy on the set of resource blocks; and determining, based on the information, how to use the set of resource blocks for positioning of the terminal device. Further, to perform receiving, from a network entity, an indication indicating a set of resource blocks outside a measurement gap of a terminal device; and transmit, to the network entity, information relating to channel occupancy on the set of resource blocks.